Epping & Sydney Dental Implant Clinic

Services

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

It all starts with a detailed consultation with A/Prof Yuen where all the treatment options will be considered. Individual treatment models and specialised x-rays are taken.

The next stage involves surgically placing the dental implants into the jaw bone. This is a relatively quick and painless procedure usually done under local anaesthetic. For some patients temporary teeth are necessary at this stage.

After adequate healing, an impression is taken. This depends on your individual case and the time it takes for your body to incorporate the dental implants. The colours of your teeth are matched and the final implant teeth are made.

COMPUTER GUIDED SURGERY

With modern advancements in digital imaging, we can now plan the exact positions of implants and place them in virtual reality before any surgery is done. This makes the procedure minimally invasive as computer planning is used to guide the preparation and placement of the implants without lifting the gum up to see the bone. This state of the art technology is similar to the key-hole surgery used in medicine.

You will firstly need to have moulds taken of your teeth and templates created to simulate the position of the new teeth. The template is then used to take a computed tomography scan (CT scan). The information is then processed in the computer where we plan your reconstruction. The planning can then be transferred to the mouth using precision made surgical guides. This makes surgery quicker and you may decide to have fixed temporary teeth placed the same day.

Temporary teeth

The most common worry for patients is whether they will have to be without teeth for a period of time. Here at Epping Dental Implant Clinic, we are always trying to make the procedure as comfortable and convenient for the patient as possible. In many cases, implants can have fixed temporaries placed on the same day so that our patients do not have to face the world without their front teeth. This is called immediate loading and the plan is customised for the individual patient. It can give you the cosmetic confidence you need to continue with your daily activities. This can be discussed at your consultation.

Original condition with 1 tooth missing

Teeth are cut down for the bridge to be attached

Finished bridge

WHY DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Implants are the modern way to replace lost teeth.

They can be used to replace dentures to give our patients the ultimate in comfort and oral health. Dentures can often become loose when talking and especially during chewing which can be embarrassing when eating in company. Denture adhesives are often required and can be expensive and difficult to use. The physical presence of the denture and the need to store in a glass of water each night can be psychologically damaging during social interactions. Dental implants can help relieve your self-consciousness in these situations.

Bridges require the removal of good natural tooth structure from neighbouring teeth. These irreversible changes can dramatically shorten the life of these teeth. Any future problems on just one neighbouring tooth will determine the fate of the bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

See some common questions and answers below, or call us at 02 9617 2988

What are dental implants?

Dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth. They are usually made of commercially pure titanium. Dental implants are surgically placed into the bone where they become incorporated in a process called Osseointegration.
Do I always need an implant for every tooth missing?

In short the answer is no. In many cases, a group of missing teeth can be supported by fewer implants. No two people are the same so your individual case will be assessed to determine your best treatment plan.
Are there any rejections from using titanium?

Titanium has been used extensively in trials that date back to the 1950s. In 1965, the first case in humans was performed and there have been millions of implants placed since then with no rejection type reactions. Any failure is usually seen in the first 12 months with the most common cause being too much load too early.
Do implants last forever?

We do not know the answer to this question as forever is a long time! Implants do not suffer from decay. Just like natural teeth, there is natural gum and bone surrounding implants which require thorough cleaning daily and regular visits to your dentist just like teeth. Implants in general are very durable and the maintenance is relatively low compared to other dental procedures.

Is the procedure uncomfortable?

Many patients have compared the treatment to that of a tooth requiring root canal and crown. They all agree that an implant supported tooth is much easier and much more comfortable. There is a surprisingly low need to take any analgesic by the next day.
Some patients even go back to work the same day after their surgery.
Do I have enough bone?

Quite often, our patients have been told previously there is just not enough bone or they may require extensive bone grafting. With our experience at Epping Dental Implant Clinic, we quite often can find simpler solutions requiring very little bone to complete the treatment and may avoid the need for bone grafting.
Is the procedure expensive?

Most patients are surprised at how little implant treatment costs!
It is important to have a consultation to assess the right treatment plan for you and the cost of your various options. We have HICAPS which allows us to instantly process your health fund payments which means you only have to pay the gap and not the total amount for your treatment.
Are there any other options besides dental implants?

Your options will be discussed within the consultation so you can make an informed choice on your individual treatment plan. For example, a missing tooth may be replaced by a removable partial plate or a fixed bridge.