Implants

Dentist Bathurst

Caring for our Community

What’s an implant?

A dental implant is a manufactured replacement for the root of a tooth. It looks a little like a screw, and is surgically positioned in your jaw bone. A crown is then attached to the top of the implant to fill the gap.

How are implants fitted?

First, a series of scans helps determine the positioning of the implant and to check you’ve got a healthy bone structure. If the bone is diseased or missing, you may need a bone graft first. The titanium implant is surgically placed in the bone of your jaw for two to six months, so bone can grow around it. During this time, you may need a temporary crown. Once the implant is securely fused, the temporary crown is removed and the permanent crown is placed. If you’re missing all of your teeth and wear a full denture, it’s still possible to use dental implants. A full arch of natural-looking teeth can be held in place using as little as four implants. These are designed to help you feel comfortable and eliminate the need for daily removal and cleaning.

What are the advantages of having an implant?

Implants provide an option for fixed, natural-looking tooth replacement. The result is usually indistinguishable from your other teeth. Apart from regular oral hygiene, implants typically don’t need special after-care at home and have a high long-term success rate.

Am I a suitable candidate for implants?

Generally yes, if you’re in good health, have a healthy jawbone and no gum disease. The presence of gum disease or tooth decay can affect the procedure’s success. We also recommend giving up smoking well before treatment and, ideally, after the procedure too. Smoking reduces healing capacity and can cause complications.

Can I get veneers?

Veneers require healthy teeth. Any decay or gum disease must be treated prior to the attachment of veneers. If you experience persistent teeth grinding, veneers will not be suitable, as this can cause chips, breaks, or even detachment of veneers.

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