Wahroonga Dental

Dental Implants

If you are searching for a long- term replacement for missing teeth, look no further than dental implants

At Wahroonga Family Dental Centre, we offer biocompatible dental implants as a permanent solution for missing teeth. In our Wahroonga practice, we can help restore the function and health of your teeth, jawbone and soft tissue, as well as help you recapture the former appearance of your smile. Dental implants are a great restorative solution if you have experienced tooth loss as they are comprised of a titanium material. Acting as a solid anchor for tooth replacements such as crowns or fixed dentures, dental implants are placed at the site of tooth loss and anchor firmly to the underlying jaw structure (a process called osseointegration).

Experience the closest thing to a natural tooth to date…

Dental implants can remedy many of the negative side effects associated with tooth loss including:
This solid foundation for prosthetic tooth replacements can restore the feel, form and function of your smile, and can even be used in cases of total tooth loss.

How dental implants replace missing teeth

Dental implants are artificial replacements for tooth roots. They are surgically fitted to your jaw and act as a holder for the replacement teeth or bridge. This is a popular option for fitting replacement teeth because the teeth will not need to rely on the surrounding teeth for support (as with traditional bridges) and are more permanent and stable. Since the dental implant is fitted onto your jawbone and beneath your gum line, it is not visible. Each implant is made from certain metals (usually titanium) and ceramic material, similar to your bone’s natural construction, making it feel and function just like your natural teeth.

The parts of a dental implant

Dental implant treatment comprises of 3 different parts:

The Implant

This is the artificial root attached to the jawbone. It is made from biocompatible material so as to have a higher chance of successfully bonding with the tooth.

The Abutment

It is attached to the implant with a screw and is used to connect the implant to the crown (the restoration). This part is usually made of titanium, gold, or porcelain.

The Restoration

This can be an artificial tooth made from porcelain or a metal alloy. It resembles a natural tooth since it is visible and is bonded or screwed to the abutment. The restoration can also be a bridge (two or more artificial teeth) or a denture.

Receiving dental implants

Once you have attended your initial consultation we will identify if dental implants would be a suitable option to replace your missing teeth. Our dental professionals will then tailor a treatment plan with your specific needs in mind. 

Once we are ready to commence treatment our dental professionals will surgically place the dental implant in the jawbone and allow time for the implant to bond with the jawbone and become a fully functioning element. 

Once osseointegration has taken place our dental professionals can use the implant as an anchor for a dental crown, a bridge or fixed denture. After the finishing dental restoration has been place you should regain the function of your teeth, as well as the appearance of your smile. The result can also help to safeguard you against the negative effects that tooth loss can have on your dental and overall health.

The dental implant treatment process

The entire process of dental implant treatment can take several months. First, the implant must be surgically placed in the jaw. Then, once this is healed (which can take months) the abutment and restoration are added.

There are 2 methods for placing a dental implant:

Two-stage procedure

This procedure involves two surgeries to complete. In the first procedure, the dental implant is attached to the jawbone (below the gum tissue so it isn’t visible) and the gum tissue is re-stitched.

Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, the second procedure is conducted. During this surgery, a metal post (the abutment) is connected to the implant, which was attached during the first surgery. An artificial tooth (the crown) is attached to the post creating your long-term artificial teeth.

Single-stage procedure

As the name suggests, this procedure involves one surgery and is only performed when the patient has insufficient bone height (which is required for the two-stage procedure).

A long metal implant is surgically fitted onto the jawbone below the gum tissue (only the implant’s head remains visible).

The gum is stitched up and the patient is sent home for recovery. Once healed, the artificial tooth can fit onto the implant head without the need for further surgery. Subperiosteal implants are used for this procedure.

The benefits of dental implants

Dental implants are slightly more expensive than regular bridges and dentures, but they are worth it in the long run. Six of the benefits of dental implants include:

More stability

Dental implants provide more stability because they are fitted into the jawbone. Which means they provide support for artificial teeth. This helps to prevent restorations (mounted dental bridges and dentures) from moving around.

More natural

Thanks to their permanence and stability, dental implants can feel natural. Most patients don’t notice any difference between their dental implant and a healthy tooth root.

Improves function

The artificial teeth improve function because they are securely fitted and feel natural. This makes daily activities such as eating and speaking easier.

Better oral health

Regular bridges use the surrounding teeth as an anchor, which may require altering your natural teeth (like shaving it down to accommodate crowns).

Dental implants don’t require surrounding teeth to be altered, so you can keep more of your natural teeth intact.

Convenient

Dental implants won’t slip out of your mouth (as may accidentally happen with dentures) saving you the embarrassment. They also do not require any unpleasant adhesives to keep them in place.

Durable

If properly cared for, dental implants can last you a lifetime since they are attached directly to your jawbone. Dental implants may fall out as a result of injury, trauma, or gum disease.

Opening Hours
Monday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday Closed

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