Dental Implants in Brighton, Queensland
More people than ever are choosing dental implants in Brisbane as a permanent solution to missing or non-functioning teeth. Titanium anchors are surgically attached to the jawbone and act in the same way as a tooth’s root – except they are even stronger. Ceramic crowns are connected to the anchor, and the implant is as strong and effective as the real thing – or even better.
Whether you need multiple teeth implants in Brisbane or to fill a gap with a single one, dental implants are a long-term solution that delivers outstanding functionality and a natural look.
Missing Teeth Can Happen to Anyone
Oral health surveys have found that Australians aged 15 and above are missing 4.5 teeth on average. Average tooth loss is higher as we get older, as there is more time for incidents and accidents to occur, and our teeth might become infected over time. The surveys show that decay and trauma are the most common causes of tooth loss.
Tooth decay and gum disease can leave a tooth so severely damaged that it falls out or has to be extracted by the dentist. The sporting lifestyle favoured by so many Australians can also take its toll on our teeth. A recent survey found that the most dangerous sports to our teeth are skateboarding, martial arts, stick sports, football and basketball – or, put another way, most contact sports.
When you lose a tooth, you are not obliged to have it replaced. Some people get along fine with a gap, and nobody is likely to notice if it is towards the back. However, leaving a hole is not ideal. Your teeth are positioned in such a way as to optimise the bite when you chow down on food. When there is a gap, the teeth on either side will gradually drift towards it. This can lead to the bite going out of alignment, meaning your teeth work less efficiently. Also, when a tooth is lost, it reduces bone mass in that area and can cause subtle but noticeable changes in the shape of your face. Overall, it is better not to leave a gap, and a visit to our dental implant clinic is the best long-term solution.
The Procedure For Dental Implants in Our Brighton Clinic
We have a great team here supporting an experienced implant dentist. The first step is to take an x-ray and some scans so we can work out exactly where to position the implant or implants and talk through the different options with you.
Next, we will embed the implants into your jawbone. This procedure is done under a local anaesthetic and is painless. You’ll feel a little pressure while the implants are put in, and some tenderness after the anaesthetic wears off, but that is all.
With the implants in your jaw, we have to wait a while for the bone to grow around them and fuse with the titanium to really bed them in. This process, known as osseointegration, can take about four to six months. Once everything is settled, the dental implant specialist will need you to come back in so we can take measurements and a mould for the base of your new tooth.
We will take a mould of your mouth to create an artificial tooth that perfectly fits you. This is then mounted on the base, and there you have it – a tooth that gives you a smile you’ll want to share with the world and that is functionally as good as – or even better than – new.
Types of Dental Implants
We offer a variety of dental implants:
Single. Only one dental implant is needed. Once placed and healed, a crown is created with our E4D same-day crown technology to complete your high-quality restoration quickly.
Multiple. A bridge or partial denture can be attached to a dental implant. Our recommendations will depend on your particular situation and your preferences.
Complete. A total of 4-6 implants can be placed in the gums with a full denture affixed to them, completely restoring your smile with a stable and secure feel.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
In most circumstances, full-mouth dental implants like the ones we just described are the best option for dealing with missing teeth. They offer a permanent solution that looks and functions like natural teeth; they fit perfectly and will last indefinitely with proper care.
However, when you come to discuss dental implants in Brighton at our dental suite, the dentist will go through all available options with you. There are alternatives to dental implants, and they include the following:
Also known as false teeth are the best-known solution for replacing missing teeth. They look natural and are completely removable. You can either get full or partial dentures, depending on whether you need to replace all or only some of your teeth. Partial dentures consist of gum-coloured bases that hold replacement teeth and attach to adjacent teeth. Full dentures need some form of implants to connect to the lower jaw. They attach to the upper by forming a seal with the palate and bone ridge.
