The solutionsfor a beautiful and healthy smile for all ages! Our Philosophy Our goal is to ensure, using the most advanced techniques, that you and your family get to keep all your teeth throughout your life; pain free, with dignity, and with good function and appearance. In this practice the aim of the staff is to provide you with first-class dental care. As in many things, prevention is better than cure. If sound advice regarding preventive dentistry is followed, you will find that the amount of future dental treatment needed is greatly reduced. • Call 9314 5226 for an appointment or a   dental emergency • Open Monday to Saturday by appointment • Click here for Map • Contact us Services Technically advanced cosmetic and general dentistry DENTAL IMPLANTS Dental implants: Click here to watch a video Why get a dental implant and what is a dental implant? Missing teeth may not only affect an individual’s appearance, but also their self-esteem and self-confidence. Additionally missing teeth may cause issues with eating leading to secondary health problems such as malnutrition. Dental implants offer individuals the opportunity to replace their missing teeth and eliminate such difficulties, leaving them with a new and natural smile for years to come. Implants are a good option for individuals who have lost a tooth or teeth due to an injury, a disease or decay. The only limitation is the amount of bone available. The procedure is considered to be the most functionally effective and durable choice for the restoration of missing teeth. Dental implants are made of titanium and the crowns are made usually of high grade porcelain fused to precious metals such as gold. Implants are a preferred method to teeth restoration as oppose to dentures of bonded bridges because they are permanent and therefore there should be no shifting, breaking or falling out of the mouth. Another advantage of implants is that unlike dentures or bonded bridges they do not allow for shrinkage of the jawbone which may cause an individual’s face to look older. What is the procedure of a dental implant? An implant is essentially a small titanium fixture which can be placed in the upper or lower jaw serving to replace the root portion of a missing tooth. With time it bonds with the bone to serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. A dental implant is composed of a titanium material screw and a crown. The procedure can be completed in a single visit but will initially require a period of osseointegration which is the process by which the implant root and the bone of the jaw bond together forming an anchor. To start the procedure a small pilot hole is drilled into the space where the tooth is missing to guide the titanium screw that will be responsible for holding the implant in place. The hole is then slowly widened in order to allow placement of the implant screw. A protective cover screw is then placed on top to allow the site of the implant to heal and for osseointegration to take place. After three to six months the protective cover is removed and a temporary crown is placed on top of the dental implant. Over time the gum will shape itself around the crown. The final step is when the temporary crown is replaced by a permanent crown. Recently an alternative to the two-stepped approach has been developed allowing the implant to be installed as a whole piece in one session. This new method has simplified the procedure for both patients and dentists. The procedure is chosen depending on several factors, such as the patient's dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are being replaced. How successful are dental implants? According to recent statistics, the success rate of individual implants is high and is considered to be one of the most successful procedures in dentistry. Studies have shown a five-year success rate of 95% for the lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants. Dental implants are not susceptible the formation of cavities however good oral hygiene is still emphasizes in order to avoid problems such as gum diseases. It is important to note that if you are a smoker you will be advised to stop smoking before undergoing the process as smokers have a high risk of implant failure. How should I care for the implant? Keep up normal dental hygiene routines including brushing and flossing regularly. It is also important to have your teeth checked every six months or more frequently if advised. Click here to return to Services