Dental Implants
A confident smile can change how you feel day to day. If you have missing teeth, it’s normal to feel self-conscious, especially when you’re eating, speaking, or smiling in photos. Dental implants are one tooth replacement option that may help restore the look and function of your smile after tooth loss.
Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth in a way that can feel stable and natural once fully healed. Suitability and outcomes vary from person to person, and we’ll always talk through your options before you decide what’s right for you.
What Are Some Potential Benefits?
While there are several tooth replacement options to choose from, dental implants may offer advantages such as a natural-looking finish when restored with a well-designed crown. The implant component is commonly made from titanium. For many people, implants can feel stable once healing is complete. In some cases, implants may help support jawbone health after tooth loss. With good care and regular check-ups, implants may last for many years, depending on individual factors.
Dental Implants Suitability Comparison
Dental implants can be a great option for many people, but they aren’t ideal in every situation.
Dental implants may be suitable when you are missing one or more teeth, and you have enough jawbone volume for implant placement, or you may be suitable after grafting. Implants are often considered once jaw growth is complete, typically around age 18+. They may be a better fit when your gums and overall oral health are in good shape, and you prefer a longer-term tooth replacement option.
Some people also prefer implants when they would like to avoid altering neighbouring healthy teeth where possible. It also helps if you are committed to daily home care and ongoing check-ups, and you understand the process can take several months depending on healing.
Implants may be less suitable, or may require additional planning first, when you have limited bone volume and you do not wish to consider grafting. Certain medical conditions, medications, or planned medical care may affect healing, which we can discuss with you.
Smoking can impact healing, particularly if you smoke heavily and are not ready to reduce or stop. Active gum disease usually needs to be managed before implant planning begins. You may prefer another option if you need an earlier result and cannot allow time for staged healing. Budget can also be a deciding factor, and we’re happy to discuss alternatives. Unaddressed teeth grinding may also affect planning.
Not sure which option suits you? We offer a complimentary 30-minute implant consultation to discuss your goals, assess your situation, and explain options such as implants, bridges, and dentures. Any imaging or additional diagnostic services, if needed, will be discussed separately.
What to Expect
Dental implant care typically involves several stages, from the initial consultation through to final crown placement. Your plan will depend on your oral health, bone levels, and the type of restoration you need.
Consultation and planning
We’ll begin with a discussion about your needs, your medical and dental history, and whether implants may be appropriate. If implants are not suitable, we’ll explain alternatives such as bridges or dentures. In some cases, particularly for front teeth, temporary options may be used while healing occurs.
Preparation for surgery
If imaging is required, such as a Cone Beam CT scan, we’ll explain why it’s recommended and outline expected costs. Eligibility for rebates varies depending on individual circumstances, and we can help you understand potential out-of-pocket expenses before you proceed.
You’ll also receive clear post-procedure guidance, including information on swelling management, comfort measures, and dietary adjustments.
The procedure
If a damaged tooth or root remains, an extraction may be required before implant placement. In some cases, bone grafting may be recommended to support implant placement. The implant is then placed into the jawbone and the site is closed or fitted with a healing cap, depending on your plan. A temporary tooth replacement may be recommended during healing, where appropriate.
Healing and crown placement
Healing time varies, but many cases require several months for the implant to integrate with the bone. Once ready, impressions are taken to create the final crown, which is then fitted to complete the restoration.
Your Implant Team at First Dental Studio
Our team provides implant care from planning through to restoration. Where suitable, we can coordinate multiple stages of care in-house, which may reduce the need for external appointments.
Dr Vincent Wan for Implant Placement & Restoration
Dr Vincent provides implant placement and implant restoration for suitable cases. This means your planning, placement, and final crown or bridge can be coordinated through one team.
He commonly places implants using the ADIN implant system, an international implant company with offices in Australia. One option Dr Vincent may use is the ADIN Touareg-S implant, which is designed to condense bone during placement. In suitable cases, this design may support initial stability and streamline the placement process.
The most appropriate implant type depends on your bone levels, tooth position, bite, and overall oral health, and we’ll explain the recommended approach, timeframes, and risks before you proceed.
Dr Vincent provides implant services that may include single implants to support crowns, and multiple implants to support bridge-style restorations.
Where clinically appropriate, additional procedures may be discussed as part of planning. This can include bone grafting to support areas with limited bone volume, using materials such as MinerOss XP sterilised animal bone particles, EthOss synthetic bone particles, and soft tissue grafting options using membranes such as Memlok.
Dr Allen and Dr Jenny for Implant Restorations
Dr Allen and Dr Jenny focus on the restoration phase of implant care. This includes planning and fitting implant-supported crowns and bridges to suit your bite, function, and smile goals.
Restoring Existing Implants From Other Practices
If you already have implants placed elsewhere, we may still be able to help with restorations, depending on compatibility and clinical suitability.
Our practice has a range of prosthetic implant drivers and kits that may allow us to restore many common systems, including Straumann, ADIN, Megagen, Southern Implants, and compatible brands.
The First Dental Studio Advantage
When suitable, completing multiple stages of care within the one practice can simplify communication and reduce the number of appointments across different providers.
If your case is complex, we can refer you to trusted clinicians for additional support or additional input where appropriate.
Please note, we do not currently offer All-on-4 procedures, but we’re happy to discuss alternative solutions that may work for your needs.
What Are Some Benefits?
While there is a variety of tooth replacement options from which to choose, dental implants have several advantages over these:
- Dental implants look natural and life-like.
- The implant portion is composed of surgical-grade titanium.
- Dental implants are highly secure and stable.
- Dental implants prevent bone loss, inhibiting changes in the shape of your face.
- When cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime.
BOOK AN ASSESSMENT TODAY!
If you’d like to improve your smile, schedule an assessment today.
We’ll let you know if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
What will it cost me, and does insurance cover this?
What are the main advantages and disadvantages?
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you’re considering dental implants, the next step is a personalised assessment. We’ll talk through your goals, confirm suitability, explain alternatives, and provide clear information about timeframes, costs, and what to expect.
Book your complimentary 30-minute implant consultation at First Dental Studio today.
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner such as a Specialist Oral Surgeon.
