Dental Implants in Clifton Hill, VIC
Missing teeth can be devastating to how you feel about your smile, but tooth loss can have an irreversible impact on your oral health. So when you come to Clifton Hill Dental to address a missing tooth or to have an extraction, our dentists aim to improve your smile's aesthetics and health and may recommend dental implants.
If you would like to book an exam with Dr Malamas for dental implants or to discuss your tooth loss options, we invite you to contact a member of our dental team.
Meanwhile, we welcome you to continue reading to learn more about dental implants.
- Are dental implants in Clifton Hill, VIC, right for me
- What are the benefits of dental implants?
- What is the dental implant process?
- What is All-on-4®?
- How do I care for my dental implants?
- How can I avoid future tooth loss?
- Are you considering tooth replacement in Clifton Hill, VIC?
Are dental implants right for me?
Our dental clinic provides several tooth replacement options, including dental implants. However, Dr Malamas will go over your oral health and may take x-rays to determine whether dental implants are the right option for you.
Considerations may include any health conditions and the integrity of your jawbone. Because dental implants replace the root and the tooth, it is essential to have sufficient jawbone to support your new implant. In some cases, bone grafting may be in order.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of modern tooth replacement by many dental professionals worldwide because of the many practical benefits and health enhancements they provide for patients.
In addition to looking and feeling like a natural tooth, dental implants retain bone health and prevent teeth from shifting toward empty tooth sockets, which causes misalignment and uneven wear on teeth. When teeth are worn, you may be more prone to cavities, sensitivity and breakage.
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of dental implants is that patients can enjoy all of the foods they love because dental implants are stable in the bone and make both crunchy vegetables and juicy steak possible again.
Missing teeth can also compromise your speech. Dental implants can help correct this problem.
What is the dental implant process?
Dental implants require precise planning to ensure successful treatment. A complete evaluation of gum health and bone will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.
Sufficient bone must be present to support the dental implant rod and the load from chewing. If bone loss makes dental implant treatment risky, bone grafting can make dental implant treatment possible for almost everyone.
Your dentist will identify the precise location for your dental implant and take x-rays and digital impressions.
Because your comfort is a priority, your dentist will completely anaesthetise the area he works in before beginning any treatment. Dental implant surgery takes about 60 to 90 minutes and causes little discomfort. Most patients report minor swelling, which resolves in a few days. This is generally treatable with store-bought pain relievers.
In most cases, we need to leave adequate time for dental implants to integrate with the bone over three to four months. This process, called osseointegration, allows the dental implant rod to fully fuse with the bone for a stable and secure foundation to support a dental implant crown.
Our dentists and skilled dental lab technicians design each dental implant crown specifically for your smile. The dental implant crown's length, shape and colour will match adjacent teeth for a seamless result.
A dental crown is a hollow cover that fits over your implant. It looks and functions like a natural tooth.
What is All-on-4?
If you have full or partial tooth loss and do not want a single tooth replacement for each missing tooth, All-on-4 may be the right option for you.
All-on-4 means that four strategically placed dental implant posts—made from durable materials— support an entire arch of restoration teeth. This is also known as an implant-supported denture or a partial implant-supported denture for partial tooth loss. You can also ask Dr Malamas about an implant-supported bridge.
We rely on quality materials to create your natural-looking implant denture or appliance, and the process is similar to single tooth replacement with a dental implant.
The benefits of implant-supported dentures include the following:
- No longer needing denture adhesives
- No longer having denture refittings
- No longer worrying about slippage while eating or speaking
Dr Malamas will consider your oral health before deciding whether you're a good candidate for implant-supported dentures.
How much do dental implants cost in Australia?
The total cost of dental implants can vary widely depending on your specific needs. According to a survey performed by a nationwide network of Australian dentists, a reasonable fee range for dental implants is between $3,000 and $6,000. The gulf between these two figures is due to numerous factors, which include:
- Number of implants for your chosen restoration – An implant for a single tooth replacement will differ compared to the four necessary implants for a denture. Still, the implants we use for each variety differ as well.
- Bone grafting – If your bone structure needs to be reinforced to support your implant procedures, we can recommend a bone grafting procedure that fits your needs and may add significantly to your implant total.
- Periodontal disease – For your implant to heal properly, your mouth and gums must also be healthy before we begin. So if you suffer from gum disease, we must resolve that condition before starting any tooth implant treatment.
We will discuss all factors that may impact the cost of your dental implants before we begin. In addition, we aim to ensure you understand entirely any dental treatments we offer so that you never are surprised when your procedure is complete.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Caring for your dental implant requires the same careful attention as caring for your natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing using proper technique will keep the supporting gum tissue healthy and prevent periodontal infection. Flossing daily is also important to prevent gum infections, which can lead to dental implant failure and further tooth loss.
In addition to single dental implants, you can have implant-supported dentures, dental bridges, and even smile-saving All-on-4 dentures in our dental practice. All-on-4 replaces an entire arch of teeth in as little as one to three days.
Dr Malamas will provide instructions on how to best care for your All-on-4, but you will need to keep your gums clean to avoid infections or gum disease.
Dental implants, including All-on-4, cannot protect your gums from gum disease or infections. For these reasons, it's essential to visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleans to keep your gums healthy and stable to support your tooth replacement choice.
We invite you to contact us to arrange a consultation to determine if dental implants or implant dentistry are right for you.
How can I avoid future tooth loss?
The best way to avoid future tooth loss is to maintain your smile through good oral care at home—brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding drinks and snacks that are acidic and high in sugar.
Additionally, you'll want to visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleans. Exams help Dr Malamas spot potential issues like small cavities before they become severe decay requiring extraction. Teeth cleans are designed to eliminate the hard-to-reach bacteria that may lead to cavities, root infections, and even gum disease. Unfortunately, even the best oral care routine at home cannot completely eradicate plaque and bacteria.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a severe infection of the gums that can occur without proper dental care and good oral hygiene. Gum disease may lead to dental implant failure and tooth loss. Studies have even linked gum disease to systemic health problems of the heart and more.
If you play sports or are an up-close spectator, you might consider a mouthguard to protect your teeth from fly balls and elbows.
If you grind and clench your teeth (bruxism), ask your dentist about nightguards to gently separate your teeth while sleeping. Grinding and clenching can lead to cavities, root infections, and even a broken crown or tooth.
Finally, if you have a toothache or notice oral health changes like tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, or a bad taste in the mouth, don't hesitate to contact our dental clinic to schedule an exam. Early intervention for oral health issues is important to maintain your teeth in the long run.
Are you considering tooth replacement in Clifton Hill, VIC?
If you would like to arrange an exam to discuss dental implants or other tooth replacement options, we encourage you to get in touch with a member of our dental team today.
The Process For Dental Implant Dentistry
tooth. Because dental implants are considered the gold standard, their cost is in the higher ranges for tooth replacements.
-4 dental implants are two of many options. Both of these tooth replacement treatments use dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, but they are very different. 
