Dental Implants
Dental implants are a modern, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to decay, trauma, or other reasons, dental implants can restore the function and aesthetics of your smile. This guide explains what dental implants are, how the procedure works, their benefits, and whether they might be the right choice for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into your jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They mimic the natural tooth structure, providing a stable and durable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Implants fuse with your bone through a process called osseointegration, making them a permanent part of your mouth. They function just like natural teeth and help maintain jawbone health.
How Dental Implants Work:
- Consultation & Assessment: Your dentist will assess your oral health, bone structure, and suitability for implants. This may include X-rays, 3D scans, and a detailed discussion of your goals.
- Surgical Placement: The implant is placed into the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic. Healing time varies but usually takes a few months to allow the implant to fuse with the bone.
- Healing & Osseointegration: As the bone heals, it grows around the implant, creating a strong foundation. This process is critical for the implant’s long-term stability.
- Abutment & Crown Placement: Once the implant is secure, an abutment (connector) is attached, and a custom-made crown is placed on top, restoring your smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants:
- Long-Lasting Solution: With proper care, dental implants can last many years, often a lifetime.
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
- Preserve Bone Health: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that can occur with missing teeth.
- Restore Function: Chewing, speaking, and smiling feel natural and effortless.
- No Impact on Surrounding Teeth: Unlike bridges, implants don’t require alteration of neighbouring teeth.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are suitable for many people, but not everyone is a candidate. You may be a good fit if:
- You have one or more missing teeth.
- Your jawbone is healthy enough to support an implant.
- You have healthy gums and good oral hygiene habits.
If you have significant bone loss, additional procedures like bone grafting may be required before placing implants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the surgery. Mild discomfort may occur after, but this is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does the implant process take?
It varies by individual. Typically, it takes several months from implant placement to final crown fitting to allow proper healing.
Are implants covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Our team can help you check your insurance benefits and explore payment plan options.
How do I care for my implants?
Treat them like natural teeth—brush and floss daily, attend regular dental checkups, and maintain a healthy diet.
Post-Procedure Care for Dental Implants
- Avoid hard or sticky foods during the healing period.
- Follow all post-op care instructions provided by your dentist.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
Why Choose South Burnett Dental Group?
At South Burnett Dental Group, we pride ourselves on delivering expert implant care using the latest technology and techniques. Our team will guide you every step of the way, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and successful outcome.
Let us help you restore your smile and confidence with dental implants!
Contact Us
Ready to explore dental implants? Contact us today to book your consultation.
Phone: 07 4162 1008
Email: reception@sbdentalgroup.com.au
Website: https://southburnettdentalgroup.com.au
Dental Implant Procedure with Surgical Guide Technique
The dental implant procedure is a multi-step process that can replace a missing or damaged tooth. Using advanced technology and precision techniques, we can restore your smile with a natural-looking and durable solution. Below is an overview of the process, from the initial consultation to the final crown placement.
- Initial Consultation & Comprehensive Evaluation
The first step is a thorough consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, we will review your medical history, perform a detailed examination, and discuss your goals. We may take 3D scans or X-rays to assess the health of your jawbone and determine if there is enough bone structure to support an implant. - Planning with a Surgical Guide
Once the initial evaluation is complete, your dentist will use the 3D imaging to create a detailed treatment plan. A surgical guide is custom-designed based on this plan. This guide will be used during surgery to ensure the implant is placed in the most optimal position for both functionality and aesthetics, minimizing any risks. - Placing the Dental Implant
On the day of the procedure, local anesthesia will be used to numb the area, ensuring that you are comfortable and pain-free. The dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. Using the surgical guide for precision, the dental implant—a small titanium post—is carefully inserted into the jawbone. The titanium post will act as the new root for your artificial tooth. - Healing and Osseointegration
After the implant is placed, the healing process begins. Over the next few months, the bone will fuse with the titanium post in a process called osseointegration. This ensures the implant is securely anchored to your jaw. During this healing period, we may provide a temporary restoration to maintain the appearance of your smile. - Placement of the Abutment
Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, a small procedure is required to attach the abutment. The abutment is a small connector piece that will hold the crown in place. This is typically done under local anaesthesia and is a quick, minimally invasive procedure. - Crown Fabrication & Final Placement
After the abutment is in place, the final step is to create and place your custom dental crown. We take impressions of your implant and surrounding teeth to design a crown that fits perfectly and matches the colour and shape of your natural teeth. Once your crown is ready, it is securely placed onto the abutment, completing your new smile.
Post-Procedure Care and Follow-Up
After the procedure, it’s important to follow proper care instructions to ensure your dental implant remains healthy and functional. You will be advised to:
- Avoid chewing on the implant area for the first few days to allow healing.
- Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing around the implant to prevent infection.
- Attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and the condition of your implant and crown.
With proper care, your dental implant and crown can last for many years, providing a strong and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
This comprehensive procedure restores the function and appearance of your teeth with precision and long-lasting results. If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation today to discuss how this advanced treatment can benefit you.