Dental Implants
What Are Dental Implants?
Why Is It Important to Replace Missing Teeth?
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can gradually shift or tilt towards the empty space. Over time, this may contribute to uneven tooth wear, damage to existing dental work and changes in the way the teeth meet, which can sometimes cause jaw discomfort.
The bone surrounding a missing tooth may also reduce over time because it no longer receives stimulation from the tooth root. The amount and rate of bone change vary between patients and may affect future treatment options.
Replacing a missing tooth may help maintain chewing function, support tooth alignment and reduce stress on the remaining teeth. Your dentist can assess the missing-tooth area and discuss suitable replacement options based on your individual needs.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants Over Other Options?
Dental implants are a fixed tooth-replacement option anchored in the jawbone. Unlike a conventional dental bridge, an implant generally does not rely on adjacent healthy teeth for support.
Potential advantages of dental implants include:
They do not rely on adjacent tooth structures for support.
They may be used for single-tooth or multiple-tooth replacement.
They can help support the surrounding jawbone.
They may help maintain chewing function and the natural facial profile.
They remain fixed in the mouth and do not require adhesive.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the number and location of missing teeth, bone condition, gum health and individual treatment goals. Depending on your needs, alternative options may include crowns and bridges or dentures.
Your dentist will assess your oral health and explain which option may be suitable for you. Learn more about our restorative dentistry services.
What Is the Dental Implant Treatment Process at East Adelaide Dental Studio?
- Step 1 — Consultation and Planning: Your dentist examines your teeth and gums and may use appropriate imaging to assess the jawbone, nearby structures and the proposed implant site. You will receive a personalised treatment plan outlining the recommended stages and expected costs.
- Step 2 — Implant Placement: The titanium implant is surgically positioned in the jawbone, typically under local anaesthetic.
- Step 3 — Additional Treatment, if Required: Some patients may require additional procedures, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift, before or during implant placement. Your dentist will explain whether these procedures are necessary.
- Step 4 — Healing and Osseointegration: The implant is allowed time to integrate with the surrounding jawbone. Healing time varies between patients and depends on factors such as bone condition, general health and the treatment plan.
- Step 5 — Temporary Restoration or Healing Abutment: Where appropriate, a temporary restoration or healing abutment may be used while the implant site heals.
- Step 6 — Final Restoration: Once integration has been confirmed, a custom-made crown, bridge or other restoration is attached to the implant.
How Do You Care for Dental Implants After Placement?
Dental implants require regular home care and professional dental examinations. Brush twice daily and clean carefully around the implant and gumline using floss, interdental brushes or other cleaning aids recommended by your dental team.
Plaque accumulation around an implant may contribute to inflammation of the surrounding gum and bone, known as peri-implant disease. Consistent oral hygiene can help reduce this risk, but it does not guarantee that complications will not occur.
Attend regular dental examinations and professional scale and cleans at intervals recommended by your dentist. These visits allow the dental team to assess the implant, surrounding gums, bone support and attached restoration. Contact the clinic if you notice bleeding, swelling, discomfort, movement or any other change around the implant.
What Payment Options Are Available for Dental Implants in Adelaide?
The cost of dental implant treatment varies depending on the number of implants required, the type of restoration and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting or a sinus lift are needed.
Following an examination and appropriate imaging, East Adelaide Dental Studio can provide a personalised written treatment plan outlining the recommended treatment stages and expected costs.
Eligible patients may be able to use payment arrangements such as DentiCare or Afterpay, subject to the provider’s terms, conditions and approval requirements. Private health insurance rebates vary according to the patient’s fund, policy and level of cover.
Learn more about the clinic’s available payment options or contact the dental team for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of a dental implant varies between patients. Factors such as oral hygiene, gum and bone health, smoking, general health, bite forces and attendance at regular dental examinations may affect longevity. The implant fixture and the attached crown may also have different maintenance or replacement requirements over time. Your dentist can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Dental implant placement involves surgery and is typically performed under local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area. Patients may feel pressure or vibration during the procedure. Swelling, tenderness or discomfort may occur after the anaesthetic wears off, and recovery varies between individuals. Your dentist will explain appropriate aftercare and pain-management options. Contact the clinic if discomfort is severe, persists or causes concern.
The cost of dental implant treatment depends on factors such as the number of implants required, the type of final restoration and whether additional procedures such as bone grafting or a sinus lift are needed. Following an examination and appropriate imaging, East Adelaide Dental Studio can provide a personalised written treatment plan outlining the expected costs. Review the clinic’s payment options for further information.
Suitability for dental implant treatment depends on factors such as jawbone condition, gum health, the location of the missing tooth, smoking, general health and the ability to maintain appropriate oral hygiene. Some patients may require additional treatment before implant placement. A dental examination and appropriate imaging are required to determine whether treatment may be suitable for you.
Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the gum and bone surrounding a dental implant. Plaque accumulation, smoking, a history of gum disease and inadequate maintenance may increase the risk. Brushing twice daily, cleaning around the implant and attending regular dental examinations and professional scale and cleans may help reduce the risk. Your dental team can recommend an individual maintenance schedule.