Dental Implants

Dental Implant Procedure

At LifeCare Dental, the whole process is done in-house.

Your first step to get a free examination at our Perth or Kingsway clinics to assess if dental implants are the right solution for you.

Your dentist places the implant into the jaw then inserts a screw to prevent debris from entering. It will take 3 to 6 months for the implant to fuse with the jawbone, during which time the gum is secured over the implant.

At your next appointment, the implant is uncovered and an extension called a post is attached. Once the gum tissue has healed around the post, the implant and post act as the foundation for the new tooth.

Finally, the dentist makes a crown that best suits your natural teeth, considering factors including size, shape and colour. Once completed, the crown is attached to the implant post and you can enjoy your new smile!

How long does it take?

It depends on the type of bone, and where the implant is placed into your jaw. It can range from a few months to over 9 months. Generally, implants in the front lower jaw need around 4 months; the back upper jaw needs around 9 months and elsewhere in the mouth around 6 months. These times may need to be lengthened if bone needs to be grown or grafting has taken place.

Is everyone suitable?

Some people may not be suitable for this procedure. Conditions such as alcoholism, some psychiatric disorders and uncontrolled diabetes can cause problems. Your dentist will also need to check to see how much bone you have and whether there is enough space for an implant. The adjacent teeth roots will also need to be away from the implant. If you don’t have enough bone, it is possible to grow bone or even graft bone from elsewhere in the mouth or places like your hip.

What are the advantages of the implant treatment?

The adjacent teeth are not damaged or cut in any way. It helps to prevent bone loss. Implants are also used to stabilise loose dentures or even replace them with fixed bridges.

What happens if an implant fails?

This means the implant has not attached or integrated to the bone. It usually fails at the second stage surgery. The failed implant is unscrewed, the bone left to heal for a while and a new implant placed. Other options such dentures or bridges are also available.

What is the procedure for implant treatment?

The gum is folded back and the bone drilled to receive the implant. You may have this done in the chair with local anaesthetic or go into the hospital for a general anaesthetic. The implant is generally covered over and left to heal until the implant is osseointegrated. Your oral surgeon or periodontist may also leave the implant uncovered by the gum at this first stage. A second operation may then be needed to uncover the top of the implant. Your dentist or prosthodontist can usually start construction of your crown or a bridge after a month.

What is the success rate?

The success rate depends on where in the jaw the implants are placed. The lower jaw has a very good chance of success (98%). The further back in the mouth you go, the lesser the prognosis, but this is generally over 90%. If you smoke, the chances of success drop by at least 10%.

Why is implant treatment expensive?

Because it is a complex process requiring expensive precision components and instruments.

Are there any limitations?

Discuss this with your dentist, as there are a few medical reasons preventing the use of implants. Sufficient bone to accept the implant is the major limiting factor. This can be assessed radiographically (x-rays), and bone can even be augmented where it is deficient.

What do dental implants cost?

In general, costs are closely comparable to those of other prostheses involving fixed bridgework. The uniqueness of each patient’s restorative needs means this should be discussed with your dentist. Generally the cost of dental implants starts at $5000 provided there are no complications and we have a copy of your x-rays.