Dental Implants are used to replace missing teeth and offer an alternative to removable devices like partial dentures and bridges.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. It is a titanium anchor that is placed into the jaw bone and your bone grows onto the implant in a process called osseointegration which generally takes 3-6 months. Once integrated the implant forms a permanent platform upon which the dentist can place your new tooth, bridge or denture.
An abutment sits on top of the implant, which is the small metal post which holds an artificial tooth or crown firmly in place. The crown is the visible part which restores the aesthetics and function of your smile. Implants can also be used to support partial/full dentures and bridges.
Before we can make a recommendation regarding dental implants, a thorough evaluation of the volume of your jaw bone is made using computed tomography (CT) scans. Dr Basil will refer you for a cone beam CT (CBCT) designed to produce 3D images of the teeth, jaw and surrounding anatomy to assist in planning where the implant should be best positioned.
The data obtained in the CT scans is analysed using 3D software that allows a computer-based virtual surgical procedure to be undertaken, without patient contact. This analysis helps to produce a surgical plan, detailing any potential hazards, and selecting the most ideal implant sizes, sites and angulations, avoiding nerves and sinus cavities, and enables the creation of surgical guides for accurate implant placement.
The surgical plan then becomes the basis for accurate treatment quotations, and most importantly reduced operating time, fewer complications and a faster recovery for the patient.
If you are missing one or more teeth, and want to restore your ability to chew and smile confidently, or if you are seeking a permanent alternative to removable dentures, get in touch with Annerley Dental. We specialise in dental implants that restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile.
Single implant
When only one tooth is missing, a single-tooth implant provides a highly effective and aesthetically pleasing solution. This type of implant consists of three parts: the implant itself that serves as the new “root” of your tooth, placed directly into your jawbone where your tooth root was located; an abutment, which is attached to the implant and holds the crown; and the crown itself, which is custom-made to match your natural teeth.
Benefits of Single-Tooth Implants:
Natural look Looks and functions like a natural tooth: Single-tooth implants are designed to blend seamlessly integrate with your natural teeth, both in appearance and function.
Preserves bone and surrounding teeth: Unlike dental bridgesa bridge, a single-tooth implants does not rely on adjacent teeth for support, which helps to preserve the health of your natural teeth and jawbone.
Implant Cantilever
A cantilever on a dental prosthesis is an extension of the prosthesis that is unsupported at one end. Part of the prosthesis extends beyond the last implant that provides support.
However, cantilevers should be used with caution as they can place additional stress on the supporting implants, which can lead to complications over time. Generally, cantilevers in the front of the mouth have less force exerted than in the back teeth (molars).
Examples where cantilevers can work well include replacing a lateral incisors from a canine, replacing central incisors off of each other. Posterior cantilevers should be avoided.
Implant Bridge
For patients missing more than one tooth, multiple-teeth implants provide a viable option.
Multiple teeth implants are used when several teeth in a row are missing. Instead of placing an implant for each missing tooth, a dentist strategically places two or more implants to support a fixed dental bridge or a removable denture that attaches onto the implants.
Multiple-teeth implants restore the ability to chew properly and prevent remaining teeth from shifting and the aesthetic benefits is that they restore a natural-looking smile.
Implant supported denture (partial or full)
Dentures are an affordable way to replace missing teeth, but their poor stability can lead to a poor experience for the wearer. Implants can be used to anchor down dentures so the denture no longer moves when worn. This makes it easier to speak and eat while wearing the restoration.
Implant-supported partials function similarly to bridges but are removable rather than being fixed in place.
People who are transitioning from traditional partial dentures may find implant-supported partials an easier adjustment than a fixed bridge. This can also be a good option for patients who grind their teeth at night because they can remove the partial, protecting it from potential damage. They are effective multiple teeth replacement options for people who have difficulty brushing and flossing the teeth because the partial can be removed and cleaned outside of the mouth.
Immediate Implant
Immediate implant is the placement of a dental implant immediately into an extracted socket following tooth extraction. This can be done whether there is an existing infection or not in the tooth. In a recent analysis entitled “Placement of immediate dental implants in extraction sockets exhibiting the apical pathosis “ by AlMugeiren et al. 2024 their conclusion was “The placement of immediate implants in locations affected by apical pathosis is a clinically beneficial surgery, resulting in favorable aesthetic and functional outcomes for patients”.
The advantage of immediate implant placement into the extraction socket is there is no need to wait for 4–6 months after an extraction for the bone to form before placing the implant. The implant is placed in the remaining bone at the same appointment as the extraction and this reduces the number of appointments and the time to get to the final crown by 4-6 months.
This is advantageous in the anterior part of the mouth as the implant can be placed immediately and a fixed temporary crown is made at the same time. The patient leaves with the infected/broken down tooth removed and the gap filled with an artificial temporary tooth connected to the implant.
If the immediate implant stability is not ideal then a temporary removable denture can be made before hand and inserted at the time of the extraction so the patient has a tooth to fill in the gap.
If the tooth is a premolar or molar then this is less visible and most patients opt to not have a temporary crown or temporary denture made to fill the gap.
