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Dental Implants

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

Dental implants are a popular solution to replace missing teeth.

Unlike dentures or partials, you won’t experience problems with slipping or sliding, and they don’t require a specialised daily care routine beyond regular brushing and flossing. Unlike bridges, dental implants do not require alteration to your existing, healthy teeth. In fact, bridges can be supported by implants for fewer alterations during a more complex restoration.

Do I Need Dental Implants?

For many people, missing teeth present a mostly cosmetic problem. This is a fair concern.

Unfortunately, the problem of missing teeth goes beyond the cosmetic issue. Missing teeth put additional stress on your remaining teeth and can lead to damage, including fractures and even continued tooth loss. When you are missing teeth, you may find it difficult or even painful to enjoy the fresh, healthy foods you require for proper nutrition and nourishment.

Even more concerning, one or more missing teeth can eventually lead to significant bone loss in your jaw as the bone resorbs from lack of use. Over time, this diminishing bone can lead to visible changes in your face and cause you to appear prematurely aged.

Dental implants help stop this process.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

While most healthy adults are eligible for dental implants, some health conditions can change the effectiveness of the implants.

When you visit our surgery to discuss dental implants, we will ask you a number of questions about your health history. These questions are important to help us determine whether dental implants are the right option for you. Don’t worry – even if you do have a health concern, we are likely still able to work with you. We just need to know about it so that we can account for it and take any necessary precautions.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Prior to beginning the actual implant process, we will perform a full evaluation including x-rays. Because the implant is attached directly to your jaw, we need to know the condition of your bone. If necessary, you could be a candidate for grafts and other procedures to build up your jaw bone.

The titanium screws for your implants will then be placed. Once you have healed sufficiently, you may receive a temporary crown over the implant whilst we wait for your permanent crown to return from the dental lab. Once the permanent crown has returned from the dental lab, you will return to our clinic to have it placed. The fit and appearance will be checked, and your implant will be complete.

For more information about dental implants or to arrange an appointment, please contact our practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Post operative instructions after implant placement

CLEANING – avoid rinsing the day your implant is placed. The next day start the following rinsing regime for 2 weeks :
a) Rinse with chlorhexidine mouthwash (Savacol) morning and night
b) Salt water rinses after meals – gentle non-vigorous rinsing only

Brush your teeth as normal avoiding implant site for 48 hours. On the third day you can start gentle brushing over the implant site. It is important to clean the implant site well to avoid gingival inflammation during the healing process. Bleeding while brushing is not uncommon in the early days after placement.

BLEEDING – There is generally minimal bleeding after implant placement so this should not be an issue. Pink saliva should not be a concern. If you have any bleeding concerns please call the surgery for advice.

PAIN – Mild to moderate discomfort should be relieved with over the counter analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. You will be advised if a prescription for pain relief is likely to be needed. Pain should start to resolve 2-3 days following implant placement. If you have any concerns about your level of discomfort please call for a review.

SWELLING/BRUISING – You may experience some swelling and bruising around the mouth, cheek, eye or jaws although it is not common with simple implant placement. An ice pack applied 15-20 mins on and 15-20 minutes off can help to reduce this. Any significant bruising should be reported to the surgery for review.

SUTURES (Stitches) – Will normally dissolve in 2-3 weeks and sometimes fall out sooner which is no cause for concern.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY – Avoid over exertion/physical activity in the first 3-5 days following surgery. It may increase bleeding or post-operative swelling and discomfort.

DIET – A soft diet is preferable for 2-3 days following surgery. If you find eating difficult ensure that you are drinking enough fluids (5-6 glasses/day). Eating will help you to recover more quickly and prevent nausea from pain relief medication. If you experience vomiting or nausea please call the surgery for advice on taking pain medication.

DENTURES – Please leave your denture out as much as possible in the first few weeks following implant placement. Avoid chewing hard foods directly onto the denture at the implant site. If your denture is pressing on the implants you will need to come into the surgery to have your denture adjusted. Any excessive forces placed on the implant in the first month may affect its healing. If you have a suckdown/essex retainer please leave it out for eating

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr Nick Georgiou BDS (Queensland)
Dentist

Dr Nick started practising at Welsford Dental after completing his dental degree at University of QLD in 1999. Since then he has gained much experience in all facets of dentistry and loves to provide dental treatment in a friendly and gentle manner. Having been born and bred in Shepparton - he’s a true local. Nick loves nothing more than a good yarn about the footy or the latest news headlines and as a Collingwood supporter you can be reassured that yes he has ALL his teeth and wants to ensure ...