Dental implants are the gold standard in replacing missing teeth. They are fixed, easy to clean, function like normal teeth and look like normal teeth. We work closely with Dr. Richard Harris, a specialist dental surgeon, to place our implants.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is an artificial replacement for the tooth root within the jaw bone and is made from titanium. The purity of the titanium promotes fusion between the implant surface and the surrounding bone, anchoring the implant into place. This is known as osseo-integration and is the reason for the success of implants over other treatments. It takes a period of three to nine months following implant placement for complete osseo-integration to occur. The implant can then be used to hold a crown or bridge or to stabilise a loose denture.

Am I a candidate for a dental implant?

Dental implants are suitable for most healthy adult patients who have good oral hygiene, are free from gum disease and are ideally non-smokers. Implants can only be placed when the jaw has stopped growing and so are not suitable for patients younger than 18 years of age.

Social/medical factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake and diabetes can lead to poor initial healing of the implant and therefore reduce long term success rates. Each case is different, and it is vital that this is assessed prior to proposing any implant-based treatment.

In addition to social factors, biological factors such as the quality and density of the bone into which the implant is placed are also important. Patients with inadequate bone can still be treated, but these patients may require initial bone grafting or augmentation to improve the availability of suitable bone for the implant.

How will I know if a dental implant is suitable for me?

As part of our implant consultation, we will not only assess your medical and social history, but we will also carefully look at the overall health of the mouth, gums and surrounding teeth. It is essential that all existing problems with the teeth are treated prior to implant placement.

We use a combination of visual assessment, digital X-rays and 3D scans known as a Cone Beam CT to fully assess the density and quality of bone available. CT scans are now seen as the gold standard to ensure proper treatment planning, safety and success. In addition to this, physical models of the teeth will be made using impressions taken of both the upper and lower jaw.

Together with meticulous treatment planning on our part, we need your help to establish good oral hygiene habits and to eliminate factors that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease in order to achieve long term success of your dental implants.

How are dental implants placed?

Implant treatment is generally split into three stages.

The first is the planning stage, which includes an accurate diagnosis, imaging using 3D CT X-rays and thorough treatment planning. The proposed treatment plan is explained, including all advantages, disadvantages, risks and benefits. Alternatives are also discussed, and a detailed quote is provided, together with consent forms.

The second stage is the placement of the dental implant, which is carried out at the dental practice. This stage takes between 2 to 3 hours and once the implant has been placed, it is left for a period of between 3 and 9 months to allow for the bone to grow into and around the implant.

The final stage of the implant process is the fabrication and attachment of the crown, bridge or denture to the implant. This usually takes two visits.

From start to finish, implant treatment can take between 4 to 12 months. A detailed breakdown of timing is provided at the initial consultation.

Are Dental Implants painful?

Most patients will be familiar with the dental anaesthetics used for routine dentistry and will know how effective they are. Implants are placed using the same anaesthesia. Depending upon the complexity of your case, the procedure can take anywhere between 60 minutes for a single implant, to several hours for complex and multiple implant placements.

We can also offer oral sedation, such as Diazepam, to help relax patients and ensure a comfortable experience. We offer General Anaesthesia for major cases with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Since the surgery normally involves exposing the bone in the area where the implant and/or bone graft is to be placed, you can expect some minor swelling and occasionally bruising afterwards.

For most patients, any of the over-the-counter/basic painkillers that you might take for a headache will be adequate. However, stronger medication can be provided.

Healing is generally straightforward, and any stitches are removed ten days later.

How much do implants cost?

Implants at Northside Dental Solutions cost $4995.