Single Implants

The ideal candidate for single implants is a patient who:

• Have one missing tooth,
• Are generally healthy, meaning they do not have any serious medical conditions
• Have healthy gums,
• Are in good dental health enough to undergo dental extractions or oral surgery,
• Have sufficient bone density to accommodate an implant, and
• Can maintain good oral hygiene.

There are various stages to dental implant surgery. It’s an outpatient dental procedure that takes anywhere from three to six months to complete. Local anaesthesia, IV sedation, or general anaesthesia may be used, depending on the situation.

First, the dentist will examine your gums, teeth, and jawbone. During this initial dental exam, it’s critical to establish whether you have enough healthy jawbone to sustain the implant. If you have a soft or thin jawbone, you may need a bone graft before you can start the dental implant process. Before beginning the surgical procedure, we also need to make sure that your gums are healthy.

Next comes the implant placement. The dentist will cut the gums to expose the bone during dental surgery. After that, they’ll drill holes in it. The implant will then be placed deeply into the bone to act as a root structure. A temporary detachable solution or healing cap will be utilized to fill in the gap while the implant heals beneath the gums of the front tooth. If it’s a back tooth, it won’t be covered.

It may take 3–6 months for the bone to develop around the titanium screw after it is inserted. Fusion of the bone with the implant is called osseointegration. As a result of osseointegration, the jawbone around the implant strengthens and develops. Once the implant is in place, it may serve as an artificial tooth root.

Your dentist will attach the abutment screw to the implant post when the healing process is complete. The procedure can be performed during the initial procedure or as a follow-up procedure. An incision may be required if soft tissue has formed over the implant and an abutment screw is put in during a second treatment. The healing cap protects the implant and prevents soft tissue from growing over it. During the second visit, the healing cap will be removed, and the abutment will be secured to the implant screw. The gum tissue will act as a protective barrier once it has grown around the abutment. An abutment is a piece of hardware that extends the implant above the soft tissues. This makes it easier for the implant crown to sit on top of the implant. It may take a few weeks for the gums to fully recover after the abutment is placed.

Your dentist will take new impressions or moulds of your mouth once the implant has grown sufficiently into the bone to enable chewing. The implant crown will be custom-made by a dental technician in a dental laboratory. The appearance of a dental crown is similar to that of a natural tooth. Implant crowns are the only visible parts of implants and are placed on top of the abutments.

Dental implants last longer than dental bridges. Additionally, it replaces a single tooth without compromising the health of nearby teeth. A dental bridge procedure requires the grinding down of adjacent teeth to support the cemented bridge. Dental implants eliminate the need for traditional bridges and save the surrounding teeth. However, implants are generally more expensive than dental bridges. Also, you might not be a candidate for implants if you have diabetes, gum disease, or take certain medications. Then, dental bridges would be an excellent alternative to dental implants.

Traditional dentures are another less expensive option than implants and bridges. A denture can be worn by anyone, while a dental bridge and an implant require healthy gums and strong jawbones. Nevertheless, dental implants are permanent tooth replacements. They don’t fall out like removable dentures do. Compared to removable dentures, dental implants look and feel more natural, are simpler to clean, and last longer.

The best dental restoration will be determined by a patient’s oral condition, needs, and budget. Call us at (08) 9498 6000 to schedule an appointment or visit our Cockburn dental clinic, where we can perform an oral examination and determine the best dental solution for you.