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DENTAL IMPLANT

What is Dental Implant?


A dental implant (also known as an endosseous implant or fixture) is a surgical component that interfaces with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor. The basis for modern dental implants is a biologic process called osseointegration where materials, such as titanium, form an intimate bond to bone. The implant fixture is first placed, so that it is likely to osseointegrate, then a dental prosthetic is added. A variable amount of healing time is required for osseointegration before either the dental prosthetic (a tooth, bridge or denture) is attached to the implant or an abutment is placed which will hold a dental prosthetic.


Dental implants are used to replace teeth when they are badly damaged, and have no hope of survival. Over time, the implant or screw, fuses with the jaw bone and remains a strong support for the fake teeth (a process known as osseointegration).

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Why Get A Dental Implant?


Dental implants provide many benefits over traditional forms of tooth replacement:

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  • They Last much longer than bridges or dentures
  • An implant will prevent bone loss associated with missing teeth
  • They are a great replacement option to removable dentures and bridges.
  • No wear and tear on surrounding teeth is caused
  • They are aesthetically pleasing and very natural looking
  • Dental implants allow patient to eat hard foods with confidence
  • Patients experience an increase in self confidence
  • There are no age restriction for a dental implant (unlike alternative options)

Is A Dental Implant Right For Me?

The first question that you will need to ask is: "am I a suitable candidate for a dental implant?". Procedures such as teeth whitening may sometimes be a 'one size fits all', however this is definitely not the case with dental implants. We recommend that you ask your dentist or an specialist for their opinion, as each case is different, however in general to be suitable you must:

  • Have a reasonable amount of dense bone tissue in your jaw
  • Be free from a condition known as periodontal disease (which is a form of gum disease)
  • ​Be a non-smoker (you'll have to give up smoking during the healing process at the very least)

The Dental Implants Procedure

he procedure for a dental implant will be determined by the type of dental implant you are receiving, and the number of replacement teeth required.

In general, the procedure of a single tooth dental implant will follow this scenario:

If a Damaged tooth is present, it is removed using tooth extraction surgery. If there is no tooth present, the gum is sliced and folded back to allow the bone to be drilled to receive the implant.

The implant post is placed within your jawbone and generally covered while the bone fuses to the implant, or becomes osseointegrated.

Between 3-9 months later when the implant has been osseointegrated enough, a second operation may be required to uncover the top of the implant. At this stage, the dentist can start constructing your crown or bridge.

Common Dental Implant Problems

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Occasionally dental implants fail to integrate with the bone or, as some people say, they are rejected. In most instances, they are replaced with another implant, usually of a slightly larger size, and the problem is solved.

There are a few other complications, such as gum infections or breaking the implant, but these complications are very rare and account for less than 5% of all dental implant related problems

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Dental Implants Cost


The cost of dental implants will vary due to a number of factors. The following issues should be kept in mind when searching for dental implants prices:

The number of dental implants required – Do you need implants to support one tooth, or multiple teeth?

  • Do you need work to be done before the dental implant procedure can commence? (i.e. tooth extraction) 
  • Are you being quoted for BOTH parts of the implant? i.e. both the titanium anchor AND the porcelain tooth which is screwed into the anchor?)
  • The complexity of the individuals situation – everyone is different, and some patients will require more or less work, such as bone grafting, which will add to the cost.

Dental implants are an expensive procedure, and hunting around for cheap dental implants is not recommended: it’s a very complicated process only to be performed by dentists and specialists with extensive training, and not something you'd want to risk.

One way to save a little money is to ensure you are covered by a reputable private health insurance provider, however is most cases, dental implants are not covered by dental insurance in Australia as its considered cosmetic dentistry.

There is also a growing popularity in dental tourism, whereby patients travel to countries where the procedure is much more affordable, yet still provided by competent surgeon’s and dentists.

But wait a minute – you haven’t even begun to think about visiting our clinic yet, have you? 

So there is a good chance that you have no idea what factors will come into play with your situation….

All we can really do is give you a ballpark figure – then you will know what high quote, and what a low quote is on the spectrum of costs. 

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