Dental Implantology
Principal dentist from Geelong Smile Studio, Dr. Jason Gray, recently attended the Australian Osseointegration Society conference in Adelaide.
The biennial event featured lectures by some of the world's leaders in dental implantology.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made from biocompatible titanium and they are the most realistic and tooth-like method of replacing a single missing tooth or several teeth.
In addition, they can even be used as an anchor to help retain a troublesome or loose denture.
Advantages of Dental Implants
The single biggest advantage of dental implants is that they actually work.
Studies worldwide report success rates of dental implant placement to be in excess of 96 per cent.
Am I suitable for a Dental Implant?
The initial dental implant consultation involves a comprehensive dental examination, gum health and radiographic assessment of the area.
The implant dentist will assess whether adequate bone is present to place a dental implant.
What is involved in getting a Dental Implant?
Most dental implants placed at Geelong Smile Studio are placed under a local anaesthetic, and surprisingly, pain and discomfort is not a major issue.
Most patients report very little discomfort the following day and all report that the discomfort of having the tooth extracted is greater than the discomfort of having a dental implant placed.
Three months following the placement of the dental implant, the implant is assessed to determine whether it has integrated with the bone.
Once this has occurred, the implant is ready to have a tooth or teeth attached.
A simple impression is taken of the implant, which is then sent off to a dental laboratory where an implant crown is made.
Two to three weeks later, the implant crown is attached to the implant.
All the above is completed without the use of local anaesthetic and is completely painless.
Can Dental Implants help with Dentures?
People who have been embarrassed by their dentures, had difficulty eating or been fearful of their dentures falling out whilst laughing, have found implant retained dentures have changed their quality of life beyond compare.
Where dental implants are used to help retain dentures, the process as outlined above is precisely the same.
If you would like a complimentary dental implant consultation, contact our friendly staff at Geelong Smile Studio on (03) 5221 6610.