DENTAL IMPLANT RESTORATIONS
Contents
What is a Dental Implant?
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A dental implant is a small screw which is placed in the jawbone. It is made from Titanium and other biocompatible materials, also technically refer as the implant Fixture. An artificial tooth such as a crown can then be attached to the implant via an abumtent. The final artificial implant crown looks and feels like a real tooth. Dental implants, like natural teeth can also be used for dental bridges and attaching full or partial dentures.
Implant and natural tooth
What is involved?
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The dental implant is placed in a single visit under local anaesthesia, so you do not feel anything during the whole surgical procedure The dental implant is usually left undisturbed under the gum for a period of 3 to 6 months to allow bone to grow and bond around it. (surgical stage)
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It is then uncovered and connected to a small metal component, called "the implant abutment" that will secure and support the artificial tooth or dental crown. (restorative stage)
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Note: we will do the restorative stage of the implant. For the surgical stage , we will refer you to have the actual implant placed.
What are the advantages of Dental Implants?
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The adjacent teeth are not damaged or cut in any way.
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They help to prevent bone loss which occurs after a tooth or teeth are extracted.
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Single tooth implant feels and looks like your own natural tooth. There is no need of special care, you just brush and floss as your own tooth. You should still able to eat your favourite food, especially those hard, crunchy or sticky foods.
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Dental implants normally last longer than bridges or dentures.
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Unlike teeth, dental implants do not get decay or caries.\
What are the disadvantages of Dental implants?
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The dental implant procedure needs multiple appointments, over a long period of time (usually 3 to 6 months)
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Higher initial cost than its alternative options such as bridges or dentures. However, they should last much longer and do not need to be replaced as often.
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Not suitable for everyone. Patients with some health conditions and who smoke heavily may not be suitable for implants , as well as those with untreated gum disease and poor oral hygiene.
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Implant placement involves some surgery. It may not be best for those who do not like the idea of surgery or invasive procedure.
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With any invasive procedure, there are risks and complications. Implant failure can and do happen.
Am I suitable for Dental Implants?
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Not everyone is suitable for implants. In general, you must be in good health, have healthy gums, have adequate bone to support the implant and be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
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I am a smoker. Can I get Dental Implants?
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While smoking is one of the main risk factors for implant failure, it is not considered a definite contra-indication
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Smoking has adverse effects on general health including oral cavity. It will increase complications and affect the success rate of the dental implants.
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Failure of dental implants happens more often with the upper teeth than the lower teeth in the general population but especially in smokers.
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Before proceeding to dental implants, smokers will first need to be assessed by the dentist or specialist and accept those inevitable risks. They may also be advised to stop smoking for a period time before or after the actual surgical placement of the dental implants to increase its success.
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Therefore the answer to the question is no or maybe yes.
How much do dental implants cost in Australia?
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The cost of dental implants can vary widely within Sydney or any states in Australia. This is to the complexity of each individual case, location of the dental practice and also due to the large range and pricing of different implant brands and components.
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According to the latest ADA 2022 national survey, , the cost of a simple one-stage dental implant range from $3019 to $6941, with the average /mean fee of $5054. (this is by combining the cost of dental items no. 661. 672 and 688).
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For more complex cases, the cost will be higher.
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There are other associated costs not including in the above estimate such as but not limited to:
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consultation and x-rays
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specialised 3D x-rays
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other treatments needed prior to the implant such as extraction.
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temporary teeth if needed while you wait for the actual final implant crowns to be placed such as a temporary upper denture to replace front tooth/teeth, as it may take up to 6 months before the final crown placement.
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It is always best to check with the dentist about what is exactly included in the quote and any other potential associated and/or optional cost.
What are the problems with dental implants?
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While dental implants do have a long history and a very high success rate, they are not without complications or risks. Complications can be divided into 2 types:
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those that can happen in the three to six months following the implant placement and
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those that occur afterwards (long-term issues)
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As with any other surgical procedures, complications can occur following dental implant surgery. Following the implant placement, the titanium screw should slowly merge with the surrounding bone, this is called osseointegration. However, the most common complication is likely the failure of the dental implant and the bone to connect., If this occurs then the failed implant will need to be removed. The good news if that another new implant can still be placed again shortly after or another few months later in order for the bone to recover.
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There are also other problems that can occur following surgery which the dentist should be discussed in more details with each individual case.
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One of the most common long-term issues is a type of gum disease which cause the loss of bone supporting the implant, known as Peri-implantitis.
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This usually happens after some years the implants have been placed. This emerging disease appears to be more common in patients who
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are smokers
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have gum disease or history of gum disease
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have diabetes
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have poor oral hygiene
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There is no general consensus on how these infections should be treated, as we still do not fully undertands the disease. Early detection of peri-implantitis is the key , like so much in medicine. Therefore daily good oral hygiene and regular dental check-up are equally important for implants as for teeth
Examples of different dental implant cases
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The following illustrations are some examples of dental implant restorations placed on our patients with different scenarios at Burwood Family Dentist, Sydney NSW.
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Like natural teeth, dental implants can also be used for dental bridges. They are very similar to conventional dental bridges, ranging from simple cantilever bridge supported with a single implant to more complexed long-span bridges supported by multiple implants.
Single Implant Crown (front tooth)
The dental implant procedure consists of two separate stages: the surgical stage and the restorative stage. We will refer you for the first stage. We will work together with the recommended dentist or specialist and we will continue and finalise with the restorative phase.
Single Implant Crown (Back tooth)
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Feel like your own teeth
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Look like your own teeth
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Normal daily cleaning and flossing
Good daily oral hygiene and regular professional dental exams for your implants are just as important as your own teeth. Dental implants like your own teeth can be subject to gum problems, infection, and failure if you don't follow good oral hygiene habits and regular professional check-ups.
Multiple individual implant crowns
4 Screw-retained implant crowns/restorations
Easier to disassemble if repairs are required
Avoid risks associated with residual adhesives
Like conventional crowns, implant crowns can be made of porcelain, metal alloys or a combination of both.
DENTAL BRIDGES
The principles of dental bridges can also be applied to dental implants to a certain extent. Here are 2 examples of screw-retained implant bridges:
3-unit conventional bridge supported by 2 implants
Cement-retained implant bridge (Back teeth)
This is a cantilever bridge.
3 teeth are supported by 2 dental implants on one side only.
Although the screw-retained option is often chosen, cement-retained implant restorations may be necessary due to the location and angle of the actual implant screws, bone anatomy and availability.
You can floss like your
natural tooth
(for individually supported implant crowns)
Single Implant Crown (Implant placed overseas)
We can also continue the restorative stage if you have the implant fixture done overseas and it is ready to be restored. We can restore popular trusted brands including Straumaan, Nobel Biocare, Dentsply Sirona, MIS, Dentium and more.
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This patient had an implant placed for his missing upper tooth while overseas and had all the implant details.
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We could find the right components from local dental suppliers and completed it for him, as it was one of the popular implant brands.
