At Wahroonga Family Dental Centre, we offer biocompatible dental implants as a permanent solution for missing teeth.
In our Wahroongapractice, 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 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:
- Jaw bone deterioration and a sunken-in look
- Tooth movement and bite changes
- Gum recession
- Overloading of surrounding teeth
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 osseo integration has taken place our dental professionals can use the implant as an anchor for a dental crown, bridge of 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.