Dental implants: what are they, how much do they cost and what follow-up care is needed?
Many people are embarrassed to show their smile due to missing or damaged teeth or uncomfortable dentures.
Smile On Clinics are the exclusive providers of Teeth On Implants® dental implants, the revolutionary approach which permanently replaces your teeth and transforms your smile.
Smile On Clinics dentists are the trusted local leaders in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants, with well-established and highly trusted dental practices located across Central Coast, Sydney, Hunter region and beyond.
Our experienced and caring dental teams are giving their patients the healthy and beautiful smiles that they deserve with dental implants. Smile On Clinics are the trusted local leaders in dental implant treatment.
Keep reading to find out what you need to know if you are considering dental implants.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are titanium posts placed into the bone that have the function of replacing the root of a lost natural tooth.
What is a dental implant used for?
Dental implants are used to replace the root of a lost or extracted tooth.
In order to perform the implant placement procedure, prior planning is necessary with exams and verification of bone availability, as well as medical history and in some cases thorough blood tests. When there is insufficient bone at the site, a bone augmentation must be performed first. Usually 4-6 months afterwards, the procedure is performed, and the implant is installed.
Why is it important to have a dental implant?
The implant provides effective rehabilitation, which allows the patient to chew again, as well as providing a great cosmetic solution for missing front teeth. Dental implants can increase self-esteem by restoring form and function, allowing our patients to avoid the embarrassing and uncomfortable moments a missing tooth or loose denture can bring about.
What are the materials used for dental implants?
Implants are most commonly made from high grade titanium, or from zirconia. They can be short or long, depending on the indication of each case and available bone.
What is an immediate load dental implant?
It is a process in which the implant and the tooth (crown or dental prosthesis) are installed in the same session. There are inherent risks with immediately loading a dental implant so most times our Smile On implantologists will prefer to wait four months before placing a tooth on a dental implant.
This is different when replacing a whole arch of teeth with implants, however. Due to the number of implants placed (commonly 4-6) these implants can be immediately restored with teeth in most cases so our patients do not go without any teeth!
In a small number of cases our dentists may prefer to temporarily issue a denture whilst the implants integrate, for example if the bone quality is poor or if the patient is medically compromised.
What is a mini dental implant?
These are very small implants, used for orthodontic treatment or to support a temporary prosthesis.
Who is a dental implant suitable for?
Virtually anyone with missing teeth, after a thorough examination of their medical history and bone availability.
Can a pregnant woman have a dental implant?
Often, for prudence, treatments that are not urgent end up being carried out after pregnancy.
Does a dental implant hurt?
As with any procedure, there may be discomfort for the patient after the surgery, but effective drugs are prescribed to ease the pain. At Smile On Clinics, our dental teams offer a range of sedation options.
However, patients are often pleasantly surprised at the minimal discomfort with implant placement. It is far less disruptive or painful than removing a tooth, for example.
Is it normal to feel pain after a dental implant?
Yes, but it is worth remembering that pain is an individual experience. If the patient feels a lot of pain, it is possible to prescribe more potent medications. However, sharp pains are not common.
Can all people who are missing teeth get a dental implant?
Not all but many. Firstly, a potential implant candidate will undergo clinical and imaging evaluation to verify the availability of bone and outline the best course of action for each case.
It is also important for your dentist to thoroughly review the health status of the patient to ensure they are suitable for dental implants.
Do Smile On Clinics have payment plans available?
We understand that dental treatments such as dental implants can be expensive, which is why we offer a range of dental payment plan options including Zip Pay, Open Pay, After Pay and accessing your super. Your local Smile On Clinic team is here to help and can answer any questions.
What is a bone augmentation for a dental implant?
Bone augmentation is a way to gain bone mass in the place where you intend to install implants. This is because, in some cases, this bone structure has been lost.
How long does it take to get my dental implants?
This is probably the most asked question we get asked as clinicians, and it is not a one-size-fits-all by any means. In the majority of cases we are able to give the patient a set of temporary teeth fixated on the implants within 48 hours of surgery – however, in some cases we are unable to load the implants with teeth for 4 months.
In the case we are unable to load the implants we would cover them under the gums and issue the patient with a denture for 16 weeks until which time the implants integrate and become strong enough to have teeth fixated onto them.
The way we make this decision is based on a refined checklist of parameters which will classify the patient as able to have teeth on the implants immediately or not. This reduces the risk of failure and improves treatment outcome and success.
What is the step-by-step process of a dental implants?
Step 1
Consultation for the presentation of the process and request for imaging tests (radiography and tomography) are made by the surgeon in charge. Because it is a surgical procedure, a blood test is also common.
Step 2
The implant procedure is performed, and it is decided whether or not immediate loading will be possible.
Step 3
After the postoperative period, in which integration must occur, the prosthesis is placed on the implant, that is, the crown of the tooth that was made by our Smile On implantologists.
How much does a dental implant cost?
The cost varies. It depends on the type of dental implant and the complexity of the case, in addition to other factors. You can request a complimentary Smile On Teeth On Implants® E-Booklet which will give you an idea on type and associated costs of implant procedures.
How long does a dental implant last?
The idea is that it lasts for the life of the patient. Remember that the durability of an implant also depends on the patient’s care with oral hygiene and health in general. After all, a lack of care for teeth and gums can generate diseases.
Our patients are furnished with the education of proper oral hygiene and implant care to ensure that this is a treatment that will stand the test of time – continued support by our clinicians and hygiene staff is paramount in all cases.
Are dental implants a better option than dentures?
YES! Functionally, your new dental implants will work just as well as normal and healthy natural teeth. Since it is a fixed replacement, you don’t have to worry about having your teeth fall out like you would with dentures or having to take them out etc.
What follow up care is needed right after dental implant surgery?
Do not eat anything hard or hot, avoid physical exertion and keep taking the medication prescribed. All this for a period of time guided by the dentist.
What is the postoperative period of those who have dental implants?
In general, recovery is quite favourable and the patient returns to usual activities after 48 or 72 hours, except for physical exercise.
This will however vary with more complicated treatments such as full mouth rehabilitation with implants and
What are the complications of dental implants?
Patients can experience mild implant infections, bone loss around the site and eventually implant loss. These complications are minimized with good planning and most importantly good oral hygiene.
What can I eat with a dental implant?
Everything you ever ate before. Return to chewing as normal and enjoy the variety!
Where can I get dental implants – Teeth On Implants®?
Smile On Clinics offer the treatment at our Central Coast, Sydney and Hunter region practices including Avoca Beach Dental, Mingara Dental & Implant Centre, Saratoga Dental, Warnervale Dental, Empire Bay Dental, Bonnells Bay Dental, Tailored Teeth Burwood and Poynton Place Dental & Implant Centre in Thornton, Maitland.
Were we able to answer all your questions about dental implants?
Please contact our friendly team today to book a consultation or find out more!