Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial teeth with a titanium root, surgically placed into the jawbone by an implant dentist. They replace missing teeth and provide a stable base for prosthetic teeth like crowns or bridges.
Implants also help stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss associated with missing teeth. They can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or anchor dentures. They offer a long-lasting solution with success rates of up to 98%, but placement requires surgery and may not be suitable for everyone.
If you’re looking for your nearest implant dentist, speak to your Amazing Smiles dentist to assess your suitability for dental implants. The process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on individual health and case complexity.
At Amazing Smiles, our experienced implant dentists will support you through the entire process. Contact us today to schedule your implant dentistry consultation and take the first step toward a confident smile.
Dental implant Guide and What To Expect
Procedure For a Dental Implant
Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. The procedure for dental implants typically involves several steps, including:
Initial consultation and examination
Treatment planning
Implant placement
This is typically done under local anesthesia and involves making a small incision in the gums to access the jawbone.
The implant is then placed into the jawbone and allowed to heal and fuse with the bone over several months.
Abutment placement
Restoration placement
This is typically done once the gums have healed around the abutment and involve attaching the restoration to the abutment using a screw or dental cement.
Following the placement of the dental implant, good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly, are important to ensure the implant’s longevity.
Regular visits with your nearest dentist are also important to monitor the health of the implant and prevent any potential complications.
Factors that go towards the pricing of crowns include:
- Dental Consultations
- Pre-treatment Preparation
- Surgical Placement of the Dental Implant
- Crown and Abutment
Dental Implants from $4,500
Dental implants at Amazing Smiles Clinics start at an average of $4,500 (includes surgical implant, abutment and crown). Some factors that can affect the pricing of each implant include the following:
- There are different types of dental implants, including standard and mini implants. The cost can vary depending on the type of implant used.
- The complexity of the procedure: If additional functions, such as bone grafts or sinus lifts, are required to prepare the jawbone for the implants, the cost will be higher.
- Additional oral health treatment may include gum or tooth treatment for the surrounding teeth.
Discussing the pricing and payment options with our dentist before the procedure ensures you understand the costs. Costs vary as each patient’s needs are unique.
Because of these variables, Amazing Smiles Implant Dentists offer FREE initial consultations for a personalised quote on Dental Implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Improved appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth and can enhance the appearance of your smile.
- Enhanced comfort: Dental implants are fixed in place and do not slip or move around like dentures, providing greater comfort and stability.
- Improved speech: Missing teeth can affect your speech, but dental implants can help to restore your ability to speak clearly.
- Better oral health: Dental implants can help prevent bone loss and maintain the structure of your jaw, improving your oral health.
- Durability: Dental implants are designed to last for many years; with proper care, they can even last a lifetime.
- Convenience: Unlike dentures, dental implants do not require removal for cleaning, making them a more convenient option for many people.
- Improved self-confidence: With a beautiful, natural-looking smile, dental implants can help to improve your self-confidence and quality of life.
Designed and Made in Australia
Amazing Smiles’s dental implant process is prepared by highly skilled local dental technicians in Australia. We work closely with dental labs for surgical preparation and crown or bridge design.
This meticulous approach ensures a seamless and effective process, resulting in superior patient outcomes.
By facilitating clear and efficient communication between our dentists and local dental labs, we can ensure that the results meet the highest standards of quality and precision.
Does health insurance cover the cost of dental implants?
Private health insurance may cover some dental treatment costs, depending on your package. Rebates vary by policy, so it’s essential to check with your provider regarding coverage for specific treatments.
Medicare doesn’t cover dental implants. Here’s a summary of item numbers related to dental implant procedures:
- 661: Fitting of Implant Abutment
- 663: Removal of Implant
- 664: Fitting of Bar for Denture
- 665: Removable Prosthesis with Resin Base
- 666: Fixed Prosthesis with Metal Frame
- 668: Fixture or Abutment Screw Replacement
- 669: Removal/Reattachment of Fixed Prosthesis
- 671: Non-Metallic Full Crown on Implant
- 672: Veneered Full Crown on Implant
- 673: Metallic Full Crown on Implant
- 678: Diagnostic Template Creation
- 679: Surgical Implant Guide
- 684: First Stage of Two-Stage Implant Insertion
- 688: One-Stage Implant Insertion
- 689: Provisional Implant
- 691: Second Stage of Two-Stage Implant Surgery
Understanding these item numbers helps with treatment plans and insurance claims. At Amazing Smiles Dental, we can assist in determining your coverage and submitting claims for maximum benefits.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants commonly last between 15 and 25 years, but can be longer with proper care. Factors affecting this lifespan include:
- Implant Placement: Success depends on bone quality and density where the implant is placed.
- Oral Hygiene: Consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are crucial for longevity.