Another popular alternative, a bridge, can be a good solution if you have one or two teeth missing, with healthy teeth or crowns on each side for support. Bridges are permanent, so they don’t become loose or slip around, and you can smile, talk and eat confidently. They are not as secure as implants, however
A Flipper is a custom-made acrylic denture that fills the gap left by a lost tooth. It serves as a cosmetic solution to hiding the gap, and it prevents neighbouring teeth from drifting. However, it is not as strong as other solutions and is only recommended temporarily while bridges or implants are in progress
Combinations of the above can also be considered, including implant-supported dentures and bridges, which might be appropriate if you have several teeth missing in a row.
Pros and Cons of Brisbane Dental Implants
We’ve mentioned that tooth implants in Brighton have never been in more demand. Now that we’re clear on the alternatives, let’s zero in on why dentist implants are such a popular solution. We’ll also take a critical perspective and consider any cons and why a patient might think twice or look to one of those alternatives instead.
Pros of implants:
- Secure and permanent – implants look and feel like they are part of you, and in time, that’s precisely what they are, as they fuse with the jaw bone.
- Aesthetically, the best choice – they don’t just feel like your own, they look that way too. No other solution has such a natural appearance. Also, there’s no risk of them suddenly moving or slipping in the way that dentures can.
- Convenience – once your implants are done, they need no more cleaning or maintenance than natural teeth – in other words, you only need to follow your usual dental hygiene routine. Dentures need to be taken out, cleaned and periodically maintained.
- Better speech – ill-fitting dentures can slip about in your mouth, making it difficult to enunciate clearly. But with implants, everything is rock solid, so there’s no risk of slurring your words or mumbling.
- Highly durable – if you take good care of your implants by observing an excellent dental hygiene routine of brushing, flossing and regular checkups, implants will last indefinitely. Note, however, that the crown, which attaches to the implant and looks like a tooth, might need replacement after 10-15 years.
- Comfortable – in time, the implant becomes part of you. There is none of the awkwardness that can be associated with removable dentures.
- Eat what you like – no slipping, no pain and strength that is on par with natural teeth or even better. Once the implants are settled, nothing needs to be off the menu.
- Enhanced oral health – placing dental implants is a neat solution that mimics natural teeth and roots. There is no need to reduce neighbouring teeth or to attach anything to them. That means easier access for brushing and flossing and for the hygienist to get everywhere. It all adds up to better oral health in the long term.
- Better self-esteem – nine out of ten Australians have experienced embarrassment due to their teeth at some point, making them hesitant to smile without looking away or covering their mouths. Dental implants can’t fix everything, but when the problem relates to missing teeth, they can help you regain self-esteem.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
There are two sides to every coin, and you should consider dental implants from all angles before making a final decision. The main factors that can sometimes put patients off implants and drive them towards an alternative solution are as follows:
- It is a surgical procedure – accordingly, it carries inherent risks, including pain and swelling after the procedure, although this is unlikely to last more than a day or two. There is also the risk of infection or peri-implantitis. It is highly uncommon, but the risk exists. All types of evasive oral procedures will entail some form of inherent risk when performed.
- It takes time – after the insertion of the implants, we have to wait for nature to take its course and for the bone to start to fuse with the implant. Inevitably, this means the overall process from start to finish takes several months. The other alternatives we discussed are faster.
- It is more expensive – the materials, time and expertise that go into implants are significant, so the cost of implants is higher than other solutions like crowns and dentures. But of course, aside from the possibility of replacing crowns 10-15 years down the line, dental implant surgery is something you only need to do once; it is a permanent solution.
- It demands expertise – this relates to the above point. We have implant dentists who are highly skilled and experienced. No doubt, the same applies to other trustworthy and respected dental clinics. Just be cautious of anyone offering special deals that look too good to be true.
- You need to maintain good oral hygiene – if you are lazy about brushing, flossing and keeping checkup appointments, you will not do your new implants any favours. However, this applies to natural teeth, too, so it is less a “con” than a fact of life.
