Brisbane Dental Implants: What You Need to Know About Single, Multi & Full Dental Implants

Thinking about getting a dental implant? There are a few important things to know before you proceed, so we’ve put together an extensive guide to help you make an informed decision. After reading, if you’d like to explore your options, we’d be happy to help. Click here to request a free consultation and our friendly team will be able to answer all your questions.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are essentially fake teeth. Your dentist will secure a replacement tooth root (or several) made of titanium into the bone of the jaw or skull.
This helps to support a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis or to act as an orthodontic anchor.
Their main purpose is to bond with the jaw and provide a secure, long-term solution for missing teeth which restores your chewing ability, improves your facial appearance and prevents bone loss.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants work by a process called Osseointegration. This is where your healthy bones bond with a dental implant to ensure a strong and long term-connection.
This creates the perfect foundation for replacement teeth, dentures or another prosthesis.

Why choose dental implants over other solutions?

In most cases, dental implants have the highest rate of success and the longest lifespan amongst various options.
The technology has also improved dramatically in the last few years and our dental clinic can place implants within a millimetre of accuracy by using 3D ConeBeam imaging.
To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and the latest dental implant technology please watch Dr Angus Quinn in our video at the top of this page.

What are the benefits of Dental Implants?

If you have a missing tooth (or several missing teeth), dental implants are the most natural-looking alternative.
  • They make sure your replacement teeth are stable for eating and smiling with confidence.

  • They eliminate the pain of ill-fitting partial and full dentures.

  • They help to maintain the shape of your face.

  • They remove the need to grind down healthy teeth for a bridge.

  • They help to preserve the bone in the jaw.

  • They improve appearance, comfort, speech and self-esteem.

  • They make it easier to eat.

  • They’re convenient.

  • They protect your remaining natural teeth and improve oral health.

Why would you need a dental implant?

Dental implants are used for a variety of reasons, including:
  • Missing, infected, cracked or unsightly tooth

  • Accidents involving teeth and/or facial structure

  • Sporting injuries involving teeth or facial structure

  • Permanent or temporary denture solutions

  • Cosmetic/aesthetic improvement

If you’re having issues, it’s best to get them sooner rather than later.
Without implants, a missing or removed tooth will cause the surrounding bone to shrink away as the bone is no longer required.
If multiple teeth are lost or removed, more bone is also lost. This affects facial muscles which can cause impaired speech, premature ageing and other serious complications.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you’re exploring dental implants for health or cosmetic reasons, it’s important to seek professional advice.
We offer an obligation-free consultation to give you personalised advice and help you make an informed decision.
Even if you don’t decide to go ahead with your dental implant procedure you’ll better understand your options, and you’ll even be able to see what your new smile might look like our 3D technology.
Call for an obligation-free consult
Click here to request your free consultation and we’d be happy to help.
 

Are there different types of dental implants?

Absolutely. A single application does not fit every case so we have outlined some information on common applications and procedures below

Dental Implant For A Single Tooth

A single tooth implant is a fixed, free-standing restoration. It consists of a crown attached to an implant embedded in the bone where there has been tooth loss.
Advantages:
  • Looks and feels like a natural tooth

  • Doesn’t require drilling of the neighbouring teeth

  • Cleaned and maintained the same way as a natural tooth

  • High success rate

Disadvantages:
  • Can be more expensive than other treatments

  • Treatment time can be longer than other solutions

  • The procedure can be technically demanding and should be done by an experienced dental implant professional.

Implants For Multiple Teeth

If multiple teeth are lost they can be replaced with either an implant supported crown or implant supported bridgework.
Advantages:
  • Look and feels like natural teeth

  • No drilling of the neighbouring teeth

  • Cleaned and maintained the same way as a natural tooth

  • High success rate

Disadvantages:
  • Can be more expensive than other treatments

  • Treatment time can be longer than other solutions

What is implant-supported bridgework?

A bridge is referred to as a fixed restoration and unlike partial dentures, it cannot be removed. A dental bridge consists of one or more replacement teeth held by crowns, which are secured to teeth on either side of the space.
A traditional ceramic bridge is made out of two crowns and a pontic (a solid prosthetic tooth).
The crowns sit on the outside of the pontic and normally attach to your existing healthy teeth. Some people do not have a healthy tooth for the bridge to attach to and therefore require a dental implant. This procedure is commonly used towards the back of the mouth.
Advantages:
  • Unlike dentures it cannot be removed

  • Good appearance

  • Feels quite natural

Disadvantages
  • Natural teeth on either side of the space will be cut down

  • Not suitable for young patients

  • Can be difficult to repair

  • Requires higher standards of oral hygiene and modification of your cleaning routine

What are Dental Implant-Supported Dentures?

