Implants in Kew

mature woman leaning on couch If you’re looking to replace missing or damaged teeth, dental implants are an excellent choice. They’re the most natural looking option, and unlike dentures, you don’t have to remove them for cleaning, and can still eat the foods you love. They restore function and stability to your smile, allowing for a much more pleasing and aesthetic look.

Implants are colour matched to the rest of your teeth, so you can be sure they’ll look totally natural. You can even have your natural teeth whitened before getting your implant for an added brighter look!

You care for them as you do your natural teeth, and most people perceive them as the teeth you were born with. That’s why dental implants are considered the closest thing to natural teeth.

You might be a great candidate for dental implants if you’re looking to replace a damaged tooth or a missing tooth in an effort to restore your smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

Basically, implants are artificial replacements for missing teeth—new stand-alone teeth. They consist of a biocompatible titanium rod that’s surgically anchored in the jawbone, and a restoration, usually a crown, on top. At Willsmere Dental, we use the Astra brand, the oldest and considered one of the best titanium posts.

What to Expect

This process may take several visits to complete. The first step is to take a 3D X-ray, so the surgeon can plan the procedure using the radiograph. If the bone is strong enough, the procedure will continue. If there is a need for a bone graft, the implant may be put on hold for several months. Bone density issues are not an automatic disqualification; speak to our surgeon.

Once you approve the plan, the rod is embedded into the jawbone. Your healing process is monitored regularly for any signs of infection. After approximately three months, when the gums have healed, the surgeon will release you to the care of the dentist handling the restoration.

We always use an anaesthetic to make sure you’re comfortable during your care with us. An implant should not be painful during your visits or after it’s been placed. If you’re experiencing discomfort after it’s been inserted in your mouth, please contact us.

Next Steps

Using an intraoral scanner, the dentist scans and transforms the images of your teeth into the computer to be processed. We send it to the lab for production, which typically takes two-three weeks. Once the crown is received, our dentist will cement it in place to complete the process. If more than one tooth is missing, other options may be necessary, including

Bridges
Fixed implant dentures, including full arch replacement
Removable implant-supported dentures

We offer care for every level of complexity, and basically anyone who’s over 20 years old. Our surgeon has done implants on people in their 90s; anyone can be a good candidate for these appliances.

FAQs

Will anyone be able to tell that I have an implant?

Dental implants are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth. This means that no one will be able to tell that you have an implant or several implants. Implants will also be colour matched to the rest of your teeth, so you can be sure that they’ll look just like the rest of your smile. You can even have your natural teeth whitened before getting your implant for an added brighter look!

Are implants painful?

The implant process requires a few visits to our practice. We’ll always use an anaesthetic to make sure you’re comfortable during your care with us. An implant should not be painful during your visits or after it’s been placed. If you’re finding pain associated with it after it’s been inserted in your mouth, please book a visit with us.

How should I care for my implant?

You should care for your implant just as you would your natural teeth—that means brushing and flossing daily and keeping the gums clean and healthy. If you notice any problems or pain around your implant, we ask that you contact us straightaway so that we can address any issues.

How long will a dental implant(s) last?

The great thing about dental implants is that with proper care, they can last for years—in fact, some may even last for the rest of your life. The average lifespan of an implant can be greater than 15 years, which is great news for you!

How do I know if I am a good candidate for a dental implant?

When you visit us, we’ll examine your mouth and needs thoroughly and let you know if you’re a candidate for an implant. A good candidate should have adequate bone structure remaining in the jaw to hold the implant in place, healthy gums and be a non-smoker.

Are there any negative effects of dental implants?

So long as you properly care for and clean your dental implants, you shouldn’t have any issues with them. As this is a surgery, there’s always a risk of infection at the implant site, though should that occur, we can promptly treat it with antibiotics.

Discover Your Options

Ready to learn more about how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams? Contact our practice today to book your appointment. We look forward to meeting you!

* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

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