Gaps in your smile can affect more than just your appearance. If you're missing a tooth or several teeth, dental implants are a long-term option for filling the gaps and restoring your smile.
Unlike dentures or a dental bridge, an implant replaces the whole tooth, down to the root, making a stable foundation for an artificial tooth. Implant crowns look, feel and function just like a natural tooth and are just as easy to care for.
To find out more about what the implant procedure involves and whether you're eligible for treatment, book a consultation with our dental surgeons in Sydney CBD. Call (02) 9221 1530 or make an appointment online.
A dental implant consists of a titanium rod, shaped like a screw, that's surgically placed in the jaw where a tooth root used to be. Pure titanium is a biocompatible material, which means it can stimulate the growth of new bone around it. Once the implant is encased in bone it will be held firmly into place, a process called osseointegration.
Implants are covered by a dental crown, bridge or denture. This is designed by our dentists to look and feel as close to a natural tooth as possible. The implant procedure involves a series of minor surgeries over several visits.
If you have any missing teeth, our dentists in Sydney will recommend having them replaced. Dental implants are a popular option for filling the gap.
Over time, missing teeth can affect your diet, your speech and your oral and general health if they're not replaced. As well as making it harder to eat certain foods and get the nutrition you need, missing teeth can also lead to deterioration of jaw. This can cause the jaw to shrink, resulting in teeth going crooked or crowded and a premature aged appearance.
Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a whole arch of teeth, but not everyone is suitable for the implant procedure. You may not be a candidate if:
If you have a small jaw, we can discuss a bone graft procedure to transplant bone from another part of your body or a compatible donor. This is an invasive surgical procedure that has its own set of risk factors and recovery period, and it won't be an option if you have certain health conditions.
If you're replacing a whole arch of teeth, you may be suitable for full arch implants even if you're not a candidate for standard implants, as these don't go as deep into the jaw bone.
Want to know if you're eligible for implants? Call (02) 9221 1530 to book a consultation today.
There are many benefits of implants for replacing teeth, but the treatment isn't right for everyone. Here are some of the main reasons for and against implant treatment compared to a bridge or dentures.
If you're thinking about getting implants, we'll make sure you have a thorough understanding of what the treatment involves so you can make fully informed decisions about your oral health.
During your consultation at our clinic, our Sydney dental implant specialist, Dr Jonathon Lam, will explain the different types of implant treatments we offer. The right choice for you will depend on how many teeth you want to replace.
A single implant can be placed in the jaw to replace a tooth root, covered by a crown or denture.
A single implant can support more than one tooth, but multiple implants may be needed. These can be covered by individual crowns or a dental bridge replacing multiple teeth.
If you want to replace all of the teeth in your upper or lower jaw, or all of the teeth in your mouth, we may be able to achieve this using just a few implants. These can be covered by a fixed bridge or removable dentures.
The implant procedure can vary for each individual, depending on the number of implants you need and the type of implant you choose. It usually involves several appointments over a few months. The typical process is as follows:
We'll advise you to take it easy for a few days after your implant treatment, to give your mouth the chance to recover and lower the risk of the implant failing.
We'll provide you with painkillers, to help you manage pain and discomfort at home, and an antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent infection of the implant site. You should gargle with one capful for 30 seconds, twice a day.
You should avoid hard or chewy food for a few days, as this could cause your crown or denture to come loose. You should also avoid smoking for at least one month, as this can affect the healing process.
Implant treatments with our experienced specialists have a very high success rate and a minor risk of complications, but we'll make sure you understand the possible risks before you agree to the procedure. These problems can include:
Pain and sensitivity following implant treatment is normal and can be managed by taking over-the-counter medication. If the pain doesn't stop, or you have any unusual symptoms, contact our Sydney CBD dental clinic to make an emergency appointment.
If you're not eligible for implants, or you would prefer a different treatment, we'll let you know what your options are, depending on your situation. Alternatives to implants are:
Dental implants cost more than other tooth replacement methods initially, but they can also last longer when they're well cared for, meaning they might never have to be replaced. We can give you an estimate for your tooth implant cost during your consultation, so you can decide if it's affordable for you.
At Sydney Dental Surgeons, we believe in making high quality dental treatments more accessible. That's why we offer a range of dental payment plans for dental implants and accept all health funds. Ask your insurer how much you can claim.
Think you're ready for the implant procedure, or want to know more? Call our team on (02) 9221 1530 to schedule an initial consultation with our oral surgeons in Sydney at a time that's good for you. We'll give you all the details so you can make an informed decision.