Dental Implants

Overview:

In Australia alone, there are over 50 different implant brands available.

They are usually made of pure titanium with different surface and design characteristics. These brands differ in their bioactivity and their macro- and micro-design and surface characteristics. Therefore, their final and long-term stability and reliability can vary when placed in the jawbone. Worldwide, there are only a few implant brands that have reported their success rate in long-term clinical research.

At Shire Periodontics and Implant Institute, only implant brands with long-term clinical success rates are used.

Dental Implant complex:

A Dental implant complex has three parts: Root, Neck and Crown

Implant-Components

The Root:

is a bioactive titanium rod (cylindrical or conical shape) that is surgically placed in the jawbone, replacing the root of the missing tooth.
After placement, as the tissue heals, the bone grows and gets fused with the titanium rod (Osseo-integration).
Once integration has occurred, the rod will be strong enough to support the restoration on top of it.

The Neck (called “abutment”):

The parts that provide the junction between the crown and the titanium rod.
Usually a temporary abutment is placed at the time of implant placement.
Sometimes, due to a clinical reason, this abutment is placed later in time and the implant is submerged in the bone during its integration with bone.

The Crown:

Similar to a tooth cap, the crown is the part that sits and is fixed on the abutment and provides the biting and chewing function.

Therefore, the titanium rod (root: dental implant) is the infrastructure for your dental implant complex. The implant should always be placed in its correct 3-D position in the jaw. This means that there should be enough bone thickness around the correctly planned 3-D location of the implant.

FAQs:

Would I need bone graft for an implant?

Titanium rods can have different lengths and diameters. There is always an ideal size and diameter to be used for a missing tooth. This depends on the location of the missing tooth and also the amount of load and pressure the implant is expected to receive at the end (after crown placement).

Three factors will determine whether you will need a bone graft or not.

1. The correct 3-D position of the implant
2. The ideal size and diameter of the implant for you
3. The amount of bone volume available in your jaw ( at the site of missing tooth)

Placement of an implant in an incorrect position can compromise the longevity of the implant. Also, use of inappropriate size and diameter of an implant can potentially lead to overloading. An overloaded dental implant is subject to mechanical (fracture) and/or biological complications, over time.

Therefore, depending on the correct position of the implant and the correct diameter of the implant and the amount of available bone in your jaw, your specialist will decide if a bone graft is necessary for you or not. If the amount of required bone graft is going to be of a large volume, the graft is done first and the implant is placed 6 to 12 months later.

Would I need a gum graft for an implant?

Whether you will need a gum graft would depend on:

The quality and quantity of the gum at the site of the missing tooth
Usually, a thin gum around an implant is susceptible to more bacterial attack
Also, a thin gum would tend to recede down over time
It is sometime wise to do a gum graft (before or after implant placement) to prevent recession of the gum
This is especially important around front teeth

The decision on bone or gum grafting will be assessed at the initial stage of your examination and will be discussed with you.

Is implant the right choice for me?

Technology and research has advanced the field of implant dentistry within the last two decades.
These days, when performed properly, a dental implant is considered a reliable option for missing teeth.
However, there are other tooth replacement options available.
This should be one of the first points discussed with your clinician so that you can make an informed decision.

Who can do implant surgery for me?

A Periodontist is a dental specialist, trained in Implant surgery and gum disease for at least an extra three academic years, under Australian Dental Board.
However, the Australian Dental Board does not limit dentists from performing and providing implant surgeries for their patients. The same rule is generally applied overseas.
Hence, the level of academic and clinical training varies between dental clinicians. There are numerous general dentists in Sydney with excellent track records in implant dentistry.
If you are considering finding a surgeon who can perform implant surgery for you, it seems necessary to know the level of their relevant qualifications, experience and specialist training.

Are dental implants permanent?

Worldwide research data reports over 90% long-term success rates for dental implants.
However, despite the general public perception, dental implants are high maintenance tools.
This means they are the same as your natural teeth, in order to avoid complications, dental implants should be looked after and monitored on a regular basis by yourself and your clinician.

Why should I avoid implant-holidays (placing cheap implants overseas)?

First, these are the facts you should know:

Implant surgery needs appropriate surgical training.
Implant surgery is a sensitive procedure and is susceptible to infection and complications
Implants are high maintenance tools
The types and brands of implants placed can vary and are important
There are over 500 different implant brands worldwide
There are different parts and components specific for each implant brand
Some of these components need repair or replacement over time
Complications can always arise down the track, especially with no regular monitoring

Knowing these facts, then you have to consider:

You do not know what level of training the dentist has received overseas
You do not know the level of infection control applied overseas, regardless of what they claim
They will not be around for any regular monitoring of your implant
They will not take responsibility for any complications
It becomes very difficult, sometimes impossible, for your local specialist to fix a problem with an implant placed overseas
At least for implant surgery, you should see your local specialist wherever you live

Dental Implants

Overview:

Dental Implant complex:

FAQs:

If you are thinking about Dental Implants or, have any questions

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