Dental implants are restorative systems used to manage tooth loss. This three-part system is designed to provide clinical stability and support your oral health.

• The Implant Post: A medical-grade titanium post positioned into the jawbone during a surgical procedure to act as a substitute for the tooth root.
• The Abutment: A specialised connector piece that attaches to the implant post and supports the final restoration.
• The Crown: A custom-crafted prosthetic tooth attached to the abutment, designed to align with the appearance and shade of your natural teeth.

This system is designed to support the mechanical function of the jaw and assist in maintaining bone density. Unlike traditional dentures, it provides a fixed restorative option that aligns with the natural alignment of your dentition.

Dental implants may be recommended as part of a restorative treatment plan to address missing or damaged teeth. Replacing missing teeth is important for maintaining the structural integrity of the jaw and the alignment of the surrounding dentition.

Common clinical reasons for tooth loss include:

• Periodontal Disease: Advanced gum disease that compromises the supporting structures of the teeth.
• Dental Caries: Extensive decay (cavities) that renders a tooth non-restorable.
• Dental Trauma: Physical injury or accidents resulting in tooth loss.
• Medical Factors: Certain health conditions, medications, or treatments that impact oral health or saliva production.

Not everyone is suitable for dental implants. During your consultation, your dentist will assess whether your bone structure is strong enough to support an implant and whether there is enough room for the implant to fit.

Other indications of whether you are suitable for a dental implant include:

• Having healthy gums that are free from disease.
• Adequate bone quality.
• A willingness to commit to good oral health practices and implant maintenance.

Smoking is a significant risk factor that can interfere with the body’s ability to heal and may increase the likelihood of implant complications or failure to integrate. While tobacco use may not always preclude you from treatment, it significantly impacts the long-term stability of the restoration.

To support the integration process and improve long-term clinical outcomes, we strongly advise patients to cease smoking for a period both before and after the surgical procedure. Our team will discuss your specific risk profile during your clinical assessment.

When appropriately planned and maintained, dental implants offer several functional and clinical benefits:

• Restoration of Masticatory Function: Implants are designed to support a stable bite, allowing for the consumption of a wide range of foods.
• Speech Support: By providing a fixed restorative solution, implants assist in maintaining the clarity of speech compared to traditional removable prosthetics.
• Support of Facial Structure: Implants help to stimulate the jawbone, which assists in maintaining the natural bone volume and facial contours.
• Hygiene Integration: As fixed restorations, implants allow for standard brushing and flossing routines, supporting long-term periodontal health.
• Structural Longevity: While surgical procedures involve an initial clinical process, dental implants are a durable restorative option designed for long-term stability.
• Functional Restoration: Replacing missing teeth aims to restore the appearance and integrity of the smile.

All surgical and invasive procedures carry inherent risks. While dental implants are an established restorative option, it is important to be aware of the potential clinical complications, which may include:

• Nerve Involvement: Potential damage to surrounding nerves, which may cause temporary or permanent numbness or tingling.
• Infection: Risk of post-operative infection at the surgical site.
• Sinus Complications: Potential for implants in the upper jaw to impact the sinus cavities.
• Implant Non-Integration: The possibility of the implant failing to fuse with the bone (osseointegration) or being rejected by the body.
• Allergic Reactions: Sensitivity or reactions to the materials used in the implant or aesthetic.
• Healing Variables: Delayed healing or complications resulting from underlying health conditions or lifestyle factors.

The dental implant procedure is performed utilizing local anesthesia to manage sensation during the surgery. Our practitioners focus on patient care and will discuss the various options for managing your experience during the procedure.

Following the surgery, it is common to experience swelling and a degree of discomfort as the tissues begin to heal. These symptoms are a normal part of the post-operative phase and can usually be managed with appropriate medication, which our clinical team will discuss with you. Our team provides professional support throughout your recovery and will present a detailed treatment plan during your follow-up appointment to outline the next stages of your care.

When considering tooth replacement in Melbourne, several restorative pathways are available. Each option has specific clinical indications and considerations:

Dental Implants Dental implants are a fixed restorative option designed for long-term stability. They assist in preserving jawbone density by providing stimulation similar to a natural tooth root. This option requires a surgical procedure and involves a higher initial clinical investment compared to other methods.

