Restore Missing Teeth with Natural-Looking Dental Implants in Wollongong

Dental implants are considered a long-term option for the following reasons:

• The implant post can last 20 years or more: Made from titanium, it fuses with the jawbone and remains stable with consistent care.
• The visible parts can be replaced without affecting the implant post: While the crown, bridge, or denture may wear over time, the post often remains in place and functional.
• They remain reliable for everyday use: Implants are strong enough to support eating, speaking, and smiling comfortably over many years.
• They don’t affect nearby teeth: Because implants are self-supporting, they help preserve the structure and health of surrounding teeth.
• They help maintain jawbone health: When you chew, the implant stimulates the bone, helping prevent the bone loss that often follows tooth loss.

A full set of dental implants comprises key components used to replace all missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. This usually includes the following:

• Implant posts: These are small titanium screws placed into the jawbone during surgery. They act like artificial roots and support the new teeth. In many cases, four to six posts are placed in each jaw, depending on your bone structure and treatment needs.
• Abutments: These are connector pieces that attach to the top of each implant post. They link the implant to the replacement teeth and help keep them secure during everyday use.
• Full-arch replacement teeth: This is a custom-made row of prosthetic teeth that replaces all the teeth in the arch. They are shaped and coloured to suit your bite and appearance.

Dental implants are designed to last for many years. The titanium implant post can remain in place for 20 years or more. Meanwhile, the attached crown, bridge, or denture usually lasts between 5 and 15 years. Several factors can affect their lifespan:

• Oral hygiene habits: Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits help prevent gum disease and other problems that can compromise implant longevity.
• Smoking or tobacco use: These habits may slow healing and increase the risk of complications around the implant.
• Overall health: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or osteoporosis can impact bone healing and long-term support for the implant.
• Diet and lifestyle: Frequently eating hard or sticky foods, as well as teeth grinding (bruxism), can lead to faster wear of the crown or bridge.
• Location in the mouth: Implants at the back of the mouth are exposed to more chewing force, which may impact how long the prosthetic lasts.

It’s natural to have concerns about pain when thinking about the different types of dental implants. The procedure is carefully planned to reduce discomfort, and many people find it more manageable than they expect.

During the procedure:

• Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area completely.
• You may feel pressure or movement but not pain.
• The experience is often described as similar to having a tooth removed.

After the procedure:

• Mild soreness near the implant site is common and usually lasts two to five days.
• Mild swelling or bruising may occur, especially if multiple implants are placed.
• Chewing may be uncomfortable at first, but soft foods, such as smoothies and yoghurt, and rest can help.
• Discomfort is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications.

For more information or to book a consultation for dental implants in Wollongong, contact our team today. We’ll talk you through the procedure, recovery, and comfort options based on your individual needs.

Yes, there is a recovery period after dental implant placement. Healing occurs in stages, starting soon after surgery and continuing until the implant fully fuses with your jawbone. Here’s what the process usually looks like:

Short-term recovery (first two to five days):

• Mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the implant site is common and usually settles within two to five days.
• Discomfort during this stage is often managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications prescribed by the dentist.
• A soft-food diet, such as smoothies and mashed potatoes, is advised to reduce pressure on the implant site while it heals.
• Many people feel ready to return to work or routine activities within two to three days.

Longer-term healing (two to six months):

• The implant gradually fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, which usually takes two to six months.
• This stage is usually not painful, but it’s essential to attend review appointments so your dentist can assess the progress of your healing.
• When healing is complete, your dentist will attach the final tooth or teeth to the implant.

If a dental implant feels loose, it’s important to have it checked promptly. Even if there’s no pain, looseness can affect function and long-term stability. Here’s what usually happens next:

• Your dentist will assess the area: A clinical examination and X-ray help determine whether the looseness involves the implant post, the crown, or the connector piece. This allows your dentist to plan the appropriate next step.
• The loose part may be replaced or tightened: If the crown or connecting component has shifted, it can often be adjusted without affecting the implant post beneath. This can usually be done in a single appointment, depending on the condition of the crown or connector.
• The implant may be monitored over time: If the post appears stable but surrounding tissues show signs of early changes, regular reviews may be scheduled. Your dentist may also recommend additional hygiene care or follow-up imaging.
• In some cases, the implant may need to be removed: If the implant no longer has sufficient bone support, it may need to be removed to avoid further complications. After healing, a new implant may be considered depending on your healing and the condition of the surrounding tissues.
• You will receive a personalised treatment plan: Based on the findings, your dentist will explain your options and outline the steps involved. This will help you understand what to expect and increase your confidence in the next stage of care.

Dental implants can be a great option for many people, but they aren’t right for everyone. Your dentist will assess your general health, oral condition, and lifestyle factors before recommending this treatment.
Here are some situations where this option may not be suitable:

• Insufficient bone in the jaw: If there isn't enough healthy bone to support the implant, placement may not be possible without additional procedures like bone grafting. In some cases, bone density may remain too limited even with grafting.
• Uncontrolled medical conditions: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or immune-related illnesses may interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications after surgery.
• Ongoing gum disease: Active periodontal (gum) disease can damage the tissues and bone that support the implant. This needs to be addressed and stabilised before proceeding.
• Smoking or tobacco use: Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of implant failure. Quitting beforehand may help support a more successful outcome.
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism): Chronic grinding or clenching places added pressure on implants and may affect long-term results. Your dentist will advise appropriate management of this condition prior to proceeding with implant placement.
• Age or jaw development: Implants are generally not recommended for patients whose jawbone is still developing, such as children or younger teenagers.

