Dental Implants
Dental implants maybe the solution you have been dreaming of!
What are dental implants?
Simply put a dental implant is the replacement of a lost tooth root. Onto which a replacement crown, bridge or denture can be attached. Restoring the function and aesthetics of your mouth.
What are dental implants made of?
Implants can be made out of titanium or zirconia. Both are biocompatible and inert and illicit no negative response from the immune system.
How do the implants stay in place?
Dental implants must be entirely placed into bone. The body undergoes a process called osseointegration whereby new bone cells grow around the threads of the dental implant ensuring stability.
What if I don’t have sufficient bone to house an implant?
The limiting factor in implant dentistry is the volume of bone present. Implants do come in a range of sizes to accommodate differences in bone volume however if insufficient bone is present then various options exist to augment the native bone to support an implant.
How are crowns, bridges or dentures attached to an implant?
Analogous to a rawl plug in the wall used in DIY to retain a screw, the dental implant attaches to a screw that supports either an abutment upon which a crown is cemented or a screw retained crown, bridge or denture.
What is the success rate of implant surgery?
The first implants were placed in Sweden in the 1960s by Prof P V Branemark and have been studied extensively since then. The latest research suggests a longterm success rate of over 97%.
What are the steps leading up to implant surgery?
A comprehensive consultation with your dental surgeon is required prior to treatment planning. This will include a full medical history, routine dental x – rays, photographs and a scale and polish. This is to ensure your mouth is healthy and free from disease and suitable for implant surgery. A 3D digital image will then be taken using our low dose in house CBCT imaging machine, no need to go to an imaging centre with a referral letter to ascertain the volume of bone present. Then you and your surgeon will have an in depth consultation about your goals and expectations and all your options.
What are the steps involved in the implant surgery?
Every surgery is different depending on the patient and the individual case however they all have similar stages. Broadly speaking all surgeries are completed in either one or two stages. Single stage surgery involves the placing of the implant and a small healing abutment to shape the soft tissues to create a natural emergence profile for the restoration. Two stage surgeries involve the placement of the implant followed by a healing cap and then the soft tissue is stitched together to allow healing. The second stage comes a little while later when a healing abutment is placed. The decision between a single or two stage surgery will be made by your surgeon based on the initial stability of the implant. In either case there will then be a healing period of 3 months to allow the bone cells to grow around the implant and osseointegrate then the implant will be uncovered and your new crown or bridge placed.
Why Choose The Mosman Dental Surgery?
At the Mosman Dental Surgery, we are proud to be the local centre of comprehensive dental excellence for over 30 years. Owned and led by the London trained dentist Dr Ian Hedley, our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care delivered with the upmost professionalism. Here are some reasons to choose us:
- Highly Qualified Team: Our principal dentist has post-graduate qualifications in both orthodontics and implant dentistry.
- State-of-the-Art Equipment: Our modern practice is equipped with the latest technology, including low-dose digital x-rays, digital intraoral scanners, and in-house 3D CBCT imaging.
- Same Day Crown Service: Allows patients to receive fast treatment without waiting for weeks.
- Convenient Location: Our practice is located in Mosman Village, with free street parking close to the practice.
- Health Funds and Payment Plans: We accept all major health funds and offer payment plans.
Experience exceptional dental care with the Mosman Dental Surgery.
So in summary:
Appointment 1 – new patient comprehensive examination with dental imaging
Appointment 2 – consultation to discuss findings, treatment options and a treatment plan with quote given
Appointment 3 – implant surgery with or without dental sedation
Appointment 4 – review after surgery and suture removal
Appointment 4 – 3 months later, uncovering of implant and impression taken for lab to fabricate prosthesis
Appointment 5 – final fitting of definitive prosthesis
What is the cost of a dental implant?
The planning, surgical placement and restoration of a simple single tooth replacement dental implant starts from $5500. Additional costs will be incurred for bone augmentation procedures, extractions prior to placement and soft tissue grafting.
Dental implants are a routine, predictable and cost effective solution to missing teeth or loose dentures. Please arrange an appointment today to discuss your case with one of our experienced dental surgeons.
