Dental Implants in Parramatta, Sydney

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone to replace missing natural teeth. Implants and their attached crowns closely mimic the look and function of real teeth. They can make an attractive alternative to dentures and bridges.

Dental implant techniques can replace one or several missing teeth. In some cases, an entire set of artificial teeth can be carried on dental implants.

As shown in the illustration, a dental implant is the metal “root” (implant) that is inserted into the jawbone. The artificial tooth (crown) is attached to the implant by use of an abutment. In some cases, instead of an artificial tooth, an implant can be fitted with special clips or attachments (similar to press-studs) to hold a denture. The studs will minimise movement of the denture.

Dental implants:

• Help to withstand greater bite pressures with dentures
• Prevent bone loss in the jaw (this may reduce the risk of adjacent natural teeth becoming loose)
• Prevent the formation of hollowed or collapsed cheeks that can occur after tooth extraction (missing teeth cause bone loss in the jaw)
• Are usually surrounding by gum tissue like natural teeth
• May prevent gum recession
• Unlike bridges, do not require the cutting and reshaping of neighbouring healthy teeth
• Are firmly secured in the jaws
• Are usually more comfortable than dentures
• Usually do not require separate care routines or special cleaning products, as with dentures or bridges
• Like natural teeth, are cleaned by dental floss and brushing with regular toothpaste.

A dental implant is designed to last for many years, but poor oral hygiene can shorten its lifespan. Good oral hygiene is crucial.

Like real teeth, artificial teeth that are not regularly brushed and flossed can develop deposits (plaque and calculus) that eventually lead to dental problems such as bleeding gums, loss of bone, infection and pain.

Properly maintained Implants that are anchored by sufficient bone can last for many years, although repairs may be expected like any other dental appliance.

In order to achieve a good outcome, a patient’s case may need to be managed by several practitioners. While this can affect the length of treatment and costs, it is done in the interests of the patient’s well-being.

Dental Implant Procedures

Different types of implants are available. Most implants are made from materials such as titanium that are capable of forming a strong integration with the surrounding bone tissue. The implant chosen for you by the dentist may not resemble the implant pictured here.

In most cases, the dental implant procedure involves three separate treatment stages:

• Insertion of the implant into the bone
• Insertion of the abutment (or connector) on the implant
• Attachment of the artificial tooth (crown) to the abutment or connector.

The overall implant process can take considerable time. The procedure can take from three to six months or more from surgical placement of the implant to the fitting of the crown.

This depends on the factors such as your general and dental health, the amount of bone, rate of healing, degree of integration between the implant and the bone, and the extent of any other dental problems.

In some cases, the dentist may insert the implant and affix both the abutment and an artificial tooth during a simple operation. However, not every patient is suitable for, and not all dentist offer, this single-stage procedure.

The insertion of the implant can be performed at the dentist’s clinic, at a day-surgery centre, or in hospital. The dentist will advise which setting is the most appropriate for you. Depending on the complexity, the procedure can take from 30 minutes to several hours.

1. PREPARATION OF IMPLANT HOLE: The dentist prepares a site in the gum to expose the underlying bone. A drill prepares a hole in the jawbone to accept the implant. When several missing teeth are being replaced, the number of implants possible depends on the amount of bone available at each site. It is not always necessary to insert one implant per missing tooth because a single implant can support a “bridge” of artificial teeth. Your dentist will tell you how implants are required.
2. INSERTION OF IMPLANTS: The implant is cylindrical and its surface is either threaded or smooth. A threaded implant is screwed into the drilled hole. A smooth-sided implant is gently tapped into position. The gum is stitched closed, and the stitches are removed seven to ten days later. Implant stability improves over the weeks and months as bone tissue grows on the surface of the implant. This process is called “osseointegration” or “biointegration”. The dentist may allow up to six months for your bone to integrate with the implant.
3. INSERTION OF ABUTMENT (CONNECTOR): The abutment is fitted after the bone has healed around the implant. The abutment is the support post or connector between the implant and the crown. The dentist makes an incision into the gum to access the implant and affixes the abutment to the implant. Radiographs (X-rays films) are used to ensure the abutment is correctly placed. A dental impression of your mouth may be taken to finalise the design of the artificial tooth (or teeth). The dentist may allow a few weeks for the gum to heal. 
4. ATTACHMENT OF THE ARTIFICIAL TOOTH: The dentist checks that the implant is strong enough to support the forces exerted by the artificial tooth. If so, the tooth is attached. The artificial tooth may be cemented on to the abutment or fixed to the abutment with a screw that can only be removed by your dentist, or you may opt for detachable teeth that you can remove yourself. Detachable teeth, known as “over-dentures”, are not as sturdy as non-removable teeth are easy to clean thoroughly and repair. In some people, they may feel more comfortable. The dentist can advise which option is best for you. Once the artificial tooth is fitted, a dental X-ray radiograph can be taken to ensure the correct placement of all implant components.
5. DENTURES: Instead of an artificial tooth, an implant can be fitted with special clips or attachments that firmly hold on existing denture in position. The aim is to improve the stability of the denture. Most patients report good results.