Dental Implant Specialist

Are missing teeth impacting on your speech, eating habits, appearance or confidence?  Then it might be time to consider the placement of a dental implant.

At Kew Periodontics and Dental Implants, Melbourne patients are provided with a comprehensive diagnosis as to the appropriateness of a tooth implant, as well as the specialist placement.  This helps patients achieve the desired treatment outcomes from the experts in dental implants.

Dental implants only placed by registered specialists in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.

Call 03 9853 7700 to request an appointment.

What Are Dental Implants?

Tooth implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. When considering the various options for tooth replacement, dental implants are considered to be the closest thing to a natural tooth. With high success rates of over 96 per cent, dental implants are now widely used to replace missing teeth.

A tooth implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. The implant acts as a substitute for a tooth root and can be used to replace a single missing tooth or many teeth. If you are missing one tooth, an artificial replacement tooth (porcelain crown) can be secured to a dental implant to replace your tooth. If you are missing several teeth, multiple implants can be used to support a bridge or a denture.

dental implants

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants have many advantages that can make them the ideal solution to replace your missing teeth.

  • When considering the various options for tooth replacement, dental implants are considered to be the closest thing to a natural tooth;
  • They can look and function like a natural tooth;
  • With high success rates of over 96 per cent, dental implants are now widely used to replace missing teeth;
  • Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth;
  • Implants can be used to support full or partial dentures, making them more stable and comfortable to wear;
  • Dental implants can avoid the need to prepare or modify your adjacent, healthy teeth, which would be required to provide a conventional bridge; and
  • Dental implants can help you to eat more comfortably and speak and smile with confidence.

Dental Implant Treatment

Planning Your Dental Implant Treatment

It will be important to carry out a detailed examination to determine whether implants are the best option for you. This is determined on an individual basis for each patient. Generally, the ideal candidates for treatment with dental implants will have:

  • Good general health;
  • Good oral health, including healthy gums; and
  • Adequate bone quality and volume to place the dental implant.

Your first visit will involve a review of your medical history to determine if dental implant treatment is a suitable option.

A comprehensive dental examination will be carried out to assess your overall oral health, the health of your gums, the bite and to assess the area where the dental implant may be placed. If it is determined that you have periodontal disease, this will need to be treated before dental implants are placed.

You will then be referred for a scan that will provide detailed information regarding the quality and volume of bone available to allow an implant to be placed. The scan will also help to determine the size and type of dental implant that is most suitable for you.

If your scan reveals that there is insufficient bone, it may be possible to carry out a bone grafting procedure to allow an implant to be placed.

This important planning process will allow your Periodontist to determine whether dental implants are the best solution for the replacement of your missing tooth.

Dental Implant Procedure

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. The procedure to place a dental implant is usually carried out in the dental chair, under a local anaesthetic. This appointment involves gently preparing the area and placing the implant into the bone.

The implant will either be covered over by the surrounding gum or a small metal cap will be placed on top of the implant to assist with the healing of the surrounding gum. This metal cap may be slightly visible in the mouth during the healing period. An x-ray will be taken once the implant has been placed. Your Dentist or Prosthodontist may provide you with a temporary tooth replacement to be worn during the healing period.

Your Periodontist will see you two weeks after your dental implant is placed. They will check the healing of the area and may remove any remaining sutures.

Your dental implant will then be left to heal for approximately three months. In cases where the dental implant is covered by gum during the healing period, a second, simple surgical procedure will be needed to uncover the implant.

During the three month healing period, the titanium implant and surrounding bone will bond to each other in a process referred to as ‘osseointegration’. It is important that the implant is firmly attached to the bone before it is subjected to biting pressures. Your Periodontist will check your implant at three months after placement to ensure that it has bonded to the surrounding bone. The dental implant will then be ready for restoration by your Dentist or Prosthodontist with either a crown, bridge or denture.

How are Dental Implants Restored?

Your Periodontist will carry out the surgical procedure required to place your dental implant. They will also work closely with your Dentist or Prosthodontist, who will make the prosthesis (artificial tooth or teeth) to restore your dental implant. Your Dentist or Prosthodontist will take an impression that will be used to construct a custom-made crown, bridge or denture to replace your missing tooth or teeth.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

The costs associated with the placement of a dental implant will vary, depending on whether prior treatment or an extraction is required, as well as the type of implant chosen.

At Kew Periodontics and Dental Implants, the placement of a dental implant is conducted only by a specialist periodontist.   At your initial consultation, they will assess and determine your suitability for a dental implant, then provide a full treatment plan that clearly details the process and relevant costs.

Caring for Your Dental Implant

As with your natural teeth, dental implants require good oral home care and regular professional maintenance care to ensure that they remain healthy. It is important to understand that gum disease can also develop around dental implants if they are not carefully maintained.

You will be shown special techniques for cleaning around your dental implant. This will include both brushing and flossing to remove the dental plaque that constantly forms around your implant.

An individually tailored implant maintenance program will be recommended to maximise the long-term success of your dental implant. This will involve checking the health of your gums around the dental implant, reviewing oral home care, cleaning around the implant and also checking the implant restoration (crown, bridge or denture). X-rays may also be taken to assess the bone supporting your dental implant.

It is important to realise that not everyone is suitable for dental implants. Your Periodontist will carry out a full assessment to determine whether dental implants are the best option to replace your missing teeth.

If you have any questions or would like an opinion about dental implants, please feel free to contact us and speak with one of our friendly treatment co-ordinators, or to request an appointment with a dental implant specialist.

Woman holding floss

Dental Implant Specialists Providing Melbourne Patients with Leading Treatments and Personalised Care

Since 2001, our practice has been offering tailored dental implant assessments and placements.

The team here at Kew Periodontics and Dental Implants are committed to providing each patient with the peace of mind and added confidence that comes with improved oral health.

We are proud to be one of the most respected and trusted practices for dental implants across Melbourne, with our team striving to deliver patients with the highest standard of care and support.

Our passionate and professional team are led by periodontists Dr Allison Dean, Dr Louise Liu and Dr Brian James, who provide personalised care to each patient.  Our periodontists work with patients to properly assess the appropriateness of dental implants, identify any pre-placement treatment required, then professionally place and care for the implant and surrounding areas ongoing.

Through receiving the utmost level of treatment and care from dental implant specialists, Melbourne patients can enjoy the peace of mind, improved oral health and appearance that comes from dental implants.

For More Information on Their Dental Implant Surgery, Melbourne Patients Can Contact Our Clinic Today

For a consultation on the appropriateness of a dental implant, Melbourne patients are encouraged to call Kew Periodontics and Dental Implants to speak with one of our friendly treatment co-ordinators.

Call 03 9853 7700 for all consultation enquiries, or to learn more about our available treatment options.

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