There are three possible implant supported denture treatment options to suit a variety of smiles.

Fixed:

A fixed denture is attached to your jaw with dental implants. This denture can be removed by your dentist to be cleaned and maintained.

Removable:

This is similar to a fixed denture with one clear exception. Once the required number of implants is set, a bar is attached to the implants to provide support for the removable denture. Your new denture will be able to clip into place and you will be able to remove it for cleaning.

Implant-stabilised:

An implant stabilised denture is when a small number of implants stabilise your denture. This is similar to fixed implant supported dentures with the exception that you can take it out each night and clean it.

What is bone grafting?

If you have been without teeth for an extended period of time, then it’s likely your jawbone will have receded.
This occurs because chewing and speaking put pressure on your teeth which stimulates jawbone growth. With no teeth, this pressure can’t be applied and your jawbone will begin to regress and eventually will become very thin and insufficient to support dental implants.
If your jawbone has receded, then it is likely you will require a bone graft before you receive dental implants

What happens during dental implant treatment?

Implant treatment is generally quick depending on the number of teeth replaced and patients report little to no discomfort with many patients returning to work and their normal daily activities the next day. Mild pain relief medication is all that is needed to ease any pain or discomfort. Dental implant surgery usually involves the following three basic steps:

Placement of the Implant

We will carefully locate the ideal location for the implant. Then, we surgically place the implant into the jawbone. You may have some swelling and/or tenderness after implant surgery, but this will subside quickly. Once in place, your implant is left to bond with your jaw bone.

Healing Process

This process generally takes 3-6 months and is called osseointegration. This results in an extremely strong implant and complete integration with the jawbone. Once complete, the patient can then get the permanent replacement tooth or teeth. In many cases, the implant and temporary replacement teeth can be placed in one visit.

Placement of the Replacement Tooth or Teeth

After the healing process is complete, the implant will be checked for strength and stability. For a single tooth implant, we provide a new tooth for you, called a dental crown, which looks like and blends in with any existing tooth. Implant-supported bridges and dentures are also custom-made to look like natural teeth and to fit your mouth.

Completion

Once the replacement tooth or teeth are fitted to your implant, treatment is complete and you can enjoy your smile!

What are MIS Implants?

At St Lucia Dental, we perform many dental implant procedures using advanced products from MIS Implants Technologies. MIS is a global leader in dental implantology, offering a range of cutting-edge dental implants, superstructures, tools and kits, as well as extensive solutions for oral restoration and health. To learn more about MIS please visit their website here.

What are Biohorizons?

At St Lucia Dental, we also perform many dental implant procedures using advanced products from BioHorizon. BioHorizon dental implants carry a lifetime warranty on the implant and are clinically proven by some of the most thorough and in-depth research in the industry. To learn more about BioHorizon please visit their website here. We stand behind our products and will choose the best product based on your application and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants

Are dental implants covered by health insurance?

If you have private health insurance that covers ‘Major Dental’ then you may be eligible to receive the annual limit for dental implants. This is generally in the range of $750 to $2,000 depending on the procedure performed and your level of cover.

Does St Lucia Dental have a dental implant warranty or guarantee?

Yes. St Lucia Dental guarantees dental implants from our practice for a period of five-years with the exceptions and conditions listed below: The life expectancy of dental implants and crowns is largely dependent on patient oral hygiene, routine hygiene and dental check-up appointments, and damage from grinding. In non-smokers, dental implants have approximately a 90% survival rate of 20 years. St Lucia Dental guarantees implants for non-smokers for a five year period from insertion date. The five-year warranty is valid only if six monthly check-up and hygiene visits are attended and night splints are worn (where recommended). As smokers are at increased risk of Dental Implant Disease, which can lead to a dental implant failing due to bone loss and gum disease surrounding the implant. No guarantee is given to smokers. If in doubt or for more information call us to get your no obligation free consultation.

Are there risks associated with Dental Implant Procedures?

Any surgical procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner.

I’m interested in dental implants, what should I do next?

Hopefully, we’ve provided you with enough information to take the first step but if not we can answer all your questions in your first free consultation.   Call us on the number below or email us to arrange your no obligation free consultation. A dentist will analyse your teeth and mouth with our 3d imaging technology. They’ll then work with you to create a plan and timetable for your treatment. If you feel good about the plan, treatment can begin immediately. If not, you’ve gained valuable information and lost nothing in the process.