Dental Implants

Described as "one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years" by the American Dental Association, dental implants are a cosmetic procedure that many Australians choose to undergo to replace missing and badly damaged teeth.

Dental Implants are the latest innovation to replace a missing tooth or a number of teeth. An implant consists of an artificial titanium rod which is placed directly into the jaw bone and acts as a replacement for the root portion of the natural tooth. The implant is made using pure titanium which allows new bone cells to grow around it: the implant then integrates with the newly formed bone which firmly locks it into place. This process is called ‘Osseointegration’.

A missing tooth can create a number of oral health problems, with the root of every tooth acting as a placeholder for sockets that keep teeth in the jaw and once a tooth is lost, the bone structures around this special socket can start to recede.

This may result in remaining teeth shifting and causing discomfort and other complications in the long term.

A dental implant acts as the substitute for the root of a tooth, helping to keep the jaw in alignment.

Our dental implants provide one of the most reliable and innovative treatments for permanent tooth replacement.

If you are unhappy with dentures, or suffer from unsightly empty spaces in your mouth, we can help you to achieve a balanced and attractive smile with this process. Dr Jonathon Lam, or specially trained implant dentist, is happy to help you achieve the smile you deserve.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Post-operative instructions for dental implant

Following your implant placement some pain and discomfort is to be expected.

• The local anesthetic will last 4 – 5 hours after which analgesics (pain killers) may be required. These will be prescribed for you.
• Meticulous oral hygiene is essential to prevent contamination of the implant. The antibacterial mouthwash should be used as directed one capful, undiluted gargled twice a day for 30 seconds.
• Care should be taken not to place any pressure on the implant. It may be necessary to leave your denture out following the surgical procedure. Avoid chew hard food on the surgical area.
• Smoking can cause failure of the implant to heal correctly. It is advisable to reduce or stop smoking after implant placement for at least one month.
• Stitches will be removed at your next appointment, after which your mouth will feel much more comfortable.

Dental Implants and CEREC

At Sydney Dental Surgeons, we utilise the CEREC system to create your custom dental implants in our surgeory.

A Dental Implant can be used to replace:

• One tooth – One implant will be placed, a crown will then be fixed on top of the implant.
• Several teeth – Either several implants and crowns will be placed or a dental bridge will be fitted onto the implants.
• All the teeth – A number of implants are placed, then either a fixed bridge will be fitted onto the implants or the implants will be used to firmly hold a removable denture.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.