What Are Dental Implants?
Implants are artificial tooth roots that are made from biocompatible materials like titanium or zirconia. This is inserted into the jawbone to replace teeth that are missing. When you miss your teeth it not only affects the appearance of your smile but also can be an obstacle to your speech.
A surgical procedure is used to insert them into the jawbone and create a stable foundation for attaching replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges or dentures. To complete the process, the implant is inserted into the bone, allowed to fuse with the bone through osseointegration and fixed with a prosthetic tooth.
By replacing missing teeth this solution restores the functionality, appearance and health of the mouth by utilising a durable and natural-looking method.
How Can Missing Teeth Affect Your Oral Health?
Missing teeth can affect both oral health and overall well-being in many different ways.
- Bone Loss – This can result from the absence of a tooth in the jawbone. The tooth root’s loss of stimulation can lead to bone deterioration over time.
- Shifting teeth – The gap left by the missing tooth may cause neighbouring teeth to move into the space. This has the potential to cause misalignment, bite issues and other oral health complications.
- Chewing difficulties – The ability to chew food properly can be affected by missing teeth, which can result in digestive problems and dietary changes.
- Speech problems – The loss of a tooth, especially in the front of the mouth, can impact pronunciation and clarity of speech, resulting in potential communication difficulties.
- Facial aesthetics – If teeth are missing, they can affect the appearance of the face, resulting in changes in the shape of the face or aged appearance.
- Increased stress on remaining teeth – The remaining teeth may experience an increase in stress and pressure, potentially leading to more wear and tear or an increased risk of dental problems.
- Gum health issues – If not properly managed, the gap created by a missing tooth can become a site for plaque accumulation and gum diseases, which can lead to further oral health issues.
- Emotional and psychological impact – Missing teeth can have an emotional and psychological impact on self-esteem and confidence, impacting social interactions and overall quality of life.
To alleviate these effects and restore functionality and appearance dental implants can be used to address missing teeth.
Are you a candidate for Dental Implants?
- Composition and procedure –
- Materials – Typically, dental implants are made of titanium, a material that is biocompatible and can integrate well with bone.
- Surgical placement – A surgical procedure is performed to insert the implant into the jawbone. As time goes by, it becomes integrated with the bone through osseointegration, creating a stable base for artificial teeth.
- Longevity and durability –
- Lifespan – With proper care dental implants can last for 25 years or more. Studies have shown that implants that last over 10 years have a success rate of approximately 95%.
- Maintenance – Regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups are essential for their oral hygiene, just like for natural teeth.
- Bone health –
- Bone preservation – Implants can prevent bone loss that typically occurs after tooth loss by providing enough stimulation to maintain jawbone density.
- Bone loss preservation – Implant-supported prostheses can reduce the risk of bone resorption compared to traditional dentures in terms of bone loss prevention, as evidenced by studies,
- Functionally and comfort –
- Chewing efficiency – Implants offer a stable and secure foundation for chewing, enabling people to ingest different foods without any discomfort. The chewing function of natural teeth is restored by them by a factor of 90%.
- Comfort – Implants are more natural-looking than removable dentures because they do not cause discomfort or require adhesives, unlike removable dentures.
- Aesthetic and health benefits –
- Appearance – Implants have a natural appearance and feel, which can help with self-confidence and improve appearance.
- Adjacent teeth – Implants don’t necessitate the alteration of adjacent healthy teeth, unlike bridges that involve reshaping nearby teeth.
- Missing teeth – As we mentioned earlier dental implants are the perfect solution if you have one or more missing teeth. They are capable of replacing single teeth, multiple teeth or supporting complete dentures.
- Jawbone health – Implants are only available to those with sufficient jawbone density and volume. A strong, healthy bone is essential for the successful procedure of implant placement into the jawbone.
- Overall oral health – Having good oral hygiene is crucial. Implants cannot be considered if there is severe gum disease or untreated tooth decay.
- Dental evaluation – Your oral health can be assessed and your bone structure can be determined by a thorough dental examination, which can include x-rays or CT scans.
- Functional and aesthetic needs – Implants can improve your functional and aesthetic needs by not only restoring the ability to chew and speak properly but also enhancing your smile and facial appearance. If these factors are important to you, implants may be a suitable choice.
- Health conditions – Implant success is a possible result of certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or osteoporosis. To determine compatibility, talk to your dentist about your overall health.
- Success rate and studies –
- Success rates – According to research, dental implants are highly successful with various studies indicating success rates between 90% and 98%.
If you come across any of these factors, contacting a dental professional can provide a comprehensive assessment and aid you in determining if dental implants are the appropriate option for restoring your oral health and confidence.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have many advantages over traditional tooth replacement options.
- Durability – Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, making them highly durable. Their success rate is around 95% over 10 years, making them a long-term solution.
- Natural appearance – The appearance and feel of natural teeth are closely matched by implants. Your teeth are custom-made to match, resulting in a seamless and natural smile.
- Improved function – Implants can almost fully restore the function of natural teeth, making it possible to chew and speak effectively without discomfort or slipping.
- Preservation of jawbone – Implants stimulate the jawbone in the same way as natural teeth, which assists in maintaining bone density and preventing bone loss which is typically seen after tooth loss.
- Stability and comfort – By securely anchoring implants in the jawbone, implants eliminate the issues of slipping or discomfort commonly associated with dentures.
- Ease of maintenance – Care for implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. It is necessary to regularly brush, floss and have dental check-ups, without the need for special cleaning solutions or adhesives.
- Enhanced self-esteem – This can be enhanced by implants by restoring a complete, attractive smile and improving self-confidence and quality of life.
- Prevention of facial changes – This treatment can prevent facial changes and prevent the sunken appearance commonly associated with tooth loss by preserving jawbone structure.
