What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

Dental implants could be a great option for someone with a missing tooth or damaged teeth. They are a natural looking restoration option, and to the untrained eye, they appear to look natural.

Unlike dentures, they don’t get removed for cleaning and you still get to enjoy all different kinds of food with no chewing problems.

What different options/types are there for dental implants?

There are several options to consider when choosing a dental implant:

• Single implants – recommended to replace one to two adjacent missing teeth.
• Multiple implants – as their name suggests, are used to replace multiple missing teeth.
• Fully edentulous arch – is usually considered to replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth.
• And finally Implant retained overdenture – used to secure a removable denture if there are issues with stability or retention of the denture.

What is the Procedure and how long does it take?

A dental implant is usually done in stages; there are three visits involved in placing the implant:

First visit: Initial consultation and informed consent. The consultation is to inform both the patient and dentist about the risks associated with implant therapy and also if an implant is the most appropriate treatment option. This visit will also help the dentist plan for the implant placement moving forward.

Second visit:  The surgery to place the implant. The implant is usually fitted in the jawbone in a minor operation. Patients will be given a local anaesthetic, so they won’t feel any pain during the surgery.

Third visit: To review healing and integration post-surgery and removal of sutures if required.

In some cases, an additional fourth visit is required if the implant is initially not fitted tightly enough it to be secured.

How much do dental implants cost?

Implants generally cost upwards from $5000. It is best to attend a no obligation consult with one of our dentists to answer any questions/concerns and assess if an implant is the best suited option for your individual needs.

Are there any side effects?

Implant therapy may sometimes have minor issues such as bleeding, swelling and pain but those issues can be addressed easily.

There are other complications that can occur in the short to med term such as infection or failure of the implant to integrate in the bone. Long term complications, on the other hand, could include onset of inflammation of the soft tissues and subsequent bone loss around the implant due to poor hygiene.

If the implant prosthesis is exposed to excessive biting forces, then occasional prosthetic screw loosening can occur or worse, the prosthetic screw may fracture or the implant itself may fracture. Our dentists will discuss all side effects with you in details and will make sure you have regular check-ups after the implants have been fitted.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Private health insurance may or may not cover dental implants, depending on your level of cover with Dental extras. During your consultation, the dentist can provide you with the relevant item numbers that will be associated with the treatment for you to check with your health insurance provider.

If you’re still unsure if having dental implants is the right option for you, please don’t hesitate to call us or book a dental implant consultation appointment with one of our dentists.