What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post that replaces your natural tooth root. Your dentist places it in your jaw bone, where it provides a permanent anchor for a crown, bridge, or denture. Expert dentists in Geelong recommend implants to replace missing teeth because they provide an alternative to partial or full dentures.
Unlike removable options, they feel comfortable, look natural, and require the usual oral hygiene you maintain for the rest of your teeth. For decades, dental implants in Geelong have been the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Each implant has three main parts:
Implant
This is the titanium post that your dentist will surgically place into your jawbone. It forms the root of your new tooth or teeth.
Abutment
This is a cap that’s fitted on top of your implant. The first type is a temporary healing abutment, which is fixed after the surgery and until your implant fuses with the bone. When this happens, your dentist will fix a second, permanent abutment, which will anchor your permanent restoration.
Crown, Bridge, or Denture
This is the part that’s visible inside your mouth. It can be a single crown, a bridge, or a denture.
What To Expect From The Dental Implant Procedure in Geelong
Free Consultation
Getting dental implants requires advanced planning and coordination between you and your cosmetic dentist in Geelong. At your complimentary consultation, one of our dentists will assess your oral health and walk you through different restoration options.
Pre-Treatment
In some cases, pre-treatment is needed before you can get implant surgery. This is necessary if you have a severely damaged or broken tooth that needs to be removed, or have gum disease that needs treating. You may also need bone grafting if your jaw bone lacks the density to support an implant.
Dental Implant
For the implant surgery, you’ll be given anesthesia to reduce pain and discomfort. Your dentist will surgically place the implant in your jaw bone via incisions in the gums. Post-surgery, the implant needs 2 to 4 months to fuse with your jaw.
Abutment
While your gums heal after the implant surgery, you’ll receive a temporary abutment and dentures. Meanwhile, your permanent crown, bridge, or denture is being prepared and customised to match your natural teeth.
Crown, Bridge, or Denture
After your implant bonds with the jaw bone, you’ll get a permanent abutment, which is then fitted with a restoration, such as a crown, denture, or bridge.
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Reasons You Should Get Dental Implants
There are plenty of reasons our expert Geelong dentists recommend getting a dental implant:
- Give you long term tooth replacement with the right maintenance
- Look and work similar to your natural teeth
- Don’t rely on your natural teeth for support
- Improve your ability to chew and speak
- Prevents bone loss due to missing teeth
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Are You Eligible For Dental Implants?
If you’re considering getting dental implants in Geelong, they may be suitable if you:
- Have sufficient jawbone density for implant placement
- Have healthy gums
- Don’t have a medical condition that affects bone healing
Rest assured that most patients with missing or severely damaged teeth can get dental implants as a replacement option. We recommend booking a consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists in Geelong to determine your eligibility.
Why Choose Us For Dental Implants in Geelong
Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry
Our cosmetic dentistry clinic in Geelong specialises in restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures. We offer a broad range of services for a complete smile makeover.
Licensed and Experienced Dentists
Our cosmetic dentists are licensed by the Dental Board of Australia to provide quality care to patients. They also have years of experience in handling complex and difficult cases.
Personalised Treatment
Our Geelong dentists understand that your smile is unique, which is why we design personalised treatment plans for each client. This includes using the latest technology to get accurate dental impressions for crowns.
Family-Friendly Dentistry
For our Geelong cosmetic dentists, ensuring your comfort and wellbeing are top priorities. We aim to provide a welcoming environment where you feel at ease and have a pleasant experience.
Free Consultation
Our cosmetic dentistry clinic provides free initial consultations to help patients to assess their dental health and determine their eligibility for procedures.
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FAQs
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be permanent, which is why they’re made with titanium or titanium alloy, a highly durable material. About 90 to 95% of them last over 10 years, and with the right care and maintenance, they can last well over 20 years.
Who should get dental implants?
You should consider getting dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth, or a severely damaged tooth that can’t be salvaged with a root canal. Anyone can get dental implants as long as they have adequate oral health and enough bone density.
Can I get an implant if I have dentures?
Yes, you can make the switch from removable dentures to a permanent restoration by securing them to dental implants. This can help you avoid the discomfort that comes from wearing unsecured dentures, which may be prone to slipping.
What if I have more than one missing tooth?
If you have multiple missing teeth, your Geelong dentist may recommend getting a bridge. This will require two or more implants depending on the number of missing teeth. If you’re missing all your teeth, they may recommend a complete denture, though we recommend scheduling a free consultation for a thorough assessment.
Does it hurt to get a dental implant?
While there is some discomfort associated with getting a dental implant, it’s the same as tooth extraction or filling a cavity. You’ll receive anesthesia to avoid feeling excessive pain.
Do dental implants need special care?
Once your implant is in place, it’ll serve you for a good many years with the right care. Dental implants don’t need special care. You just need to maintain good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, as well as seeing your Geelong dentist regularly.