Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a metal screw that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It provides a strong foundation for a replacement tooth, such as a crown, bridge, or denture.

What Are Dental Implants Made Of?

Most dental implants are made of titanium, a durable and biocompatible metal. This is the same material used in hip and knee replacements by orthopedic surgeons.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Once placed in the jawbone, the implant integrates with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This fusion creates a stable base for your new tooth, mimicking the strength and function of a natural root.

Dental implants are a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance.

Why a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are an effective way to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or to support and stabilise a full set of dentures or a fixed bridge.

Not all people can have a dental implant.

You will need a dental assessment to check that:

Your jawbone is healthy.
You have enough bone to hold an implant.
Any medical conditions you have.
Any medicine you take.
Your gum health.

What You Need to Know Before Getting a Dental Implant

Initial Consultation

Before getting a dental implant, you’ll have a consultation with your dentist. This appointment is your chance to discuss any concerns and what you hope to achieve.

Planning for a Dental Implant

Dental implants require careful planning. Your dentist will take:

  • Digital scans of your teeth using our iTero Intraoral Scanner

  • Intraoral photos

  • A referral for 3D X-ray (CT scan) to assess bone density

Once the planning phase is complete, you’ll have a second consultation to review the treatment plan and confirm if you’re a suitable candidate. At this stage, you’ll also receive a detailed cost estimate.

Dental Implant Procedure: Step-by-Step

The dental implant process happens in multiple stages over several months.

1. Implant Placement

  • The procedure takes about 1-2 hours at Tooth Dental.

  • You’ll receive local anesthesia for a pain-free experience.

  • Medication is prescribed to minimise infection risk and discomfort.

  • Sedation options are available for enhanced relaxation.

2. Healing Period (3-6 Months)

After placement, your implant will need 3-6 months to fuse with the surrounding bone.

3. Creating Your New Tooth

Once healed, your dentist will take a digital scan or mould of your teeth and implant. This is sent to a local Brisbane dental lab, where your custom-made abutment and crown are crafted within 2-3 weeks.

What is a bone graft?

If your tooth has been missing for a while, the supporting bone may shrink, leaving insufficient space for an implant. A bone graft or gum graft may be necessary to strengthen the area.

  • In many cases, the graft is done during implant placement to reduce appointments.

  • Extra care is needed during healing to ensure proper integration.

By following these steps, you can achieve a long-lasting, natural-looking dental implant!

What to expect after dental implant procedure

After the procedure, you may have some:

Bruising
Pain
Swelling of your gums
Swelling of your face
Bleeding from your gums

Eat soft foods while you are healing. Contact Tooth Dental if you have any concerns, or questions.

How to look after a dental implant?

  • Brush your teeth and gums twice a day
  • Clean between the implant and your other teeth using floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser.
  • Attend regular (six monthly) dental checkups and professional cleans with a dental hygienist

Risks and complications

As with any dental procedure there are risks associated with dental implant treatment, and thorough planning aims to reduce these risks as much as possible. Risks and complications are case dependant and will be discussed with you during the planning of your implant.

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