A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jaw bone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once it has healed, it can hold a crown, a bridge or a denture. Implants are one of several ways to replace missing teeth, along with bridges and dentures.
What implants can be used for
- A single missing tooth, replaced with an implant and a crown, without preparing the teeth on either side.
- Several missing teeth, replaced with an implant-supported bridge.
- Implant-retained dentures, where implants help hold a denture firmly in place.
Planning with Cone Beam CT
A 3D Cone Beam CT scan is commonly used to plan implant treatment. It shows the height and width of the bone and the position of nearby nerves and sinuses, which helps plan where the implant should go and whether an implant is suitable. Digital scans of the teeth may also be taken.
The steps
- Consultation and scan. An examination and a Cone Beam CT scan.
- Preparation, if needed. Gum disease or decay is treated first. If there is not enough bone, a bone graft may be needed before the implant can be placed. Bone grafting may be carried out by a periodontist (a specialist in gums and the supporting bone).
- Placing the implant. The implant is usually placed under local anaesthetic.
- Healing. The bone bonds to the implant over a period of months. A temporary tooth can often be worn in the meantime.
- The final tooth. A crown, bridge or denture is made to fit and attached to the implant.
Is an implant right for you?
Implants need healthy gums and enough bone to support them. Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, gum disease and some medicines can affect healing. Implants are not suitable for children whose jaws are still growing.
Looking after implants
Implants need the same care as natural teeth: brushing twice a day, cleaning between the teeth, and regular check-ups and cleans. Without good care, the gum and bone around an implant can become inflamed, which can lead to the implant failing.
Risks
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. With implants these can include infection, swelling and discomfort, damage to nearby teeth or nerves, sinus problems in the upper jaw, and the implant not bonding to the bone. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Health funds
Many health fund extras policies with major dental cover contribute to implant treatment.
Book a consultation
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