Dental Implants Melbourne | Tooth Implants Toorak & Melbourne

Missing or damaged teeth affect the aesthetics and function of your mouth, but with dental implants, you can achieve a natural, long-lasting solution.

While we’re committed to restoring and treating natural teeth, dental implants are a popular treatment in restorative dentistry when this is no longer possible. We believe your smile should boost your confidence and help you achieve the lifestyle you want, and we can help improve your overall appearance with teeth implants from Melbourne’s experienced dentists.

Endosteal implants

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant, and are set in the jawbone. Typically made of titanium and usually shaped like small screws, endosteal implants protrude through the gum to secure the replacement tooth. Keep in mind that surgery will be required to perform the implant as it involves drilling a hole into your jawbone to fit the screw. For this reason, you’ll need to commit to several months of recovery time for you to heal and complete the full procedure.

Subperiosteal implants

If you require dental implants but don’t have enough healthy jawbone to support them, your dentist may recommend subperiosteal implants. While not as common as endosteal implants, this procedure is carried out regularly among patients. Subperiosteal implants rest on top of your jawbone and under your gum tissue via a metal framework.

Standard dental implants

If you have one or multiple teeth that you wish to replace, a standard dental implant can be carried out. A single tooth can be replaced by a dental implant but if you have more than one tooth that needs replacing, you will need larger implants to support your teeth. Some patients may opt to replace their entire mouth (a major restoration), or the teeth on the upper or lower jaw (partial restoration).

Fixed bridgework

Fixed bridgework is a popular technique that replaces missing teeth. As the name suggests, the bridge will be “fixed” to your teeth and cannot be removed. Unlike standard bridges, fixed bridgework isn’t dependent on the support of your remaining teeth.

Dentures

With emerging technology, dentures are no longer the traditional ‘false teeth’ that can be removed every evening before bed. Now, they can be implant-supported to deliver a more permanent and secure fastening using special attachments to reduce movement. Dentures can be made to closely resemble your original smile or they can be designed to give you a smile makeover. If you have enough healthy bone in your jaw to support implants, then you may be a candidate for implant-supported dentures.

Temporary dental implants

Ideal for dental emergencies and teeth lost during trauma, temporary dental implants are used when your mouth, gum and bone need time to heal before a permanent dental implant is inserted. While your mouth is healing, a temporary dental implant can give you back your confidence.

Full mouth dental implants, also known as “full arch dental implants” are an option to consider if you are tired of the pain from dentures. Using advanced surgical techniques and a high quality implant system, they are a permanent solution when you wish to replace missing, broken or damaged teeth. Usually only 4-6 implants are required to support all the lower or upper teeth, and bone grafting is not needed.

A popular option due to it being a less invasive procedure with a faster recovery time, full mouth dental implants are a possibility for previously unsuitable candidates of conventional dental implants.

Full mouth dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution, and with good oral hygiene, can last a lifetime.

For patients looking for a more affordable option than traditional dental implants, single tooth mini dental implants can be an appealing and long-lasting solution for people who are missing a tooth or teeth due to decay, damage or trauma. In comparison to conventional implants, mini dental implants are less invasive and painful to install, and don’t involve bone grafts or repeat surgeries. They are a single solid piece (3mm diameter) that is fixed to your jawbone without needing to be completely embedded. Resembling a similar structure to standard dental implants, their small size makes them ideal in place of bridges, dentures or fixed crowns.

Comprehensive dental exam

Your dentist may take dental X-rays and 3D images in order to make models of your teeth and jaw. During this point, you will also discuss your medical history, including any prescription medications you take. Then, your treatment plan will be tailored to your requirements, such as how many teeth you need replaced, as well as the condition of your jawbone and remaining teeth.

Bone grafting

The next step involves preparing your jawbone to create a solid base for the implant. If your jawbone isn’t thick enough to hold the implant or is too soft, you run the risk of the surgery failing. Your doctor will advise the best option for you when it comes to the types of bone graft materials that can be used to rebuild your jawbone. This process may take several months as you wait for the transplanted bone to grow enough new bone to sustain your implant.

Planting the dental implant

Your oral surgeon will make a cut to open your gum, where the dental implant metal post will be placed. As this will serve as your tooth root, it will be implanted deep into your jawbone. You will still have a gap where your tooth is missing, in which case, you may receive a temporary denture for appearance’s sake, if needed.

Osseointegration

The process of osseointegration begins. This is where your jawbone grows into the artificial dental implant. Again, this process may take several months.

Placing the abutment

After osseointegration is complete, your doctor will attach the abutment (think of it like a bridge). This connects the artificial tooth to the implant. While your doctor will reopen your gum to attach the abutment to the implant, this is a small procedure that is typically done with local anaesthesia.

Choosing your new teeth

Once your gums are fully healed, you will have another mould made of your mouth and remaining teeth. This mould will be used to create your realistic-looking tooth. You and your dentist will then discuss the type of dental implant that is best for your circumstances.

Just like your natural teeth, your dental implants will require regular maintenance to ensure optimal oral health and hygiene. Even though they are strong and secure, it doesn’t mean that you can neglect them. After all, dental implants are only permanent if you take good care of them.

Some of the ways you can practice good oral hygiene include:

Brushing your teeth twice daily with a low abrasive toothpaste
Flossing daily
Using mouthwash to help eliminate bacteria building up around your implants
Limiting citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and mandarins
Limiting intake of tea, coffee, wine and soft drink
Keeping chewy and sugary foods to a minimum
Avoiding tobacco entirely
Visiting your dentist for regular check ups twice a year

Can Dental Implants be done in one day?

Traditionally, the installation of dental implants is a multiple-step process that takes place over the course of a couple of weeks. Most patients can expect a process similar to this one:

An oral examination that assesses bone density and space in the mouth
Checking that the surrounding gums are healthy and preparing the area where the tooth is missing
The titanium screw is inserted
A healing cap is placed on the screw for a number of weeks, while the dental crown is prepared
Once the tailored crown is sent by the laboratory (approximately a two-week process), it can replace the healing cap

Some dentists offer one-day implants, though there are some risks associated with these. Make an appointment with your dental professional to find out if you’re a good candidate.

When are Dental Implants covered by insurance?

Not all insurance policies cover dental implants, but if you have an extras policy that includes major dental work, then you may be able to offset some of the cost of dental implants by making a claim.

Check with your insurer before having any kind of dental work done to find out what the terms and conditions are, and what you can expect to pay out-of-pocket.

Does a general dentist do implants?

Dental implants are a type of restorative technique, but aren’t covered by a particular field of specialism, meaning that a general dentist can carry them out.

Always seek qualified dentists with the appropriate accreditations to ensure you’re receiving the highest levels of care and results. More complex cases - such as bite complications, depleted bones and multiple missing teeth - may require the attention of a specialist. We work closely with the top specialists in Melbourne to help you achieve the best results.

Dental Implants