Dental Implants Melbourne | Enhance Dental

Dental implants in Melbourne

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Dental implants

Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement option that closely resembles natural teeth. Not only is the top portion of the tooth replaced, but a metal root is surgically placed to securely hold the tooth in place. The ‘root’ is made of titanium and is designed to fuse to the jaw bone as a secure foundation. Once implanted, dental implants look, feel and function like natural teeth.

At Enhance Dental, we provide dental implant procedures for suitable patients as a long-term option for missing or damaged teeth. Conveniently located just minutes from South Melbourne, Prahran, Toorak and South Yarra, we provide complete dental services for patients throughout Melbourne’s inner south.

Dental implants are often used to replace a single tooth, but can also replace multiple teeth or all of your missing teeth (as shown below). You may have heard about ‘All on Four” to replace all your teeth with dental implants. This simply means four implants are used to usually replace fourteen upper or lower teeth. However, each case is individually customised to your particular circumstances with the appropriate number of implants recommended.

Types of Implants available

STEP 1 – Digital 3D X-rays

Your assessment may include digital 3D CBCT and panoramic X-rays, along with digital scans, to help plan treatment. Dr Joseph Paino will assess whether dental implants and a guided keyhole approach are suitable for your individual circumstances.

STEP 2 – Customised 3D designed template

For suitable patients, Dr Joseph Paino plans the implant position using computer-guided planning and a customised 3D-printed surgical guide. The guide helps transfer the treatment plan to the placement procedure. The surgical approach, need for stitches and number of appointments depend on your individual treatment plan.

STEP 3 – Minimally invasive keyhole guided implant procedure

Where suitable, Dr Joseph Paino uses the planned surgical guide for implant placement. A keyhole approach is not appropriate for every patient; some cases require a different surgical approach or additional procedures. Anaesthesia, possible discomfort, recovery and risks will be discussed before treatment. Implant placement is one stage of treatment, followed by healing and fitting the replacement tooth or teeth.

Implant, abutment and crown components

Enhance Dental Melbourne Actual Enhance Dental Patient

STEP 4 – Your new teeth and smile

After the implant adheres to the bone, a dental implant crown will be securely attached via a connector, known as an abutment, with a precision retained screw to create your new tooth or teeth. As we want you to have the best results possible, usually it is best to delay fitting the permanent implant crown on the day of the procedure. Don’t worry, as a temporary tooth will be provided if required.

Enhance Dental Melbourne Actual Enhance Dental Patient

After Dental Implant Melbourne Actual Enhance Dental Patient

Contact Us Today

If you think dental implants may be right for you, please contact our friendly team. Our dentist is happy to discuss the procedure and cost with you and determine if it’s the best dental solution for you.

At Enhance Dental, we provide a comprehensive range of dental services for the whole family. From cosmetic dentistry (such as porcelain veneers and teeth whitening), to emergency dentistry, or the Invisalign system, our team is ready to work with you for a lifetime of oral health. Just minutes from South Yarra, Prahran, and Toorak, our practice is located at 566 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.

Benefits of dental implants

Improved Facial Appearance

When teeth are lost, ongoing shrinkage of the jawbone often occurs and this could make the face look older or sunken in. Dental implants can usually slow or stop this process. Dental implants may help preserve the integrity of the facial structure and the associated jaw bones. This may result in a more youthful and improved facial appearance.

Improved Comfort

Dental implants may reduce the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Since dentures sit on top of the gums and jawbone, continuous shrinkage of the jaw bone alters the fit of the denture resulting in slipping or rocking of the dentures. Exposed nerves, irritation or ulceration of the gum tissue may add to the discomfort. Implant supported replacement teeth are closer to natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone. Gum irritation, ulcers and the pain of exposed nerves that may be associated with conventional full or partial dentures are often eliminated.

Eat Better

Dental implants can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. Unlike dentures they do not move when you chew on them. This helps you to eat your favourite foods with confidence and without pain. A full upper denture covers the palate of the mouth and reduces the ability to taste foods. With dental implants the palate is naturally exposed. This allows the wonderful tastes, textures and temperatures of food and drink to be appreciated and enjoyed.

Confidence

Dental implants can eliminate the numerous embarrassing inconveniences of removable partial and full dentures. You will eliminate the use of gooey denture adhesives that may be used. You may feel much more confident knowing that you never need to cover your mouth when you laugh or smile, for fear that your teeth could pop out or fall down.

Protect Your Remaining Natural Teeth

Dental implants may be more appropriate than a bridge for the replacement of one or more adjacent teeth. With conventional bridgework, the teeth surrounding the missing teeth must be ground down. Dental implants eliminate the need to modify these teeth.

Frequently asked questions

What is the success rate of dental implants?

Dental implant success depends on several factors including the quality and quantity of the bone available at the site, the patient’s oral hygiene and overall general health. The consensus is that a dental implant carries a success rate from *95% to 98%. Certain medical diseases including gum disease, smoking and uncontrolled diabetes may contraindicate implant treatment. Your Enhance Dental dentist will determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical health history. If your bone quality or quantity is insufficient for an implant to be done, you have the choice of being referred to an Oral surgeon to see if bone grafting is a suitable option for you. Alternatively a bridge or partial denture may be a suitable option.

*REFERENCE:
1) Long term clinical performance of 10 871 dental implants with up to 22 years of follow-up: A cohort study in 4247 patients
David French DDS, Dip.Perio,Ronen Ofec DMD, MSc,Liran Levin DMD, FRCD(C)
2) Esposito M, Grusovin MG, Willings M, Coulthard P, Worthington HV (2007). “The effectiveness of immediate, early, and conventional loading of dental implants: a Cochrane systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials”. The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants 22 (6): 893–904.

How long does it take?

The complete dental implant reconstruction process normally takes from 4 to 6 months. Faster methods are being developed but are only suitable in specific circumstances. Up until the dental implant is ready to be permanently connected to a crown, bridge or removable denture a temporary tooth or teeth can be placed over the dental implant(s). Time is needed for your jawbone to grow around dental implants and for your replacement teeth to be made. Procedures vary, but it usually includes one or more surgical steps and then the restoration is fabricated over two or more appointments.

What is the cost of dental implants?

The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to or at the time of placement of your dental implants to help improve the long-term health of your dental implant. Typically, there is a fee for the surgical procedures and a separate fee to attach the posts (called abutments) and construction of your replacement tooth. To obtain a specific fee estimate, call Enhance Dental on (03)9533-8488 for a consultation about your individual requirements.

Is there pain with a dental implant?

Local anaesthesia is commonly used for implant placement. Discomfort and swelling can occur afterwards, and recovery varies between patients. Your dentist will discuss pain management, aftercare and any appropriate sedation options as part of your individual treatment plan.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

If you are missing one or more of your teeth due to injury, disease or decay, you may be a suitable candidate for dental implants. If one or a few teeth are missing, dental implants in conjunction with a crown or bridge may be able to replace those teeth. If all or most of your teeth are missing, then dental implants may be placed to replace a loose fitting full or partial denture. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the dental implant(s) along with healthy gum tissues that are free of gum disease. If you have inadequate jaw bone or the sinus in the upper jaw is too close, often there are bone grafting methods or a sinus lift available via referral to an Oral surgeon. Certain diseases (such as uncontrolled diabetes), smoking or medications may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical health history.

For an informative consultation about dental implants to replace a single tooth, several teeth or all of your missing teeth,
call our very experienced and caring team at Enhance Dental on (03)9533-8488

*Please note, as every situation is unique, the images shown cannot represent a guarantee of outcome and not everyone is suitable for a keyhole procedure. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. ©copyright

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