Dental Bridges A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic used to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. This is a non-surgical alternative that can be completed in a shorter clinical timeframe than implants. However, this option involves the preparation of the adjacent natural teeth to support the bridge and does not prevent bone resorption in the missing tooth area.

Dentures Dentures are removable prosthetics used to replace multiple missing teeth or a full arch. They provide a non-invasive and cost-effective solution for many patients. While functional, dentures may require periodic adjustments to manage fit and do not provide the same level of bone preservation as implant-supported restorations.

The design and clinical application of a dental implant system are important considerations in restorative dentistry. At Bond St, our practitioners utilise the Nobel Biocare implant system. Nobel Biocare is an established global provider of dental implant technology, offering a range of components designed for various clinical indications and bone types.

Our choice to utilise this system is based on its long-standing history in clinical research and its compatibility with various restorative requirements.

If you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, our practitioners will provide a detailed treatment plan during your consultation. This plan includes a breakdown of the clinical fees associated with each stage of your procedure to assist you in making an informed decision.

At Bond St, we provide clear information regarding treatment costs. We also offer a range of third-party payment plans for those who wish to manage their treatment costs over time. Suitability for these plans is subject to the terms and conditions of the provider.

When considering dental implant surgery abroad, it is important to evaluate the long-term clinical implications. In Australia, dental practitioners must adhere to strict infection control protocols and professional standards set by the Dental Board of Australia. Additionally, all dental implant materials must be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for safety and quality.

Key clinical considerations include:

• Continuity of Care: Dental implants require long-term monitoring and maintenance. Seeking treatment locally ensures that your practitioner is available to manage follow-up care or address any post-operative clinical concerns.
• Regulatory Oversight: Australian clinics operate under a unified national regulatory framework (AHPRA), providing patients with specific protections and recourse that may not be available in other jurisdictions.
• Component Compatibility: Different regions use varying implant systems. Receiving treatment in Melbourne ensures that the components used are readily accessible in Australia should a restoration require maintenance or replacement in the future.
• Informed Consent: Engaging with a local clinical team allows for thorough pre-operative assessments and a comprehensive informed consent process over multiple consultations.

The duration of the dental implant process varies based on individual factors, including oral health, jawbone volume, the number of implants required, and any necessary preliminary treatments.

• Conventional Dental Implants: This restorative pathway often involves several stages to allow for healing and integration, which may span several months. In cases of significant bone loss, preliminary procedures such as bone grafting may be required to create a stable foundation.
• All-on-4® Treatment Concept: This approach utilizes a specific surgical technique that often allows for the placement of a provisional restoration in a shorter timeframe than conventional methods. By utilizing available bone through angled implant placement, the requirement for bone grafting may be reduced in many cases; however, suitability is determined on an individual clinical basis.

Dental implants utilize medical-grade titanium, a biocompatible material designed to undergo osseointegration, where the metal integrates with the jawbone. This provides a stable foundation for a dental restoration. While dental implants are a durable restorative option, their long-term stability depends on several clinical and lifestyle factors.

To support the long-term function of your dental implants, it is important to:

• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Consistent brushing and flossing are required to prevent inflammation in the tissues surrounding the implant.
• Attend Regular Reviews: Scheduled clinical check-ups allow your practitioner to monitor the integrity of the implant and the surrounding bone.
• Manage Risk Factors: Certain habits, such as smoking, can interfere with healing and increase the risk of implant failure.

Maintaining dental implants involves a combination of professional clinical reviews and diligent oral hygiene. While implants are designed to be a long-term restorative solution, their longevity depends on the health of the surrounding soft tissue and bone.

Following your procedure, your dentist will provide specific clinical instructions to support the healing process and manage the surgical site.

Post-Operative Care Instructions:

• Initial 24 Hours: Avoid hot foods and beverages. Do not rinse the mouth to allow the surgical site to stabilize.
• Saline Rinses: After the first 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water 2–3 times daily as directed.
• Dietary Adjustments: Consume soft foods for the first week to avoid placing undue pressure on the implant site.
• Risk Management: Abstain from smoking and alcohol for at least two weeks, as these can significantly interfere with the healing process.
• Hygiene Routine: Maintain standard oral hygiene while exercising extreme care around the surgical area.
• Clinical Reviews: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to allow your practitioner to monitor the integration and health of the implant.