What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that dentists place in your jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. They offer a secure, long-lasting solution for missing teeth and are designed to blend with your natural teeth. Unlike removable dentures, implants are fixed in place, giving a stable foundation that helps prevent bone loss and maintains the shape of your face.
The implant process involves surgically inserting a small titanium post into the jawbone, which acts like a real tooth root. Over time, the bone grows around this post in a process called osseointegration, anchoring it firmly. Once healed, a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached to complete your smile.
If you are considering dental implants, our experienced dental professionals at FoX Implant Centre are here to answer your questions. Book a free consultation so we can discuss your specific needs and determine if dental implants are suitable for you.
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Key Components of Dental Implants
Dental implants have three main components that work together to provide a stable, functional, and aesthetic replacement for missing teeth:
Implant Fixture
This is the small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. It acts like the root of a natural tooth, providing a solid base for the artificial tooth.
Abutment
The abutment is a connector that sits on top of the implant and supports the artificial tooth. It acts as a link between the implant and the prosthetic, helping the artificial tooth to be securely held in place.
Artificial Tooth (Crown)
This is the visible part of the dental implant. It is typically a dental crown that is custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth to achieve a seamless and natural appearance.
How Fixed on X Dental Implants Are Made
Our Fixed on X dental implants are made with the highest quality materials using a detailed, six-step process designed to achieve the best possible results.
We start with an examination and 3D smile design to plan your ideal results. Before the surgery, we craft temporary prostheses (or Healing Teeth) that you can use while the implant site is healing. During the 4-6 month healing phase, we craft permanent titanium bars for a strong base. Patients then try a wax model for feedback on fit and appearance. Finally, we create permanent prosthetics from high-impact resin or milled zirconia, designed for comfort and a natural look.
We stand by the quality of our work. That’s why Fixed on X dental implants come with a lifetime warranty on the titanium bars and frames. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that your implants are designed to last and that we are committed to supporting your oral health for the long term.
Addressing the Burning Questions Behind the Process of Full Arch Dental Implants
Types of Dental Implants
At FoX Implant Centre, we offer several different types of dental implants suited to different needs. Understanding these types can help you choose the right treatment option for your specific smile goals:
- Single-Tooth Implants: These are perfect for replacing a single missing tooth. A single endosteal implant is placed in the jawbone to support a custom-made crown, providing a solution that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Ideal for patients missing several teeth or an entire arch, implant-supported dentures offer more stability compared to traditional dentures. Unlike conventional dentures, which rest on the gums, implant-supported dentures are anchored by implants, preventing movement and improving comfort.
- Implant-Supported Dental Bridges: These are used when multiple adjacent teeth are missing. Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, the bridge is secured to dental implants, which helps preserve the health of the surrounding teeth and bone structure.
- Full-Mouth Restorations: This type is for individuals who need all their teeth replaced. Full-mouth restorations may include implant-supported dentures or bridges, providing a comprehensive solution that restores both function and aesthetics.
Each of these types of dental implants offers a unique approach to restoring missing teeth, and our team at FoX Implant Centre will work with you to determine which treatment option best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Aside from their long-term durability, dental implants offer several key benefits:
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function. The crown is custom-made to match surrounding teeth, making it blend seamlessly with your smile.
- Enhanced Comfort: Unlike removable dentures, implants are fixed in place. They don’t shift or slip, providing greater comfort during eating, speaking, and daily activities.
- Improved Oral Health: Implants help preserve jawbone density by stimulating bone growth, reducing the risk of bone loss often associated with missing teeth. This also maintains facial structure, preventing the sunken look that can develop with missing teeth.
- Biocompatibility: Titanium’s biocompatibility means implants bond well with bone, creating a stable, long-lasting foundation. This also means there’s less risk of adverse or allergic reactions.
- Better Functionality: Dental implants allow you to chew and speak with confidence, restoring the full functionality of your mouth. They distribute chewing forces evenly, protecting surrounding teeth and jawbone.
- Ease of Maintenance: Implants require no special care beyond regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. They integrate seamlessly into your routine.
