At Power Dental Practice we have been successfully placing Dental Implants since 1997. Over the past 25 , or so, years things have changed in terms of technology available to us, but the principles have stayed the same. We place dental implants where there used to be teeth and place a replacement for those missing teeth to give you back your good looks and function (eating, speaking, smiling).
Let's go through the basics of Dental Implants
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a reliable and fantastic treatment option for replacing missing teeth. They are tooth-shaped and made of Titanium specially designed to integrate with your jawbone, offering a stable foundation for artificial teeth. It is the same idea and material as knee-replacements, hip-replacements and shoulder-replacements, etc. On top of dental implants you can attach a crown, a bridge or a denture.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
The benefits of dental implants go beyond aesthetics. They are designed to mimic the function of natural teeth, helping to preserve jawbone structure and maintaining facial integrity. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-based bridges are fixed in place, which means they won't slip or cause discomfort when you eat or speak. Unlike traditional dental bridges, no drilling of healthy tooth is needed for dental implant crowns or bridges.
Implants are a long-term investment in your oral health, with the potential to last a lifetime when cared for properly.
The Dental Implant Procedure at Power Dental Practice
What's changed?
At Power Dental Practice, we ensure that each patient receives individualised care. The procedure begins with a comprehensive consultation to assess your suitability for implants. Now we usually utilise 3-dimensional x-rays (Cone-Beam CT) advanced intra-oral scanning technology to precisely plan the implant placement, enhancing accuracy and patient comfort. This has been a great advance we have been using since about 2018.
We more often now also place mineral bone graft material at the time of surgery to assist in bone formation around the implant and also to thicken the soft tissue that protects the implant long-term.
When it comes time to restore the dental implant we have for the past 25 years been taking regular dental impressions with rubber materials and then send these to our laboratory who usually would get them the next day, even though they are in Sydney. Now, however, we are able to scan the implants and teeth (instead of taking impressions) and emailing them to the same, who receive them within minutes. This is not only quicker, but more comfortable for the patient - no more full impression trays!
Behind the scenes, the lab now uses more computerized milling of frameworks rather than casting metals.
What's stayed the same?
The process of receiving an implant hasn't changes a lot. The protocol typically involves several stages, including the placement of the implant body itself, a period of healing, and the fitting of the artificial tooth (Crown, bridge or denture).
Also, the implants themselves haven't changed very much, either. All are made of Medical-grade Titanium.
The same labs are used and they make the crowns out of the same materials.
In very difficult cases, such as when there is not nearly enough bone present to place dental implants, we may refer patients to a specialist surgeon who can carry out bone grafting and other procedures, as well as place implants. This would be around 10%-15% of those who consult us for dental implants each year.
Our skilled team prioritises your comfort throughout, and we still offer sedation options to ensure a relaxed experience.
We pride ourselves on our patient-centred approach, valuing long-term relationships with our patients. Our practice philosophy centres around providing personalised care that addresses each patient's unique needs and desires. We're committed to not only improving your oral health but also enhancing your overall wellbeing.
Looking After Your Dental Implants
Maintaining the health of your dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups. If you look after your teeth and your dental implants, they generally last a very long time. Neglect them and you cannot expect things to turn out so well. Our team of dentists and dental hygienists will provide you with all the necessary guidance to keep your implants in top condition.
Your Next Step
If you're considering dental implants, why not give us a call to schedule a consultation . Our team is dedicated to providing excellence in dental care and will support you at every step of your journey to a brighter, more confident smile.
Your smile is a powerful part of who you are. With dental implants from Power Dental Practice, you can enjoy the confidence that comes with a full, healthy smile. Connect with us today to discover if dental implants are the right choice for you.
Please note that individual results may vary and a comprehensive consultation is necessary to determine if this treatment is suitable for you. This information is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional.