Dental implants are surgically inserted into the bone where the natural tooth root was. They are usually a titanium alloy screw as the tooth root with a dental crown fitted on top to complete the procedure.
The result is a permanent replacement tooth with almost the exact characteristics of the original tooth.
Dental Implants behave like natural teeth. One of the biggest advantages of an implant is that it restores full chewing power and restores the smile.
Brighten your smile. Aesthetics are usually much better with an implant-supported replacement tooth than with a bridge, particularly in the front of the mouth.
Dental Implants can last a lifetime. While a dental bridge may only last 10 years or so, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Dental Implants prevent bone loss. If no implant is placed in the first year of losing a tooth, that bone area loses 25% of its volume, and bone loss continues over the years. An implant restores chewing and provides stimulation for natural bone growth.
Dental Implants keep adjacent teeth stable. The gap from a missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to move and shift towards the gap. This pulls your teeth out of position and can affect your bite, ability to chew, and your dental and facial appearance.
Dental Implants help fight gum disease. A missing tooth gap can act as a trap for food and bacteria and can lead to gum disease.
Dental Implants can prevent facial sagging and premature aging. Facial sagging and a prematurely aged look can result from missing teeth. Dental implants, however, support the face.
First, at Smart Smile Dental we try to save your natural teeth. Only if that is not possible do we recommend dental implants.
To determine if you are a good candidate we perform a comprehensive visual examination, X-rays, and if necessary, iCat 3D imaging.
If we determine sufficient bone density or periodontal health is not present, it can still be possible to get implants after bone and periodontal grafts at our office. If these procedures are performed, it will be necessary to let the bone and/or gums heal before going forward with the implant procedure.
Dental implants require precision drilling of preliminary holes to prepare the bone for the implant to be inserted. These “tap holes” need to be drilled at very exact angles.
The drills must have precisely regulated speed control to prevent the bone at the implant site from overheating. If overheating occurs, the cells that are required for the osseointegration (implant bone-bonding) can be damaged, leading to implant rejection by the bone.
Smart Smiles Dental utilises the newest equipment to perform these procedures. We have the finest tools, treatments, and sterilisation procedures to give you only the safest and most efficient treatment possible. Our professional and qualified staff is also trained in the most modern implantation techniques.
Theoretically, it is possible to do a dental implant quite rapidly. In fact it is possible to do the entire procedure in one visit. At Smart Smiles Dental however, our practice is to spread the treatment out over time. This approach is to ensure that the implant bone-bonding will happen properly and without complication. While accelerated treatment is not our first choice, we are also committed to fulfilling the particular needs of our patients as their case demands.
Contact us on (03) 8390 5778 or book your appointment online today