Dental Implants

Dental implants are basically titanium screws that are carefully and painlessly fixed to the jawbone, which are then attached to a dental crown or bridge. They are a perfect solution for anyone who is a missing a tooth and would like it replaced in a reliable and comfortable way. Once a dental implant and crown is placed, you would not even know it is there!

Dental implants work through a process called osseointegration. Basically, the titanium implant integrates with your jawbone to create an incredibly strong connection (forming the root of your tooth), whilst a beautiful porcelain crown is created from a dental technician, and attached onto your implant by the dentist (forming the top part of your tooth). The success rate of dental implants can be very high, as long as the procedure is done well, and good materials are utilised. Rest assured at Epsom Dental, our dentists have extensive experience in providing dental implants, and we only utilize the best Australian-made materials so you can have a dental implant and crown that lasts for many years or decades!

PROCEDURE

An implant-crown requires 3 appointments over approximately 3-4 months. At the first appointment, the dentist will painlessly place the dental implant into the jawbone under local anaesthesia. A special healing cap will be placed so that food doesn’t interfere with the implant over the next few weeks. Post-op instructions will be provided to you so that you will have minimal pain and problems after the procedure.

At the second appointment (approximately 10-12 weeks later), the healing cap is removed, and a mould of your implant is taken, which is then sent to the dental technician to create your beautiful porcelain crown. The healing cap will then be placed back for just 2 more weeks, until the dentist is ready to attach the crown to your implant.

At your final appointment, the porcelain crown is either mechanically attached or cemented onto your implant, and final minor adjustments can be made so that the crown feels seamless in your mouth. You should be able to bite and chew on your implant crown almost immediately. It is important to note that re-tightening of the crown may be required, as temporary loosening of the crown may occur after several years of biting and chewing. Rest assured that this is normal.