Types of Dental Implants in Australia
Single tooth implants –
- Purpose – To replace a single missing tooth with a solution that imitates the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
- Components –
- Implant post: A small, titanium screw placed into the jawbone, serving as a new root.
- Abutment: A connector attached to the implant post that extends above the gum line.
- Crown: A custom-made artificial tooth that fits over that abutment, is designed to match the surrounding teeth.
All-on-4 implants –
- Purpose – To replace an entire arch of teeth using only four strategically placed implants.
- Components –
- Implant placement: Four implants are inserted into the jawbone to support a full arch of teeth.
- Prosthesis: A full arch of prosthesis teeth is fixed onto the implants.
Implant-supported dentures –
- Purpose – To provide a stable and secure base for removable dentures, improving their fit and function.
- Components –
- Implants: Typically, 4 to 6 implants are placed in the jawbone.
- Denture: A removable prosthesis is attached to implants using clips or a bar.
Multiple-tooth implants –
- Purpose – To replace several missing teeth, either in a row or scattered across the mouth, with multiple implants.
- Components –
- Implants: Multiple implants are placed in the jawbone, each supporting one or more prosthetic teeth.
- Prosthetic teeth – Bridges or partial dentures are attached to the implants.
Dental Implant Treatment Process
Several stages are required for the dental implant process to guarantee a successful and long-lasting replacement of missing teeth.
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Initial consultation and evaluation-
- Treatment planning – The evaluation is used to develop a customised treatment plan that outlines the implant type required and the steps involved in the procedure.
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Implant placement surgery
- Preparation – The procedure is usually done with local anaesthesia to numb the area. Sedation or general anaesthesia can be used in certain circumstances.
- Implant insertion – The dentist or oral surgeon creates a small hole in the gum to reveal the jawbone. A titanium implant post is surgically implanted into the jawbone near the missing tooth.
- Healing – Once the gum is stitched closed over the implant, the healing period begins. The implant is able to integrate with the bone during this phase called osseointegration, which can take several months.
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Abutment placement
- Secondary surgery ( if necessary ) – After the implant has successfully bonded with the bone, it may be necessary to perform a small procedure to attach the abutment. The abutment is a tiny connector, a foundation for the artificial tooth.
- Healing period – For a few weeks, the gum tissue around the abutment is permitted to heal.
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Final restoration
- Impression – After the gum tissue has healed, a custom crown or denture can be created using impressions or digital scans to match the natural teeth.
- Crown placement – The custom-made crown is secured onto the abutment. To ensure proper fit, the dentist ensures that the crown aligns with the bite.
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Follow up care
- Check-ups – It is important to schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor the implant’s integration, ensure proper function and maintain oral health.
- Maintenance – The long-term success of the implant is dependent on maintaining proper oral hygiene practices through regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings.
Technology and Materials Used in Implants
Advanced technology in dental implants
- 3D imaging and computer-guided placement – These surgeries improve implant placement accuracy. By using these technologies, implants can be planned and positioned accurately, which improves outcomes and minimises complications.
- Digital impressions – By utilising intraoral scanners, dentists can create exact digital models of your mouth, which can result in more precise crown and prosthetic fittings without the inconvenience of traditional moulds.
- Mini implants – These implants are a suitable option for patients with limited bone density or for temporary solutions, though they are smaller in diameter, they provide stability and support for artificial teeth.
- Laser technology – This technology is used for soft tissue management and bone regeneration, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of infection.
Materials used in dental implants
- Titanium – Titanium implants are the material of choice due to their biocompatibility and durability. By integrating with the jawbone, they provide a stable foundation for prosthetic teeth.
- Zirconia – This is a ceramic material that is employed for implants and abutments. It is a highly aesthetic and biocompatible option that closely resembles teeth.
Dental implant brands
- Straumann – This brand is widely known for its innovative solutions and high-quality implants, which they offer in various options designed for precision and durability.
- Nobel Biocare – Advanced implant systems and digital planning tools, such as All-on-4 guided surgery solutions, are available from Nobel Biocare, which is a leader in the implant field.
- Dentsply Sirona – This brand is known for its comprehensive array of implant systems, with options that cater to various clinical needs.
- Zimmer Biomet – A broad range of implants and biomaterials is offered by Zimmer Biomet, which is known for its solutions in complex cases and full-arch restorations.
Dental implant technology and materials, combined with leading implant brands, have greatly improved the success and patient satisfaction of tooth replacement solutions.
These innovations ensure that you receive high-quality care and results, regardless if you require a single implant or a full arch restoration.
Cost of Dental Implants in Australia
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the implant type, procedure complexity and additional treatments required. Also, prices can differ depending on the location, experience of the dental professional and implant brand chosen.
Here are some dental implant costs we found out during our research with Australian Dental Clinics.
- Single dental implant on back teeth – AUD 4500-5500
- Single dental implant on front teeth – AUD 5500-6000
- Implant Bridge – AUD 11000-14000
- All-on-4 – AUD 28000 ( includes removal of teeth )
FAQs
- Are dental implants painful?
- Dental implants are generally associated with minimal pain. Because it is performed under anaesthesia, which numbs the area and prevents pain during surgery.
- Can I eat normally with a dental implant?
- Yes, you can eat normally with a dental implant once the healing process is complete.
- How long will it take to get my dental implants?
- The dental implant process typically involves several stages and can take several months to complete.
- How do I fix a loose dental implant?
- Due to several reasons, a dental implant can be loose. Firstly, reach out to your dentist as soon as possible. Then they will evaluate the implant to determine the cause of the looseness and the appropriate treatment.
- How do I care for my dental implants?
- With good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, avoiding hard foods, and using antimicrobial rinses you can keep dental implants healthy for a long time.
