Here are some FAQs about implants we often hear…
My dentist has referred me for an implant – what is an implant?
An implant is where we create artificial tooth roots in your jaw using titanium which can support crowns/caps or bridges.
Why do I need implants?
You have a tooth (or teeth) missing. This might be because of an accident, gum disease or a neglected mouth. Getting an implant and replacing the missing tooth will help you eat and smile nicely again.
Why implants rather than dentures?
Implants are a more permanent and fixed solution than dentures or tooth bridges. There’s a few reasons why implants are preferable to dentures or tooth bridges:
- An implant is permanently fixed, so you’ll never forget to put it in in the morning
- Dentures can move around when you eat, and the bite might not be what you’re used to – this isn’t the case with implants.
- Tooth bridges can be a good option but often one of the supporting teeth you’ve hooked the bridge onto will fail and you’ll end up with two holes! An implant is secured into your bone, not another tooth.
- Implants don’t affect your speech or taste like the plate of dentures can, especially when they cover the taste buds on the roof of your mouth.
- Dentures and bridges will fail but for 90% of implants you will have them forever
Is there anything that will make me an unsuitable candidate for an implant?
If you have a serious bleeding disorder, advanced untreated gum disease, very poor oral hygiene or you are a heavy smoker. Talk to us if you have reservations or concerns.
So what’s the process in getting an implant?
If your Dentist has referred you, to us, for an implant we will carefully examine your mouth and take Xrays where appropriate, then we will book you in for surgery. Surgery time depends on the implants or if there’s any extractions needed but generally for one implant you’re looking at between 90 minutes and two hours. Three months later we’ll book you in for a check-up, to ensure the implant has successfully taken with the bone. Then you’ll go back to your own Dentist to get impressions made for your crown, and your crown placed.
How painful is it?
This really depends on the individual; we can say that some clients are amazed at the lack of pain the next day and happily head back to work! The surgery itself is painless – we supply you with pain relief, local anaesthetic and any sedation needed. We take good care of you, giving you a single dose of antibiotics pre-surgery and pain relief for the days after, should you need it. It is normal to feel pain for just a few days afterwards and could be up to a week. The pain should be easily controlled with Panadol and Nurofen.
Is there anything I need to do after the surgery?
If you didn’t have sedation, you can happily drive yourself home after your surgery! Because you will have stitches in your mouth you can’t brush that area for two weeks – instead we’ll give you a mouthwash to use and you will make hot saline rinses. Once your stitches are removed in two weeks’ time, you can go back to normal brushing and flossing. (for those whom live out of town we can use dissolving stitches).
How much will this implant cost me?
For a single implant, surgery is about $3500.00 with our expert Periodontist, Dr Richard Henderson. We do offer payment plans, including online payments, Farmers Card, Q Card with their 12-month interest-free holiday – apply for a card through our website or use an existing card.
How do I look after my implants?
Because they are made of titanium, implants won’t decay or break but you still need to keep them clean – brush, floss, see the hygienist regularly, and we will do annual check-ups to ensure it is healthy and you’re doing a good job in looking after it properly!
We are a Specialist Practice – we’ll do what we can to make your surgery as pain-and-stress-free as possible. You can make your implant appointment online here or via telephone or email. We hope to see you soon!