Dental Implants – Need To Know

For people with chipped, missing or rotten teeth, dental implants are sure to make you smile again! Dental implants can be singular or multiple, depending on how many you need to restore your smile. Your dentist will recommend the exact number of implants needed and work out a treatment plan from the implant placement to the final result.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a metal post that is implanted into the jawbone where a tooth used to be. It works to maintain your bone level and provide a solid foundation for a crown or bridge to be placed on top of.

Why are dental implants recommended?

Dental implants are recommended for people who have cracked, damaged or missing teeth, or who are needing to replace whole arches of their top or bottom teeth. Implants are very durable, making them the closest imitation to your real teeth available.

An alternative to dental implants would be a dental bridge or dentures, however neither of those offer the bone stabilisation or longevity of dental implants.

Checklist of a good dental implant candidate

Most people are good candidates for dental implants if they possess the following characteristics:

• healthy gums and tissue
• strong and sufficient bone structure in your jaw
• non-smoker (for the duration of the treatment)
• no conditions that would affect bone healing

If you do not fit into one of these categories it does not mean that you can’t get an implant but rather you will need to discuss with your dentist.

Dental implant treatment procedure

The entire treatment procedure for dental implants can last 3-6 months from start to finish.

1. Scans and x-rays are done to give the dentist a very clear picture of where to place the implant/s
2. The dental implant is fitted into the jawbone in a minor operation. You will be given an anaesthetic so that you don’t feel pain during the surgery. At Fix Dental, our dentists perform key hole surgery so that the procedure is minimally invasive.
3. Over the next few months, the bone grows naturally around the dental implant.
4. Once the implant is stable in your jawbone, the dentist will then take a scan of the mouth to make the artificial crown. The crown will be made to best suit your natural teeth, considering factors including size, shape and colour.
5. Finally, the artificial crown is attached to the implant and you have your new smile!

Are dental implants painful?

You will feel no pain during any procedure for dental implants as you will be given an anaesthetic to numb the area. While the implant is healing you may experience mild discomfort for around a week after the surgery. This pain can be managed with over the counter painkillers.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants are a safe and effective procedure for replacing teeth. The treatment has been offered for over 30 years as the implants fuse well with bone and function as normal teeth.

How long is the recovery period?

Most people will feel back to normal the next day. The complete healing of your jawbone and gum tissue takes approximately 3-6 months however you don’t continue to feel pain or discomfort beyond around a week.

What happens if you don’t get a dental implant?

If you delay or opt out of replacing your missing teeth you will likely experience bone loss and also over eruption of the opposing tooth. This will impact you later if you choose to have implants, as you will need bone grafts before having the implants fitted which increases the cost of the treatment and the healing time needed. If you have over-eruption you may also need to have treatment on the top tooth to make restorative space.

Single vs multiple implants

If you only need to replace a single tooth, then a single implant will suffice. If you are needing to replace multiple teeth or an entire arch, upper or lower, then you will need multiple implants (often called All-On-4 implants).

How much do dental implants cost?

At Fix Dental Mount Gravatt and Chermside, our implants start at $3999, saving you up to $2000 per tooth compared to other Brisbane dentists.

Other Brisbane dentists will offer dental implants anywhere from $6,000 to $35,000 depending on how many implants you receive. The higher price does not mean you are getting any higher quality or a more experienced dentist. It means that we are able to offer Australian -made implants at such a low price because our experience allows us efficiently streamline our processes and we then pass on these savings to our patients.

Dental Implants vs Bridges or Dentures

Dental implants are often recommended over bridges or dentures as they preserve the health of the jawbone and gum tissue while most closely replicating the aesthetic appearance and strength of natural teeth. Another main advantage of an implant is that it is stand alone and does not rely on other teeth.

Book a dental implant consultation

To learn more about dental implants and how they can transform your smile, book a free consultation with our Brisbane dentists today. We can discuss your options and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Dentist Appointments In Brisbane

Book your next Brisbane dentist appointment online or call our friendly reception.

Fix Dental Chermside: 07 3520 4078.

Fix Dental Mount Gravatt: (07) 3520 4088

Afterpay, Zip, Humm & other interest-free payment plans available in both of our Brisbane dental clinics.