Dental Implants

Short video showing the concept of a single tooth implant placement.

Other options to replace missing teeth:

1. An acrylic denture

2. A cobalt chromium (metal framework) denture

3. A Maryland bridge

4. A conventional fixed-fixed bridge

How to Replace Missing Teeth

If you are missing any of your teeth then replacing them with dental implants may be an option for you. Dental implants have been placed for many years and with careful case selection their long-term (10yrs) success rate is about 95%. Their main benefits are:

next best thing to natural healthy teeth
a dental implant feels and functions like a natural tooth. Other options may lead to bone loss or need support of your other teeth.
they are a long-term solution
they are less likely to fail than traditional bridges as they do not rely on being supported by other teeth which may eventually need root canal treatment or break.
you can enjoy life without worrying about your teeth - you do not have to be embarrassed about loose dentures falling out when you chew or laugh.
retain your natural face shape and smile - bone is preserved so that your face is supported and does not “hollow.”
protect healthy bone - bone loss is prevented.
you can eat your favourite foods- biting on hard foods won’t dislodge your teeth and the implant is very strong so unlikely to break.
more predictable than other tooth replacement methods - 95% success rate over 10 years means that this is one of the more predictable dental treatments that you can have.

General Information about dental implants

Am I too old for implants?

You would generally not place a dental implant in a person younger than 21 years of age but there is no upper age limit. As long as you are in good general health and do not suffer from osteoporosis then you may be suitable for a dental implant.

Which medical conditions are contra-indicated for implants?

Osteoporosis and certain auto-immune conditions may be contra-indications for implant placement. Diabetes and anything that impairs healing will reduce the chances of success. Smoking also impairs healing and may lessen the chance of the implant lasting for a long time.

What does the procedure of having an implant involve?

A comprehensive assessment by our specialist oral surgeon, and our dentist will be necessary. We will assess your medical and dental history and examine all your teeth and bite. Also the amount of bone in the placement site needs to be determined; a 3D x-ray of the area may be needed. The procedure will be explained in detail. The placement of the implant is done under a local anaesthetic (injection in the mouth) and normally takes about an hour. A week later we see you to check that everything is healing well and after 2-3 months Dr Greg Gasiorowski takes an impression so that the tooth can be made at the laboratory. About 2 weeks later the crown is fitted. We use the Straumann implant system which has been thoroughly researched and is considered one of the top brands.

How do I look after the implant?

We will show you how to clean around the implant using floss and small brushes. We also recommend that you attend check-up and hygiene appointments every 3-6 months.

How long can I expect an implant to last?

Implants are one of the more predictable dental treatments available but patient assessment is an important part of the process. In general, 10 year success rates of 95% have been achieved and with regular care there is no reason why they shouldn't last for decades. Although an implant cannot get tooth decay it can get gum disease just like a natural tooth; therefore thorough cleaning with floss and small brushes is recommended as well as regular professional cleaning.