What is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants offer a permanent tooth replacement treatment which can be used to replace either a single or multiple missing teeth. They can also increase retention and stability for an unstable denture.

A dental implant is a replacement tooth root made out of titanium alloy. With the help of digital planning, a surgical guide is made to accurately place the dental implant during a keyhole surgery. When the implant has fused to your jaw, replacement teeth can be attached to the implant.

What is the process?

The process is done in stages. First, we check your overall oral hygiene, the health of your gum tissues and bone and general health. We take the necessary scans and 3D x-rays on site, allowing us to digitally plan your implants. You will be given comprehensive pre-operative instructions, post-operative instructions, and where required, specific home care equipment and materials to help protect the surgical site from complications, free of charge.

Surgery is usually performed with precision through a surgical drill template, with a keyhole cut in the gum minimising your post-operative pain.

After 8-12 weeks typically, the implant has fused to the bone. We test to confirm, take a scan, and see you next time to deliver the final replacement teeth. Healing may take up to 6 months in some cases, to be advised by your dentist.

Dental implants can last a lifetime and as they are biocompatible and protected in the same way as your original teeth. It is recommended that you continue to look after both your natural and artificial teeth by brushing and flossing and have regular dental check-ups.

Are dental implants safe?

The safety of dental implants has been well established over decades of comprehensive research. At Smile Care Latrobe, we use German designed and manufactured dental implants (Straumann) and their implant planning software (coDiagnostix). Our surgical guides are designed by our own dentists and 3D printed in house with the best dental 3D printer, made and manufactured in Sydney (Asiga). Your implant crown is custom designed and made in our own clinic using our very own milling machine and furnace, allowing for full control and quick turnaround.

All materials and processes used are TGA approved.