The Dental Implant Procedure

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium fixture that is placed into your jawbone beneath your gums. Once this implant is in place, a dentist can mount a replacement tooth onto this, securing it and providing a realistic feeling tooth to replace the missing one.

At Brisbane Dental Implant Group, we have a great deal of experience and skill when it comes to crafting dental implants and can provide you with the peace of mind you need coming into this procedure. Many people worry about the pain or the discomfort that they may feel. We recognise this and make every effort to ensure you are entirely comfortable throughout the dental implant procedure with pain management and by explaining the entire process to you.

How do dental implants work?

When you have a dental implant in your mouth you don’t have to worry about it moving around because it is fused to your jawbone. Because of this, any dentures or bridges that you may have will not move or slip around – even when eating or speaking. In some cases, a bridge might be suitable for your missing tooth. But in other cases, due to pain, discomfort, or sore spots, a bridge or denture might not be suitable. In this instance a dental implant may be suitable.

The dental implant procedure

Dental surgery to target tooth loss at the source

Dental implants at Brisbane Dental Implant Group combine the best of modern science and technology, including a team approach spanning several disciplines. By providing all your dental implant treatment in one location, you can get to know your treating doctors and truly experience superior levels of dental implant care.

For those who do not have an adequate amount of jawbone available, a bone graft is generally necessary before the tooth implant procedure can commence. This will be established at your initial consultation where our dentists will conduct a thorough dental assessment to ensure you are an ideal candidate for dental implant surgery.

Generally, ideal candidates for Brisbane implants include:

• Those who are in good dental and general health
• Those who have an adequate amount of jawbone
• Those who are free of dental disease such as periodontitis or tooth decay

Dental implant procedure steps

At Brisbane Dental Implant Group, we usually complete the dental implant procedure in two phases, and this is generally for those who can proceed straight to implant placement without the need for a bone graft. Prior to proceeding to surgery our dental professional and specialists will discuss all aspects of your treatment including all associated costs, risks and any possible complications. This will help you make an informed decision about continuing to surgery.

• We will take scans and x-rays of your mouth and jaw area to ensure that we know exactly where to place the implant
• The process of putting your dental implant in place requires a minor surgical procedure.

Phase One: placing the implant

This first stage of treatment is when your implant will be placed beneath the gum surface. We generally are able to perform this within our office as only local anaesthesia or light sedation is required. This is simply to provide a comfortable experience for the patient, minimising any discomfort or pain.

• The team at Brisbane Dental Implant Group are highly trained to perform this procedure and utilise gentle surgical techniques when placing the implant at the site.
• A 3 to 6 month period of healing is required before moving to the next phase.

This allows the implant to fuse to the jaw bone as bone heals, providing a solid foundation for the addition of the false tooth.

Phase Two: fixing your prosthetic to the implant

Now that the implant has been placed, acting as a natural tooth root, the next phase involves a replacement of the visible crown.

• As implants can be used to replace one or more missing teeth or even a complete arch, the false attachment will be unique to the patient need.
• During your initial consultation with Brisbane Dental Implant Group, we will recommend the best treatment for you based upon your tooth loss experience.

How long is the dental implant process?

The length of your dental implant procedure will depend on multiple factors including the number of teeth involved, dental health and the specific teeth that need to be replaced.

If dental implants are for your lower jaw, it takes 3 months for the dental implants to heal or intergrate with the bone after being placed. If the implants are in your upper jaw, this will take 6 months. The number of visits to the dentist will vary depending on all the above factors too. The need for any bone rebuilding may alter these time frames.

What to expect following your dental implant procedure

Once you have had your gentle procedures in Brisbane, you may notice some pain, swelling, bruising and potentially even some bleeding from your gums. You may need to stick to foods that are soft after your dental implant procedure, just to be gentle on the area. You do not need to do anything special to care for the dental implant after the procedure, and we will advise you on the best way to take care of the implant for a long and healthy future of use.

• Brush and floss the tooth just as you would your other teeth
• Be gentle on the dental implant and treat it with care
• Take time to let the dental implant heal before moving on to crunchy foods

The benefits of getting a dental implant are high; you no longer have to deal with a missing tooth, and you do not have to wear a bridge or a denture that you have to remove.

The risks of getting a dental implant are manageable, but as with all surgical procedures, there are risks including infection, injury to other teeth, nerve damage, sinus problems, and complications with anaesthetic.

The Dental Implant Procedure Brisbane

A dental implant is a potentially life-changing operation which allows you to regain your confidence and your smile. Are you ready to transform your entire smile? Contact Brisbane Dental Implant Group today to make your dental implant appointment.