Dental Implants

Missing teeth pose a number of oral health challenges, in addition to the toll they can take on the appearance of the smile. At St Mark Dental and Medical Group, we provide every phase of dental implant treatment.

Both of our locations are designed for patient comfort, and our dentists are committed to educating our patients on all of their tooth replacement options.

Why Many Patients Choose Dental Implants

Many patients prefer to avoid shifting and ill-fitting dentures that can be inconvenient. Dental implants integrate with the jawbone and create a stable foundation for single dental crowns, bridges and prosthetics, such as All-on-4® bridges.

In addition to replacing missing teeth, dental implants have the added benefit of preserving the bone structure, much like the natural teeth. Bridges and dentures do not promote bone retention, but still provide an alternative for patients seeking a non-surgical option.

Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?

For dental implants to be successful, patients need to have enough healthy bone structure to support the implant screw and absorb the force of chewing. An evaluation will determine if enough healthy bone is present, or if additional services such as bone grafting or sinus lifts will be necessary.

Dental implants also take some time to complete. Planning for surgery, medical history and osseointegration all require patience. Most people find they are well worth the wait.

The Dental Implant Procedure

Our implant dentists will begin with a full evaluation and medical history to ensure that dental implants are a safe and viable option. Surgical planning will identify the precise location to place the dental implant or implants. 

We may use the following diagnostic tools:

• Digital imaging, including x-rays
• Impressions and moulds of the teeth
• Surgical guide

The dentist will completely anesthetise the tooth and surrounding area before starting the procedure. The dental implant screw will be placed in the bone and stitches will be applied to the gum tissue. While some discomfort is common with any surgical procedure, it should subside within a few days and can be managed with anti-inflammatory medication chosen in conjunction with your medical doctor.

The next step in treatment is to allow for integration between the dental implant and bone. This healing and integration process typically takes around four to six months and may require longer for smokers because smoking tends to slow healing times.

The final phase of treatment will complete the smile. A tooth-coloured dental implant crown designed to look like a natural tooth will be attached to the dental implant.

All-on-4 and Implant Bridges

Dental implants can replace one or all missing teeth and are frequently used with prosthetics to replace all of the teeth at once.

All-on-4 is an entire arch of teeth anchored in the mouth with four dental implants. Because All-on-4 has a slimmer profile than full dentures, they are often easier to get used to.

Implant-supported dentures utilise four to six dental implants per arch and lock into place. They are removable for cleaning and maintenance.

We Welcome You to Get in Touch

Whether you have a single missing tooth or are looking for a full smile solution to missing teeth, contact our Monterey dental clinic to arrange a booking. We are happy to discuss dental implants, bridges, dentures, partial dentures and implant-supported dentistry to replace missing teeth.

Disclaimer:

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you. 

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Contact us for more information. Rebates may vary depending on your individual health fund.