Dental Implants
Providing restorations for to dental implant procedures in our Albury and Wodonga @ SJ Dental.
A permanent solution for missing teeth. Dental implants are small titanium screws placed into your jawbone, below the gum line, acting as an artificial tooth root when the original tooth has gone. They are long-lasting, stable and are often considered the best alternative for individuals missing teeth. If you are missing one tooth, several teeth or have lost all your natural teeth, speak to us today about dental implants.
Benefits of dental implants
- natural-looking, natural feeling tooth replacement option
- function just like your normal teeth (providing the most stability) – no more worrying about dentures slipping when talking, laughing or eating; no more avoiding hard foods
- prevents neighbouring teeth from slipping/migrating – when your natural tooth is gone, it no longer keeps the adjacent teeth in place, causing them to slowly move and potentially create alignment problems
- stimulates the bone – keeping it strong and avoiding bone resorption – a common problem when teeth are missing.
- greater nutrition – enables you to eat a greater variety of healthy foods, increasing nutritional intake and improving health
Getting dental implants: the process
At SJ Dental Wodonga, we often recommend dental implants for individuals who have lost their teeth. We now have an implant dentist who places the implants. Once your implant is placed, we then provide you with the appropriate restoration. Here’s what’s involved.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
NB: If you require extractions, we will perform these before you visit the specialist.
Step 2: Implant Surgeon
In the next appointment, your implant will be placed while in the chair. Having an implant is relatively painless; you’ll also be given plenty of analgesia so you remain comfortable.
Step 3: Healing
Once osseointegration has occurred, your tooth restoration (where we place a crown or an implant-supported denture or bridge) can commence.
Step 4: Restoration
If you have several or all of your teeth missing, we will attach either an implant-supported denture (over-denture) or a fixed bridge as your new permanent teeth.
Do I qualify for dental implants?
Most people can have dental implants; however, there are a few exceptions.
Usually, you’ll be suitable for dental implants if you:
- have a healthy jawbone and enough bone tissue for the implant/s
- don’t have any medical conditions that prevent your bones from healing, such as certain cancers, diabetes
- don’t have periodontitis (gum disease)
All surgical procedures carry risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
What is osseointegration?
Osseointegration is a process where your living bone tissue integrates or fuses with the surface of your artificial tooth implant to become one strong, load-bearing entity resistant to any mechanical forces such as chewing and biting. This process can take up to three months to complete.
How many implants do I need?
You do not need one implant for every missing tooth. That is a common misunderstanding. Sometimes, you may require only 2 – 4 implants for one entire arch. Speak to your dentist to find out more.
Would I benefit from dental implants?
If any of the following statements apply, then implants may be a good solution for you:
- I have lost one or more teeth
- My facial appearance is changing (cheeks and lips falling in, lower jaw decreasing in height)
- My diet is restricted (I can no longer eat what I like anymore)
- My health declining? (Due to problems eating, I can only eat some foods)
- I feel self-conscious by my appearance and avoid smiling, talking or eating in public
- I find wearing dentures uncomfortable
- I suffer from advanced gum disease that is affecting my oral and physical health
Dentures for the Albury and Wodonga Community
Comfortable, natural-looking dentures that allow you to eat and talk freely. Conventional removable dentures are traditional dentures that act as false teeth. They sit on the gum line, giving the appearance and some of the function of natural teeth. Dentures can be made in a variety of different materials and can be full (replacing all missing teeth) or partial (replacing one or a few missing teeth). All our dentures are made in our local denture lab with fast turnaround times.
FAQs about Dental Implants
What are dental implants?
Am I suitable for dental implants?
How much are dental implants?
Keep in mind that the implants are not the only expense. You must consider that there will be several dental visits, possibly bone grafts, and the cost of your new teeth. However, although the cost may be considerable, over the long-term dental implants may provide far better value. You will no longer have to repeatedly purchase new dentures and bear the subsequent maintenance costs. Further, you’ll enjoy considerably improved quality of life.
How do I take care of my dental implants?
If you have fixed implant-supported dentures, they will, of course, not be subject to cavities.
However, you can still develop gum inflammation, infection – and even bone loss. Therefore, you must take good care of your new implant-supported teeth. Further, you must maintain regular dental checkups to assess the quality of your surrounding gums and bone tissue.
What if I don’t have dental implants?
Why are dental implants better than dentures?
As eating is difficult for denture wearers, many become malnourished. Dental implants allow you to eat a wider variety of healthy foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and even steak. Not only is this healthier for the individual, but far better for their emotional well-being and enjoyment.
Is getting dental implants painful?
How long do dental implants last?
How old do I have to be for dental implants?
Can any dentist give me dental implants?
Not all dentists are trained in dental implant placement. Dentist untrained in this procedure will refer you on to a dental implant dentist, periodontist or maxillofacial and oral surgeon.
At SJ Dental in Wondonga, from January 2021, we have a dentist specially trained in implant placement who will perform all dental implant procedures here in the clinic.
What are the complications of dental implants?
- infection of the implant site
- nerve damage – causing pain, tingling or numbness to surrounding areas
- injury or damage to site structures such as blood vessels or neighbouring teeth
- sinus problems – when implants are placed in the upper jaw and, for example, there is not enough bony tissue, the implant can protrude into your sinus cavity. However, careful examination and placement by an experienced, adequately trained dental professional should avoid this problem.