Dental Implants Leederville, Perth

The process begins with an initial consultation and assessment, during which your dentist will evaluate your overall oral health, take X-rays, and assess your bone structure. This appointment helps determine your suitability for dental implants.

The surgical procedure to place the dental implant typically lasts one to two hours. Local anaesthesia or sedation may be used to ensure comfort. Your dentist will make an incision in the gum to expose the bone, drills a hole, and inserts the titanium implant into the jawbone. The gum is then stitched to allow for healing.

Once the implant has integrated with the jawbone, a minor procedure is performed to attach the abutment, which connects the implant to the crown. This procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour and involves reopening the gum to place the abutment. A few weeks of healing is needed for the gum to adjust around the abutment. This procedure is not always performed as the abutment may be placed at the same time as the implant is placed.

Finally, the custom-made crown is attached to the abutment. The crown is designed to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and colour, ensuring a natural look and feel.

Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the dental implant and ensure it remains healthy. Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, are crucial for the long-term success of dental implants.

Tooth loss or missing teeth can occur due to various reasons, including:

Periodontal disease: Commonly known as gum disease, periodontal disease is the most common reason for tooth loss. It is an infection of the supporting structures around the tooth roots, leading to bone loss after many years of chronic infection.

Dental cavities: Also known as tooth decay, dental cavities can progress to a stage where the tooth cannot be functionally restored. Outcomes include bone infections which can sometimes lead to an unfortunate tooth extraction procedure.

Cracked teeth: A common occurrence for many, cracked teeth may often be successfully restored. However, fractures can be complicated and if teeth have cracked in such a way that they cannot be maintained, an extraction may be required.

Trauma: there are a variety of ways teeth may be lost due to trauma, including, sports accidents, root fractures due to failed root canal treatment, defects to the jaw and much more.

Congenital absence: This is a common abnormality where the baby tooth is present without a permanent tooth to replace it. Even though the baby tooth may remain in function for a long time, it will eventually fail due to a loss of root support or dental disease.

Dental implant procedures aren’t the cheapest form of dental surgery. Dental implant treatment involves high-quality equipment and materials, and multiple follow up appointments to ensure they are successfully placed and look as natural as possible. Some private health insurance policies provide coverage for dental implants, which can help alleviate these costs.

Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. The titanium implant itself, which is surgically placed into the jawbone, is highly durable and can integrate well with the bone. The crown, abutment, and other components may require replacement due to normal wear and tear, typically lasting 15 to 30 years.

The dental implant procedure is generally well-tolerated, and most patients report minimal discomfort. During the procedure, local anaesthesia is used to numb the area, preventing pain and ensuring comfort. Some patients may also receive sedation to help them relax. While you might feel pressure and some movement, pain is typically not experienced during the surgery.

It is normal to experience some minor discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following the surgery. This discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Your dentist will provide specific instructions for post-operative care to minimise discomfort and promote healing, including recommendations for diet and oral hygiene.

The entire dental implant procedure varies but typically spans several months. The initial consultation and assessment, including an examination and X-rays, take about 30 to 60 minutes. The surgical procedure to place the implant lasts one to two hours per single tooth implant.

After placing the titanium implant, a healing period of typically three months is needed for the implant to integrate with the jawbone. Once integrated, you’ll need to come back again to place the abutment. Followed by a few weeks of healing, the final crown attachment is usually completed in another visit.