DENTAL IMPLANTS

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?

A dental implant is is a titanium screw which replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. This screw is then used to support a crown, bridge or denture. Dental implant treatment has two stages - surgical and restorative. Our Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons carry out the surgical stage of the treatment, and work in a team approach with your general dentist or prosthodontist, who provides the restorative treatment (making and fitting the overlying crown, bridge or denture).

Following the surgery and a healing period (usually approximately 3 months), the titanium screw integrates wth the surrounding bone to provide support for the restoration (crown, bridge or implant). To ensure the best chances of success, the ideal patient for a dental implant has good overall health, a healthy mouth and good oral hygiene, as well as adequate bone support. Our surgeons take a comprehensive history, carry out a thorough examination, and use CT scans and digital impressions to assess these factors.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?

 

For suitable patients, the success rates of dental implants is very high (98% +). In many situations, dental implants are beneficial over other options, as the implant can replace missing teeth without affecting the adjacent teeth, can remove the need for partial dentures, or can provide support for a denture, which improves chewing function and comfort.

HOW MUCH DO DENTAL IMPLANTS COST?

 

The cost of dental implant treatment can be divided into two parts - surgical and restorative. For the costs involved with the restorative treatment, it is recommended to contact your general dentist or prosthodontist. The exact fee for the surgical placement of implants depends on a few different factors, including the number of implants required, and whether any bone, sinus or soft tissue grafting is required. Treatment may be eligible for a rebate from your private health fund if you have extras cover (depending on your health fund and your level of cover). Some grafting procedures will also be eligible for a Medicare rebate.

For a straightforward single implant, you can expect the surgical placement of the implant to cost $2900, prior to any private health fund rebates. For the placement of multiple implants a discount may apply.

If required, the cost of grafting procedures may range from $500 - $2500, depending on the type of grafting and the biomaterials required. If you have any questions, please contact our team for more information.

DENTAL IMPLANT PROCESS

 

The successful placement of dental implants takes a number of treatment steps. The exact steps vary depending on the individual situation of each patient.

  1. Consultation and examination. Our doctors get to know you and your medical history, and carry out a careful examination of your mouth, teeth and occlusion (bite). Digital impressions (we have a scanner so there are no messy impressions!) are taken at this stage, and x-rays or 3 dimensional scans (Cone beam or CBCT scan) are requested to image the bone.

    These scans and impressions are used to understand where to best place the implant, using contemporary digital planning software.

    Our doctors will then discuss the various treatment options with you and your general dentist or prosthodontist, to come up with the best possible solution.

  2. Sometimes minor surgery may be required to remove the tooth if it is still in place, or for some patients, bone grafting surgery can be required improve the amount of bone available to anchor the implant. Our surgeons will discuss these options with you if required.

  3. Once the implant plan is finalised, minor surgery is carried out to place the implant (titanium screw). This surgery can be done with numbing (local anaesthetic) or whilst asleep (IV sedation or general anaesthesia) to maximise comfort. Please see this page for more information about anaesthetic options.

  4. We then need to wait for the bone around the implant to heal, which is a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration takes around 3 months on average.

  5. Following healing, we then verify that the implant is stable, before asking you to return to your general dentist or prosthodontist for restoration of the implant. Restoration of the implant will involve your dentist taking impressions and having a crown, bridge or denture custom made for your implant.

DENTAL IMPLANTS AT FOCUS ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

 

At Focus Dental Specialists, our Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons provide expertise in all aspects of dental implant surgery. We work closely with your restorative general dentist or prosthodontist to provide the placement of single, multiple or full mouth implants. We also specialise in complex and technique sensitive procedures such as soft tissue or bone grafting, using a range of techniques and quality materials to suit your situation.

We use leading dental implant systems, which are backed by extensive research, and utilise contemporary techniques such as digital impressions for 3D digital treatment planning and guided implant surgery.

We cater for a range of situations including:

  • Front teeth in an aesthetic area

  • Back teeth to provide better chewing function

  • Implants to support fixed crowns or bridges

  • Implants to provide support and stability to dentures

  • Implants placed at the same time as extraction

  • Implants placed while asleep (under general anaesthesia)

  • Minor or major tissue grafting if required

  • Sinus grafting

  • Innovative solutions in situations where there is minimal bone eg. Zygomatic implants, ‘All-on-4’ type implants

Whatever your situation, we will work closely with your restorative dentist to ensure your treatment is optimised for long term aesthetic and functional success.

WHY CHOOSE FOCUS ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY?

 

Dr William Huynh, Dr Omar Breik and Jameel Kaderbhai are all oral surgery specialists, with extensive experience in dental implant surgery. Our clinics are conveniently located in Coorparoo, Brisbane, and Bardon Brisbane, and are purpose-built for oral surgical procedures. For patients who do not wish to be awake during their surgery, we can also offer a range of options, including IV sedation, and general anaesthetic. Our aim is to turn surgery into as comfortable and pleasant an experience as possible. We also offer transparent pricing, and flexible payment options, including AfterPay and Zip Money for your dental implant surgery.

 Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner