Dental Implants

The whole story

What exactly is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and allowed to fuse (Osseo-integrate) with the bone and serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Implant supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants are a proven tooth replacement option with a long clinical history.

Are dental implants successful?

Research and documentation studies have proven the effectiveness and long lasting results of dental implants. Properly placed implants have over 90% success rate at 30 years. Good oral hygiene is one of the most critical factors to insure the health of your dental implants. We can instruct you on the proper home hygiene procedures to keep your dental implants and remaining teeth clean and healthy. You can rely on your replacement teeth to look, feel and function like natural teeth for years to come.

Who is a candidate?

Anyone who is missing one or more of their teeth due to injury, disease or decay, may be a candidate for dental implants.

If one or a few teeth are missing, dental implants in conjunction with a crown or bridge can replace those teeth quite easily.

If all or most of your teeth are missing, the dental implants may be placed to secure or entirely replace a loose fitting denture. Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits that dental implants offer. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. We can determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and medical health history.

Improved appearance

When teeth are lost, on-going shrinkage of the jawbone occurs making the face look older. Dental implants can slow or stop this process altogether. Dental implants look and feel like your own natural teeth.

Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Since dentures sit on top of the jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage of the jaw bone alters the fit of the denture resulting in slipping or rocking of the dentures. Exposed nerves and irritation of the gum tissue may add to the discomfort.

Implant supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone. Gum irritation and the pain of exposed nerves associated with conventional full or partial dentures are eliminated.

Improved speech

With ill-fitting dentures, the teeth slip and slide around the mouth. The facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the teeth in place. This often results in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. You can secure your denture once and for all with implants. Special attachments on the implants lock on to the underside of your denture, fixing it in place.

Eat better

Dental implants can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. This allows you to eat your favourite foods with confidence and without pain, enjoy what everyone is eating and not think twice about it. If you have a full upper denture, it covers the palate of the mouth and reduces the ability to taste foods. With dental implants, you can have the palate removed from your upper denture so you can taste and enjoy your food.

Protect your natural teeth

Dental implants are often more appropriate than a bridge for the replacement of one or more teeth. With conventional bridgework, the teeth surrounding missing teeth must be ground down. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify these teeth, preserving as much of your natural teeth as possible.

How long does it take?

The complete implant process can take from two weeks to twelve months. Each case is different. Time is needed for your jawbone to grow around the implant and for your replacement teeth to be made. There are usually three steps:

• 1. The dental implants are placed into your jawbone. Bone cells grow around the implants that may take up to six months to occur.
• 2. A healing post is connected to your implant(s). Your gums heal around the post for a period of 2-6 weeks or longer.
• 3. Your dentist attaches a post and makes the replacement teeth. In some cases, a newer method allows implants to be placed and restored almost immediately. You can have new teeth in only two weeks.

Is there pain?

Just as with any minor surgery, there can be some discomfort. Anaesthesia and IV sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure. Most patients report that there is very little discomfort and that they don't remember any of the procedure.

How much will it cost?

The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. Typically, there is a fee for the surgical procedure and a separate fee to attach the final crown. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary for us to examine your mouth. An initial implant consultation with Dr Alex McIntosh is $145 (includes a full mouth x-ray). Financial arrangements are available to spread the cost over a number of years. Remember, if you have lost your teeth through an accident or injury, ACC may contribute to your dental implant. After a thorough diagnostic examination, we will recommend the treatment that is best for you and what your investment would be for the procedure.

Dental Implant fees start from $6,000 for a single tooth replacement (little more than a conventional 3-tooth bridge). However, the cost of non-treatment can be considerably more expensive. Continual bone loss occurs from the wearing of full dentures and partial plates. This progressive loss of bone can eventually cause nerve exposure, jaw fracture and a complete inability to function with regular dentures. Placing implants before the bone loss becomes severe not only saves money in the long run, but also slows the bone loss process, increasing the likelihood of long term success.

Some may believe that dental implants are expensive. However, when one evaluates the long term benefits that come from having secure, functional, attractive teeth and a winning smile - implants are not expensive at all. For those patients who prioritise dental health, we have been able to provide financial options to cater to every income level. For some, seeking a personal loan has been the solution to finding the funds.

Summary - what are the advantages of Dental Implants?

• 1. We are living longer. This has created a need for longer-lasting and more functional tooth replacements.
• 2. Removable dentures and partial plates are inconvenient, less sturdy, and not permanent. Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Since dentures sit on top of the jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage of the jaw bone alters the fit of the denture resulting in slipping or rocking of the dentures. Exposed nerves and irritation of the gum tissue may add to the discomfort. Implant supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone. Gum irritation and the pain of exposed nerves associated with conventional full or partial dentures are eliminated.
• 3. The alternatives such as bridges require grinding down of your other teeth. Literature shows that the average lifespan of a conventional bridge is 7-10 years. If you are in your 40's, you may have to change your bridge 3-4 more times in your lifetime!
• 4. Dental implants are more stable, more convenient, more practical and more natural looking.
• 5. When teeth are lost, there in on-going shrinkage of the jawbone which may make your face look older. Dental implants stimulate the bone, slow down this shrinkage and prevent bone loss.