Specialist Services
Dental Implants
Think of dental implants as metal anchors, usually made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone to hold permanent replacement teeth of dentures. Through process called "osteointegration", the jawbone actually attaches itself to the implant over time, providing tremendous stability.
Some of the benefits of dental implants include:
- Improved biting pressure - dental implants can often restore the amount of biting pressure that can be withstood to nearly the same level of healthy natural teeth.
- Comfort and fit
- Longevity and reliability - with proper oral hygiene and care, dental implants have been shown to last as long as 20 years or more with few complications
- Increased self confidence - because dental implants function remarkably like natural teeth, most people who choose this solution find that they can again laugh, chew, talk and smile with renewed confidence.
It has long been the goal of dentistry to develop a reliable system of replacement teeth based on an artificial tooth root or implant. The ability to insert a substance into the human jaw bone and have a reasonable expectation of a successful outcome has become reality with the use of “osseointegrated” implants as pioneered by Professor P.I.Branemark in Sweden over 30 years ago. The key to these implants may be the use of nearly pure titanium (which is extremely compatible with bone), their shape, and the specialised techniques for their placement. Dr Branemark's original research cases worked with people with no teeth at all, and still the success rates have been very high. In general for this type of treatment we expect 98% of implants to continue to be healthy and functional after 15 years.
In general the most common questions asked by our patients include the following:
Q What exactly is an implant?
A A basic implant as a whole usually consists of 2 elements. Firstly, a titanium screw which is placed into the jaw bone to provide a solid foundation. The titanium surface is specially treated to promote the healing of your bone onto it, much like the titanium used in replacing hip and knee joints. Secondly, there is the “crown” that is screwed into the implant. This is the part that you can see above the gum line. Currently, the materials available to construct crowns are better than ever, and can be seamlessly matched to blend in with your natural teeth.
Q Is there significant discomfort?
A Although everyone is different in their sensations of discomfort, most people find the placement of an implant to be a similar sensation to having a relatively simple extraction. However, there is a spectrum of discomfort depending on the complexity of the surgery. For example, the need for simultaneous bone and soft tissue grafting at the time of implant placement would create more discomfort than a simple single implant placement. All our patients are given strong analgesics after surgery to ensure that your recovery period is as comfortable as possible.
Q How long do I have to wait after the implant(s) are placed before I will have my new tooth/teeth?
A This really depends on a number of factors including the quality of the bone at the site of placement, whether or not bone and soft tissue grafting are also required, and the degree of torque that can be placed on the implant during surgery. As a guideline it is anywhere from 24 hours to 6 months.
Q My dentures are loose, can dental implants help?
A Absolutely. There are several ways dental implants can help people who are fed-up with their dentures. For example, 2 lower implants can simply be placed in the lower jaw to anchor a lower complete denture in place so it won't move around whilst you eat. Or you can even throw your denture away and have more implants placed to support a fixed bridge. Just 4 implants in the lower jaw and 6 in the upper can be enough to support 24 teeth! Ask Dr Mallorie about all of your options.
Q What is involved before I have my dental implant placed?
A Firstly you meet with Dr Mallorie for a consultation during which your medical history is reviewed and a thorough examination of the potential implant site is completed. At the end of the consultation you will probably be given a cone beam CT Scan request form which you take along to a local radiography suite. This is used to assess the quantity of bone in the site, as well as the location of important anatomical structures. The scan only takes a few seconds and appointments can be arranged to work around your busy schedule. Be sure to have your Medicare card with you because you are eligible for a substantial rebate towards the cost of the scan. Once Dr Mallorie has seen the scans you will then be sent a treatment plan detailing the cost and providing you with further information relevant to your case. The next appointment would usually be for the surgery.
Q I'm nervous about treatment, what can you do to help?
A Don't worry, at the Cosmetic and Microdentistry Centre we understand your anxiety and our whole team is well equipped to make your experience as pleasant and smooth as possible. During your consultation with Dr Mallorie you can discuss the different options and techniques that are available to address any concerns. Solutions for anxiety can range from taking a sedative tablet 1 hour before surgery to help you feel more relaxed, to having a general anaesthetic so that you are asleep during the whole procedure.
We hope you have found the information above useful.
If you are interested in attending the Cosmetic and Microdentistry Centre for a consultation with Dr Craig Mallorie, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here to help you.
