Dental Implants - Australian Society of Implant Dentistry

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Dental Implants - Australian Society of Implant Dentistry
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a metal fixture (usually a screw) that is placed into the jaw bone. It acts as a support for a false tooth or a set of false teeth. The fixture fuses with the jaw bone (osseointegration).
What are implants made of?
Implants are made of commercially and medically pure Titanium. This is the same metal that has been successfully used in hip replacements for many years. It is inert and is not known to cause any type of rejection phenomenon.

What are the advantages of implants?
Dental implants provide a number of benefits for people seeking alternatives and solutions to the problems created by tooth loss. These benefits include:
Renewed ability to chew and speak properly
Restoration of facial aesthetics
Preservation of remaining jaw bone structure
Reduction of possible gum problems and infections
Increased confidence and self esteem as a result of all of the above.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Anyone in reasonable health who wants to replace missing teeth. You must have enough bone in the area of the missing teeth to provide for the anchorage of the implants. Some people are missing all their teeth and most of those are excellent candidates for dental implants, but today, we use implants to replace small bridges, removable partial dentures and even missing single teeth.

Who is not a candidate for implants?
Not every one can have implants. Certain factors, such as diabetes, smoking, bleeding disorders, certain medications as well as compromised physical and mental integrity, may influence the procedure and outcome of the treatment.

How does the dentist determine if I have adequate bone?
Radiographic (X-Ray) examination is fundamental to determining the amount, shape and quality of the bone in the intended implant site. In some cases, the dentist may request a CAT scan, which provides a great deal of information not available in normal radiographs. The dentist might also use a special gauge to measure the width of the bone.

What if I don't have enough bone?
By utilising various bone augmentation procedures, or in some cases, by grafting bone from other sites, the dentist is usually able to provide adequate bone to support the implants.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
Success depends very much on where in the jaws the implants are placed and what they are used to support. The best position for implants is in the front portion of the lower jaw, where success rates can be very close to 100%. In other areas of the mouth, success rates can drop significantly. According to figures that we have today, the success of implants in the front part of the upper jaw are anywhere from 90-95%. Success rates of implants in the back part of the upper and lower jaw can be in the 85-90% range.

Do all dentists provide implants?
Not all dentists are trained in implant dentistry. Most dentist should be able to assess a patient's suitability for implants, even if they have not trained to place or restore implants. Dentists lacking sufficient training refer their patients to other dentist who are trained, or to specialists. If you need the names of dentists who are suitably trained in implant dentistry, see the list of members of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry.
Who should I consult about dental implants?
Implants are only used as a means to an end. The end goal is to replace missing teeth, and it is with this in mind that you should seek the help of a dental professional. The best starting point is your regular dentist. If he or she is not well versed in implant treatment, ask for a referral to someone who is. If your dentist is unable to provide you with a suitable referral, contact one of the members of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry, who will gladly assist you. Some members of the Society are accredited members, which means they have satisfied certain standards set by the Society.
It is possible that more than one dentist or dental specialist will be involved in the entire process. Sometimes a surgeon or periodontist places the implants, and the general practitioner or a prosthodontist places the restoration. Some dentists do both the surgery and the placement of the restoration. This will vary from dentist to dentist, and form patient to patient.
Why do dentists recommend implants?
People are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy dentition in their overall well-being and ability to enjoy life. Dentures and removable bridges have some problems, because they are relatively loose and unstable. Implants can provide people with replacements for missing teeth, that are both functional and aesthetic.

How long after a dental implant is placed can it be used to anchor my new teeth?
The original protocol states that we must wait three to four months in the lower jaw and four to six months in the upper jaw before constructing the new dental prosthesis that will be supported by the implants. In recent years, however, there has been a lot of research indicating that this period can be shortened in certain circumstances, even to the point of loading the implants as soon as they are placed. Each case has to be assessed on its merits, and the dentists placing your implants will advise you what's best in your particular situation.
Does it hurt?
Almost without exception, patients report that there was far less discomfort from the implant placement than when they had the tooth or teeth extracted. The actual procedure to surgically place a dental implant is usually done under local anesthesia and is generally not at all painful. When the anesthesia wears off about three or four hours later, you might expect some discomfort. The level of discomfort is quite different from patient to patient, but most patients do not have significant problems. Usually, only very mild analgesics are needed for a day or two. There are exceptions to every rule, and some patients do have varying degrees of pain or discomfort which may last for several days. Swelling and bruising may also develop. Most patients report being surprised at how little discomfort or swelling they experienced.
What happens if I have dental implants and they are rejected?
Occasionally dental implants fail to integrate with the bone or, as some people say, they are rejected. In most instances, they are replaced with another implant, usually of a slightly larger size.
Do I have to go without my "teeth" while the implants are bonding to my jaw bone?
This varies greatly with the individual circumstances of each patient. In most situations, patients leave the office with some form of prosthesis in place, especially if the smile is involved. Every patient and procedure is evaluated separately and there might occasionally be a recommendation that a patient go without their prosthesis for a short period of time.

How much do they cost?
Because of the great variance in patient needs, implant brands, additional component needs and laboratory fees, it is not be possible to mention actual dollar amounts here. Where implants are used instead of conventional bridgework, the costs tend to be quite similar. In some cases, two or more implants are placed to provide a means of stabilizing an otherwise conventional denture. In this situation, the implants are usually charged for on a per-unit basis, with a small additional charge for the components that fit in the denture itself. This form of treatment is extremely cost effective, giving the patients a dramatic change in comfort for a relatively low cost.