- Stub out that butt – again, this is not necessarily a “con” in terms of your overall health and wealth. When you invest in dental implants, you really shouldn’t smoke. It can weaken the bone structure and render all that work, expenditure and recuperation time pointless. However, if you’ve been looking for another reason to quit, you’ve just found it. Good luck kicking the habit!
Use Your Health Fund or Arrange a Payment Plan
To find out if dental implants are the most suitable solution to treat your teeth, contact our team today for a discussion and appointment. We’re committed to helping you achieve the smile you want. Contact us today by phone or email to schedule an initial appointment for dental implants Brighton! Payment plans through Zip Money are available.
* Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
Common Questions and Answers for Dental Implants
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a screw, usually made from Titanium, that is placed in your jawbone and functions like a natural tooth root. When firmly in place, a custom-made crown is fitted to the implant and functions like a natural tooth.
How Painful is Getting a Tooth Implant?
Like all dental procedures at Brighton Dental Suite, having one or more implants fitted is painless. The procedure takes place under a local anaesthetic so that you won’t feel a thing. You might experience some swelling and tenderness for a day or two afterwards, but this will not be severe and can be countered by over-the-counter pain medication if necessary.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?
If you take good care of it with regular brushing, flossing, and six-monthly checkups, the implant itself should last a lifetime. The crown is also very hard-wearing but will not last forever. It will ordinarily need replacement after 10-15 years of natural wear and tear.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Dental Implants?
The cost of dental implants at Brighton Dental Suite can vary depending on various factors. On average, a single dental implant in Australia can range from $4,500 to $6,500, depending on the complexity of the case and the type of implant used. It’s important to understand that these figures are approximate and can vary based on the specifics of your case, including the type of implant required and any additional procedures. For an accurate cost estimate tailored to your unique needs, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team.
Why Are Implants So Expensive?
The cost of dental implants is calculated the same way as anything else – the price of materials and the cost of the expertise. Titanium is perfect for implants because it is biocompatible with human bone, so the risk of infection is low. But it is a costly metal. The same applies to the porcelain used to make the crown. All surgical procedures are expensive, as it takes a dental surgeon with expertise and years of experience to ensure the operation is successful.
How Long Does It Take To Get Tooth Implants?
The exact time varies from one patient to the next, but you will need to visit your dentist several times over a period of about six to eight months, from first consultation to fitting the new crown on the implant. The number of implants and your jaw’s health and bone density are the main factors that dictate how long it will take.
How Long After Extraction Can I Get An Implant?
Everyone is different, and your dentist will be able to answer that question accurately. Typically, you will be advised to wait about ten weeks after extraction surgery before dental implants can be placed, just to give the mouth enough time to fully heal from the extraction.
Are Dental Implants Suitable For Everyone?
To have dental implants, you need to have a fully developed oral structure, and your permanent teeth need to have erupted. You must have good ‘all-round’ oral health and good jawbone density. If you do not meet one or more of these requirements, your dentist will discuss the potential alternatives with you. Otherwise, there are no restrictions or age limits.
Why Should I Get a Dental Implant?
A dental implant offers multiple long-term benefits, including long-term durability, a natural appearance, better functionality for chewing, improved long-term jawbone health, and enhanced self-confidence. When you need to replace missing teeth, it is the best solution for enhancing your overall quality of life.
Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures or Bridges?
“Better” is a subjective word. Implants offer the best long-term stability, appearance and functionality. They practically represent a solution that can last a lifetime. Dentures and bridges do not last long and are not as strong or stable. However, as alternatives, they are quicker and cheaper solutions than implants.
How Long After Implant Surgery is it Safe to Smoke?
The short answer is not at all. Smoking can adversely affect the osseointegration process, whereby the implant bonds with the bone. If you’ve been looking for the perfect moment to quit, this is it. If you can’t stop smoking or find an alternative way to satisfy your nicotine craving, hold out as long as possible after the implants are put in. Note that vaping is no safer than smoking in this context.