- Smoking: Increases the risk of failure by hindering healing.
- Health Conditions: Issues like diabetes can elevate the risk of complications.
- Bite Forces: Excessive force from grinding or biting hard objects can damage the implant.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding harmful habits is essential. Regular dental check-ups help monitor implant health, and if an implant becomes loose or infected, prompt dental care, which may include replacement, is necessary.
Is it painful to get dental implants?
Dental implants usually involve some discomfort, but most patients report minimal pain during the procedure, which is typically performed under local anesthesia. Dentists make an incision in the gum to place the implant during surgery, causing pressure and vibration. Afterwards, patients may experience discomfort, soreness, swelling, and bruises, which can often be managed with over-the-counter medication and ice.
Following instructions for proper healing is crucial. These include avoiding strenuous activity and eating soft foods for a few days. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also important to prevent infection. While complications like infection or implant failure can happen, contacting the dentist immediately can help address any unusual symptoms. With proper care, dental implants offer a durable, natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
What are the risks with dental implants?
Dental implants are a safe and effective option for replacing missing teeth, but they come with some risks and potential complications:
- Infection: A risk of infection can occur during or after the procedure. If caught early, it can be treated with antibiotics.
- Implant failure: Rarely, the implant may not integrate properly due to factors like poor placement or inadequate bone density.
- Nerve damage: There may be temporary or, in rare cases, permanent numbness or tingling in the chin, lips, or gums.
- Sinus problems: Implants in the upper jaw may protrude into sinus cavities, leading to issues.
- Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to the implant materials, like titanium or zirconia.
- Damage to surrounding teeth: Nearby teeth can be accidentally damaged during placement.
- Pain and swelling: While some discomfort is expected, it can be more severe in rare cases.
For older adults, the risks of slower healing, anesthesia reactions, medication interactions, and existing dental issues can complicate the process. Despite these risks, dental implants can still be a viable option, and older patients should discuss their medical history and concerns with their dental professional to determine the best approach.
Before deciding on a dental implant, it’s crucial to talk to your implant dentist about the risks and benefits.
Can a broken dental implant be fixed?
The possibility of fixing a broken dental implant depends on the extent of the damage. Problems, like a fractured abutment, can often be repaired, while severe damage to the implant post or surrounding bone may necessitate removal and replacement of the implant. It’s essential to consult an implant dentist to avoid complications and ensure long-term success.
Why are dental implants so expensive?
Dental implants can be more expensive than dentures or bridges due to several factors:
- Complex Procedure: The process involves multiple steps consultation, planning, surgery, and follow-up care—requiring specialised equipment and expertise.
- High-Quality Materials: Implants are made from durable, biocompatible materials like titanium, which can be costly.
- Specialised Training: Dentists and surgeons need specialised training to perform the procedure, adding to the cost.
- Customisation: Each implant procedure is tailored to the patient’s specific needs, which can increase expenses.
- Insurance Coverage: Many dental insurance plans do not fully cover implant costs, leaving patients with significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Despite the higher cost, many choose dental implants for their durability, convenience, and natural appearance. It’s essential to discuss options with your dentist to see if implants are right for you.
Can a broken crown be replaced on an implant?
If the crown on your dental implant breaks, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. Depending on the damage, they may either repair the crown if it’s minor or replace it if the damage is extensive.
If the implant itself is damaged or loose, it may also need to be evaluated. Prompt action is crucial to prevent further issues, and maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to avoid future damage.
Do I need root canal therapy before dental implant?
A root canal is generally not needed before getting a dental implant, as implants replace missing teeth directly in the jawbone, while root canals treat infected or damaged teeth. However, if the tooth being replaced has an active infection, a root canal may be recommended to prevent complications. If a tooth has been absent for a while, the jawbone may have deteriorated, which could require a bone graft.
Ultimately, whether a root canal is necessary prior to an implant depends on your specific situation, so it’s best to consult your dentist or oral surgeon for advice.
Can smoking affect dental implants?
Smoking significantly increases the risks associated with dental implants by reducing blood flow, weakening the immune system, and raising infection rates. Smokers are two to three times more likely to experience implant failure and heal more slowly.
Therefore, smokers need to quit before dental implant surgery to improve success rates. If quitting isn’t possible, inform your dental professional of proper precautions and close monitoring during recovery.
What is dental Osseointegration?
Dental osseointegration is when a dental implant fuses with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation. A titanium implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, and over several months, the bone bonds with the implant. During this healing period, patients may use a temporary restoration.
Once complete, the implant can support crowns, bridges, or dentures, functioning like a natural tooth. Success relies on factors such as the patient’s health, bone quality, and the dentist’s expertise, making it crucial to follow post-operative care instructions for optimal results.
We accept all major health funds
