Missing teeth can lower your confidence and make you feel self-conscious. Losing a tooth can also impact your bite; neighboring teeth can shift position and become more vulnerable to decay, chipping, and cracking.
A dental implant is a custom-made artificial tooth that offers a permanent, proven solution for missing teeth. The artificial tooth is made of either ceramic or titanium (the same material used to heal broken bones) and is fixed to a titanium post that’s implanted into your jaw bone. Implants look, feel, and function just like real teeth, and can last a lifetime with proper care.
What is it?
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants can:
Replace missing teeth,
Support dental bridges,
Secure dentures (either removable or full and fixed).
Advantages of Dental Implants
Unlike other dental restorations such as bridges, dental implants don’t require your teeth to be ground down on each side of the gap.
Implants are comfortable, convenient, and strong.
Implants are easy to keep clean.
Implants prevent side effects of tooth loss such as gum recession, bone loss and speech difficulties.
Dental implants can make dentures secure and reliable – no more messy adhesives or slipping, uncomfortable dentures.
The Process
Although it’s different for every individual, the dental implant process generally involves four steps.
Step 1: Consultation
Your dentist will consider your general and oral health and ensure you’re a good candidate for dental implants. You’ll be given an individualized treatment plan with details of when you need to visit again, and how long your implant process will take.
Step 2: Implant placement
Your dentist will insert a titanium implant into the jaw bone where your new tooth will sit. The implant is then allowed to bond with the bone, which can take between 6 weeks and 9 months depending on the individual. During this time we can give you a temporary tooth if needed. Please note, charges for temporary teeth are not included in implant prices and will be quoted separately.
Step 3: Extension placement
An ‘extension’ is added to the implant in your jaw so your new tooth can be attached snugly on top. We generally allow a few weeks for the gums to heal after this process before fitting your new tooth. However, not all implants require this step.
Step 4: Crown placement
The final step is to secure your new tooth (the crown) in place. Your finished implant will look and feel so natural that you’ll forget you ever had a missing tooth.
Your comfort is our top priority. It’s normal to feel nervous before a dental procedure such as an implant. But with Dental Planet, you can relax knowing you’re in the very best hands. We’ll go out of our way to help you feel at ease, including soft music, DVDs, and warm blankets. We’ll also explain your options for pain relief, ensuring you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dental implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth replacement. Since they attach directly to the jawbone, implants look and feel like real teeth, and they may prevent bone loss and gum recession at the same time.
Will I experience pain or discomfort?
Usually minimal to none. While undergoing treatment, you will receive local anesthesia. You may have mild post-surgical soreness for up to 72 hours. Over-the-counter pain relief is generally sufficient to alleviate the discomfort in most patients. Special care will be taken to stay in contact with you after the surgery to be sure that you remain comfortable.
When can I return to work after implant surgery?
It’s a personal choice; however it is possible to return to work the next day after the procedure. Our surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation.
How long does the process take?
Complete treatment can take between six weeks and nine months, and in some cases, longer. Of course, we’ll be able to give you a more accurate idea of how long the process will take at your initial consultation.
Will I be left without teeth?
No, we can provide short term, temporary teeth until your permanent implants are ready to fit. Please note that charges for temporary teeth are not included in implant prices and will be quoted separately.
Is the metal in the implant safe?
Yes. The metal used is titanium which is the same material used to pin broken bones.
How long does an implant last?
At Dental Planet, we use the very best materials, techniques and technology to create your implant, so there’s no reason why it shouldn’t last a lifetime. However there are a number of factors that can affect how long your implant may last. These include your general health, nutrition, oral hygiene and tobacco usage. Once your procedure is complete, we’ll provide you with a warranty for your implant as well as helpful information about how to care for it.
Do you provide same-day dental implants?
We want your procedure to be as successful as possible, that’s why we allow 6-12 weeks for integration and for the bone to heal properly. Any earlier may jeopardize the success rate and may increase your chance of dental implant failure. Our dentists will be able to offer options based on your individual clinical condition.
What will happen without treatment?
When you lose your teeth, you gradually lose the bone that supported them. As this bone disappears, problems with other teeth may occur. Such problems may include pain, mobility, and lack of retention for prosthetics, sharp painful ridges, mobile gum tissue, and sore spots.
Are there any age limitations for dental implants?
Any relatively fit and healthy adult can have dental implants as long as there is enough bone available in which to place the implants. Our dentist will be able to determine your suitability to have dental implants after your initial consultation.
Does my health insurance contribute towards the funds?
Possibly, depending on which insurance provider you are with. It’s best to discuss this with your individual provider.
Is finance available?
Yes, we absolutely have finance options available. For more information on interest-free payment plans, please click here.
How much do dental implants cost?
We believe in transparent pricing. You can read more about our pricing structure here.
We invite you to a complimentary consultation with our team so we can understand your specific situation and provide you with an accurate treatment plan and fee structure. This can be booked here.
