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“Dental implants are our recommended treatment for patients looking to replace a missing tooth. The titanium post means it is strong and stable as well as looking as natural as your remaining teeth.”
Dr Sean Crookes
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Dr Sean Crookes can answer any of your queries.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is made up of three parts. The titanium post functions as an artificial tooth root that is inserted into the jawbone and fuses with it, over time. Once the new root has bonded with the jawbone, an abutment is attached which connects the post to a prosthetic tooth or teeth in the form of dental treatments such as crowns, fixed dental bridges or dentures.
As the titanium post fuses with the jaw bone structure, it provides a very strong and stable root acting in a very similar way to natural teeth. This means both function and aesthetic is able to be restored.
Why are dental implants needed?
Dental implants are needed because leaving a missing tooth or multiple teeth untreated can open you up to a variety of problems within your oral health. A missing tooth needs to be treated as soon as possible to prevent the need for any extensive cosmetic or restorative dentistry. Problems with a missing tooth which justify teeth replacement include:
- Teeth shifting
- Gum disease or Tooth decay
- TMJ syndrome symptoms
- Change in facial appearance
The procedure for dental implants
Dr Crookes or Dr Jenkins will refer you to an implant specialist to be assessed for a dental implant treatment. At this stage, the specialist will make sure there is sufficient jawbone to accept the tooth implant.
If your jawbone isn’t thick enough, or the bone is too soft you may need to undergo sinus lifting or a bone grafting procedure. The bone grafting surgery will create a more dense, thicker base for the implant. In this procedure, a piece of bone is taken from another part of your body like your hip and transplanted into your jaw.
The jaw has the strongest muscle in your entire body and if your powerful chewing action exerts too much pressure on your fragile jawbone, the dental implant surgery would fail.
The dental implant procedure usually takes, on average, three dental appointments.
First appointment
Firstly, the implant root component, consisting of a titanium screw, is inserted into the bone site. This procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia for maximised comfort.
After about six to ten days, the stitches are removed and the implant is allowed to heal for six to twelve weeks. This healing is called osseointegration as the jawbone grows into and bonds with the surface of the dental implant. This process helps provide a solid base for the artificial tooth root, securing it in place.
Second appointment
At the next stage, the secure implant is uncovered and impressions for the final prosthesis, such as a crown or bridge are made. The dental prosthetics can’t be placed until your jawbone is strong enough to support the tooth replacement.
It is usually then just a few weeks before the final prosthesis is ready to be fitted, and the implant is complete.
What to expect after receiving teeth implants in Brisbane
The dentists at Crookes and Jenkins Dental are well versed in dental implant surgery and advise their patients what they can expect post surgery. There may be the typical discomforts such as:
- Swelling of the gums and face
- Pain at the dental implant site
- Bruising of the skin and gums
- Slight bleeding
If the swelling and discomfort does get worse, or you have any further concerns or questions, contact Crookes and Jenkins Dental straight away. Most discomfort can be managed by over the counter pain medication (if no allergies exist).
Dental Implants Brisbane Rosalie | Crookes & Jenkins Dental
If you have any questions or want any more information on dental implants then don’t hesitate to contact us at Crookes & Jenkins today!
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Dental Implant FAQs
There are many reasons why you may consider an implant to replace missing teeth. Some reasons patients choose to undergo dental implant surgery include:
- To replace a single tooth lost to infection or to replace a number of teeth missing in a row.
- To improve stability of dentures
- For cosmetic improvement
Looking after your dental implant isn’t difficult. You will take care of it just as you would any other tooth. This means you need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. You can brush and floss just as you would with any other tooth.
By having a proper oral health routine, you can maintain the appearance and longevity of your dental implant. It is also important to visit your dentist every six months to ensure the health of your mouth. If you have any issues with your implant post treatment, then please get in touch with a dental professional as soon as possible.
Dental implants have an extremely high success rate of just over 96%. However, there are some issues that can affect the success of the implant.
These include:
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Smoking
- Other medical conditions
To ensure the highest possible chance of success, you will be sent to a dental implant specialist to assess your eligibility for the treatment. Any existing gum disease or decay will be treated beforehand by your regular dentist at Crookes and Jenkins.
Medical conditions such as diabetes may affect the success of your dental implant. This will all be assessed and discussed at length with the dental implant specialist.
Dental implants are a long-term investment. Dental implants will not decay. They are a very reliable and clinically proven dental prosthetic.
As for the costs of dental implants, it’s hard to give an exact price, as each case is different from the last. Each patient’s circumstances are unique. It’s best to come and see the dentists at Crookes and Jenkins Dental in Brisbane for an assessment and price.
Dental implants are known for their exceptional durability and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for many years, often exceeding a decade or more. In fact, it is not uncommon for dental implants to last 15 to 20 years or even longer in some cases.
Advancements in dental implant technology, materials, and surgical techniques have contributed to their increased success rate and prolonged lifespan. Implants are typically made from biocompatible materials, such as titanium, that integrate with the jawbone and provide a strong foundation for the replacement tooth or crown.
By maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, you can help ensure the longevity of your dental implants. Additionally, leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding habits like smoking can further support their durability.
While individual experiences may vary, dental implants offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Consulting with your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with personalised information regarding the expected lifespan of your specific dental implants.
The dental implant procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area and minimises discomfort during the surgery. After the procedure, some post-operative pain and discomfort may be experienced, but it can usually be managed with pain medications. Overall, while there may be some temporary discomfort, the dental implant procedure is generally not considered highly painful.
After dental implant surgery, you may need to stick to a soft or liquid diet for a few days to a week. Once the initial healing phase is over, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid hard or sticky foods that may disrupt the healing process. Maintain good oral hygiene and consult your dentist for personalised guidance.
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