- Protection for Adjacent Teeth: Implants don’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support, unlike dental bridges, which means they don’t impact the health of surrounding natural teeth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Getting dental implants involves several stages:
Step 1: Consultation and Planning
Your journey starts with a thorough consultation. Here, we take X-rays and advanced 3D imaging to determine your suitability for implants. We then use this information to create a personalised dental implant treatment plan.
Step 2: Dental Implant Surgery
Once the plan is ready, the next step is surgery. The implant is placed in your jawbone during this surgical procedure. To ensure your comfort, you can choose to do this under local anaesthetic or even full sedation. After this, temporary false teeth are fitted, so you never have to go without teeth while healing.
Step 3: Healing and Osseointegration
After surgery, the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This healing time usually takes several months. Proper healing is essential in this stage to ensure that the implant is strong enough to hold the prosthetic tooth securely.
Step 4: Placement of the Prosthetic Tooth
Once the implant has fully healed, we place the artificial tooth. This could be a dental crown or another type of prosthetic, depending on your treatment plan. The result is a new tooth that blends seamlessly with your smile.
Aftercare and Maintenance
While dental implants are built to last and require no special maintenance, proper care is still necessary to maintain their function and durability. This includes:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Keep the area clean to avoid infection. Your oral surgeon may recommend using a special mouthwash to help with this.
- Daily Brushing and Flossing: Just like natural teeth, implants need to be kept clean at all times to prevent issues like peri-implantitis (gum inflammation around the implant). Use an interdental brush or floss designed for implants to clean around the implant base.
- Schedule Follow-up Appointments: During the first few months after your surgery, regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and address any early signs of complications.
- Regular Dental Care: Even after the implant site has long healed, you’ll still need regular dental check-ups to continually assess how well your body is adapting to the implants. They are also necessary to monitor your overall oral health.
- Avoid Excessive Pressure: Be mindful of using your implants for activities like biting hard objects or grinding your teeth, which can damage the implant over time.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Ideal candidates for dental implants typically have:
- Enough Bone: Adequate bone density is needed to support the implant. Bone grafting may be needed for those with bone loss.
- Good Gum Health: Healthy gums are important. Gum disease must be treated before implants are placed.
- No Major Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disorders can affect healing and implant success.
- Healthy Sinuses: The upper jaw area must have enough space to support implants without affecting the sinus. If there is not enough space, our team can also undertake a sinus lift, which can be completed at the time of your surgery, so there is no need to revisit this with additional surgery.
Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent tooth replacement option. And with proper care, they have the potential to last a lifetime. However, their longevity will still depend on good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and lifestyle factors like avoiding smoking or teeth grinding.
Cost of Dental Implants in Australia
The cost of dental implants in Australia can vary depending on the type of implant, the complexity of the case, and the materials used. On average, you might expect to pay between $40,000 to $70,000. It’s important to note that most Australian insurance plans do not cover dental implants. However, we at FoX Implant Centre offer financing options through Superfund, TLC, and Humm to make the process more accessible.
Are There Any Risks to Dental Implants?
Dental implant procedures are generally safe, but like any surgical procedure, they do come with some risks. Right after the surgery, you might experience side effects such as swelling, bruising, or minor bleeding. These are normal and usually subside within a few days. Potential long-term complications include infection, nerve damage, or issues with the dental implant placement. In rare cases, patients may experience implant failure if the bone does not integrate well.
At FoX Implant Centre, we take specific steps to reduce these risks and increase the success rate of our dental implant procedures. Our approach includes developing a customised treatment plan that fits your needs, using the latest implant dentistry technology, and providing complete in-house care.
We are the only dental practice in Australia that offers end-to-end care under one roof, covering every stage from the initial consultation to crafting the false teeth and performing the implant surgery. This allows better quality control at every step and makes sure that only the professionals who know your case handle your treatment.
Our team of dental professionals, led by Dr. Nick Trevlopoulos, also bring years of experience to each procedure, which further helps to reduce the risks of complications and increase the chances of implant success.
Talk to Us About Your Smile Goals
If you’re ready to explore your options, we are here to help. Book a free consultation with our experienced dental professionals to learn more about our approach and find out if dental implants are the right choice for you. Let us help you achieve the confident, radiant smile you’ve always dreamed of.
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