Dentist in Newcastle | Watagan Dental | Offering dental implants
If you are looking for a dentist who provides quality dental implants at affordable prices then look no further. Visit our website to find out more!
What are dental implants? How do they work?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. They are used by dentists as a replacement for missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants serve an important function, to mimic a natural tooth root. Dental implants are fantastic at providing a stable foundation to place single or multiple crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million people have implants and that number is growing by 500,000 a year.
Dental implant options - What can I do with them?
Single and multiple dental crowns
Dental implant treatment can replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. In some patients, an entire set of artificial teeth can be replaced with dental implants. Once the single dental implant has been placed an artificial tooth (crown) is attached.
Ceramic dental bridges
You may be familiar with tooth-bonded bridges. Implant-supported bridges are the same however instead of a natural tooth root dental implants are used. Due to the cost of dental implants bridges can be used to reduce the total treatment cost. Instead of using an implant for every tooth in a long span of missing teeth, 2 - 5 implants can be placed and a bridge used to span the gap.
When 4-5 implants are used to replace a full upper jaw of teeth this is known as an all-on-4 dental implant treatment.
Implant-supported overdenture
In some cases, instead of an artificial ceramic tooth, multiple implants can be fitted with special clips and attachments to hold a partial or full denture. These can help minimize the movement which can occur in poorly fitting existing dentures. Implant-supported dentures are more comfortable, provide less gum irritation, and function better than standalone dentures.
How long do dental implants last?
A dental implant is designed to last for many years. The recent evidence suggests dental implants have a 90% success rate over 10 years. If they are looked after and maintained they are very reliable.
Like teeth implants require regular cleaning and good oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can shorten an implants lifespan. In some patients who suffer from gum disease it is important to have this resolved before dental implant placement. The gum disease could weaken the gum tissue and surrounding jawbone which can lead to a jaw that is not strong enough to support an implant.
There are different types of implants - Which one is right for me?
There are two main types of implants. Intraosseous is the most common. This implant commonly resembles the shape of a tooth root and is placed directly into the jaw bone. The second type of implant is a subperiosteal implant. These are placed below the gum but on top of the bone. 99% of the time an intraosseous implant is indicated over a subperiosteal implant.
Subperiosteal are mainly used when there is not enough bone and the bone isn’t in a state that can handle bone grafting or regeneration procedures. In cases where subperiosteal implants may be the only option we can refer to a specialist maxillofacial surgeon for assessment.
What is the recovery time for dental implants?
After healing dental implants are painlessly comfortable. The recovery period after dental implant surgery varies depending on many factors. This includs medical history and bone health before surgery; if a tooth extraction was performed at the same time as the implant placement; how many teeth were replaced and if any gum grafting was needed.
After dental implant surgery, mild discomfort can take about one week to subside. Your dentist may recommend something that relieves your pain. On average, it just takes a couple of days to feel normal again. Full bone healing in an around the dental implant takes anywhere from 3-6 months to complete. During this time you can leave the space or have a tooth replacement provided. It is important that the implant is allowed to settle during this period and not be overused. This is the best way to increase the sucess rate of your dental implant procedure.
Potential Risks And Complications Of Dental Implants
Dental implant surgery, like any other procedure, carries some health risks. But, problems are uncommon, and when they happen, they are usually minor and can be treated.
Infection at the site of the implant.
Injuries or damage to nearby tissues, such as other teeth or blood vessels.
Nerve damage can result in discomfort, numbness, or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin.
The upper jaw implant may cause sinus problems and pressure.
Jaw pain and a fractured jaw.
Minor discomfort or pain is normal following the dental implant procedure. However, if excessive bleeding or swelling persists, contact your dentist immediately.
What is a bone graft and why is it needed in dental implant treatment?
A bone graft is a surgical dental procedure to replace and regenerate jaw bone volume, so that dental implants can be placed successfully. If there’s not enough bone, the dental implant cannot attach to the jaw and will either fail or not last as long as it should. You will need bone grafting if the jaw is too thin, short or is insufficient around important vital structures to prevent nerve damage and sinus problems. Dental procedures like a sinus lift can make it possible to place a single tooth implant where normally it may not be possible.
With medical advances new techniques have become available to make bone grafting and regeneration more effective. We can use the your own growth factors and stem cells to promote bone regeneration and grafting. At Watagan Dental we use the newer generation of concentrated growth factors (CGF) and also offer the previous generation Platelet-rich plasma (PRP). CGF and PRP can help to increase healing and reduce post extract discomfort. We also can seal over the area with a membrane made from the CGF to close the extraction site completely.
How do you take care of dental implants?
Appropriate routine dental care is important in order to keep your implant disease-free. If you're interested in keeping your dental implant healthy, it's important to visit the dentist regularly and have them clean off any remains of food or bacteria. You also have an important role in the success of your new tooth. Taking care of your implant with proper at home dental care is essential.
We have provided a brief outline on general care however specific care for your dental implant is best sought from your dentist.
Clean at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush
Use a low-abrasive toothpaste
Brush under and around the implant crown
Use a nylon coated interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach places
Floss daily with unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss
Use a recommended oral irrigator
The cost of dental implants in Australia
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and type of replacement teeth. Dental implants are made up of two components. The first being the implant fixture itself and the second being the tooth replacement that is fixed on top of the implants. Different types of restorations include single crowns, bridges, implant supported overdenture and full arch brides (this is what people mean when they say all on 4 or 5 dental implants)
Dental implant cost (with a ceramic tooth) starts at around $4,500 and it goes up from there based on difficulty, the amount of dental implants required and type of artificial tooth that will be fixed onto the implant(s).
Claiming dental implants on private health insurance
Many health funds in Australia will cover a percentage of the cost of dental implants. They are classified under major dental procedures which your health fund may or may not cover. Each health fund and package will vary and it is best to check with your healthfund what your benefits entail.
In order to get the most out of your benefits, it's important that you know private health insurers and their policies work. With dental implants and some other procedures like Invisalign and Spark Aligners - the dental implants cost can be split over two benefit years. The first year, you'll get to claim the dental surgery portion and the dental surgery preparation costs. The second benefit year can then be used restore the implant with a dental crown or other replacement teeth.
Where can I get a dental implant?
At Watagan Dental our dentists are trained to provide dental implants from the placement of the titianium screw all the way to your new tooth replacement. We are conveniently located in a place called Cooranbong which is near Morisset.
If your jawbone and gum tissue complicates implant placement we will send you to one of our trusted specialist surgeons who will be able to place your dental implant. They will then send you back to us to have the artificial tooth replacement made.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU
We're conveniently located on Freemans Drive in Cooranbong. You will find plenty of free parking at the rear of the building right next to our comfortable and relaxing reception.
646 Freemans Drive, Cooranbong NSW 2265
Monday - Friday:
9am - 5pm
Wednesday:
9:30am - 5:30pm