If dental implants aren’t suitable for you, there are still effective ways to replace missing teeth. Here are some alternatives your dentist may recommend:

• Full dentures: These removable appliances are used when all teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing. They sit on the gums and restore the appearance and function of a complete set of teeth.
• Removable partial dentures: If you still have some natural teeth, a partial denture can replace the missing ones. It attaches to your remaining teeth with a small metal or acrylic framework and can be removed for cleaning.
• Traditional dental bridges: A bridge uses crowns placed over the teeth on either side of the gap to support a replacement tooth. This option may be suitable when healthy teeth are present adjacent to the gap, especially in load-bearing areas of the mouth.
• Resin-bonded bridges: Also known as Maryland bridges, these use a small metal or ceramic wing bonded to the back of neighbouring teeth. They are often used to replace a single front tooth and involve minimal alteration to the surrounding teeth.

In many cases, it may still be possible to place a dental implant, even if a tooth has been missing for years. However, when a gap has been left for a long time, changes in the bone and surrounding teeth can affect treatment. Your dentist will assess several factors to determine whether an implant is appropriate and whether any preparation is needed beforehand. Here’s what may be considered:

• Bone volume in the area: When a tooth is lost, the jawbone around it may shrink over time. If there isn’t enough bone to support an implant, bone grafting may be recommended before proceeding.
• Gum health: Healthy gums help stabilise the implant. If gum disease or tissue loss is present, this may need to be addressed before implant placement is considered.
• Changes in bite or tooth alignment: Gaps can cause nearby teeth to shift or tilt over time. Your dentist will check whether there is enough space and support for a new implant.
• Your overall health: Factors like healing ability, medical conditions, and medications will be reviewed, especially if they could affect bone or gum recovery after surgery.

The timing of dental implant placement after a tooth extraction depends on several factors, including the health of the bone and surrounding gum tissue. Here are the three main options your dentist may consider:

• Immediate placement: The implant is placed during the same appointment as the extraction. This may be possible if the site is free of infection and the bone is strong enough to support the implant.
• Early placement (4–12 weeks): The implant is placed after some healing has occurred but before the bone fully remodels. This may be suitable if mild inflammation is present or if more time is needed for initial recovery.
• Delayed placement (three to six months or more): Placement may be delayed to allow the area to heal. In many cases, this is recommended when there’s an infection, bone loss, or the need for additional procedures.

In many cases, being asleep is not necessary for dental implant placement. General anaesthesia (being fully asleep) is only considered in specific situations, depending on the type of treatment and your individual needs. Here are some situations where it may be recommended:

• Complex or extensive procedures: General anaesthesia may be suggested if the surgery involves multiple placements at once. This is sometimes the case for treatments like full-mouth dental implants, where longer appointment times or more invasive procedures are required.
• Severe dental anxiety: If you experience high levels of anxiety and other calming methods are not suitable, your dentist may recommend general anaesthesia.
• Hospital-based treatment: In some cases, implants are placed in a hospital setting due to medical needs. These procedures are often completed under general anaesthesia for safety and monitoring.

For many patients, other comfort options are available:

• Local anaesthetic: This numbs the treatment area completely so that you stay awake but do not feel pain during the dental implant procedure.
• Sedation: Sedation helps you feel calm and relaxed while remaining conscious. It may be offered as oral medication, gas, or intravenous sedation, depending on the procedure and what is appropriate for your care.

As with any oral surgery, dental implant placement may involve some side effects and risks. Many of these are mild and temporary, while others are less common but important to understand. Your dentist will explain what applies to your situation before treatment.

Below are some possible side effects and risks your dentist may discuss with you:

• Swelling or bruising: Mild swelling and bruising near the implant site or face can occur but usually improves within two to five days.
• Tenderness or discomfort: It’s common to feel mild soreness after surgery, which is often managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications.
• Minor bleeding: Light bleeding around the surgical area may happen for the first 24–48 hours after the dental implant procedure.
• Infection: If bacteria enter the site, an infection may develop. Good oral hygiene and follow-up care help reduce this risk.
• Implant failure: In rare cases, the implant may not integrate properly with the bone. Your dentist will monitor healing and recommend the next steps if needed.
• Nerve irritation: Temporary tingling, numbness, or altered sensation can occur if a nearby nerve is affected. In some cases, changes may be long-lasting. However, this is uncommon and often improves over time.
• Sinus complications: For implants placed in the upper jaw, there’s a small risk of the implant affecting the nearby sinus cavity.

A single dental implant can sometimes support two replacement teeth, depending on the location of the gap and the strength of the surrounding bone. This approach involves using a small bridge, where two crowns are joined together and attached to one implant post. It is only considered when the missing teeth are side by side and bone support is sufficient.

This method is generally used in areas with lower biting force, such as near the front of the mouth. It is not recommended for back teeth or wider gaps where chewing pressure is greater. Your dentist will assess your bite, bone levels, and space to determine whether this option is appropriate in your case.

Dental implant procedures are planned based on your individual needs, and the number of implants placed in one visit can vary. Your dentist will consider several factors when deciding what’s appropriate for your treatment:

• Number of missing teeth: The more teeth being replaced, the more implants may be needed. In some cases, a smaller number of implants can support multiple teeth.
• Bone quality and volume: Healthy, dense bone can support more implants in one procedure. If bone is limited, placement may be done in stages.
• Healing ability and overall health: Your ability to recover after surgery influences how many implants can be safely placed during a single visit.
• Type of restoration planned: Replacing one tooth usually involves one implant. Full-arch options like All-on-4 dental implants or implant-supported dentures often involve placing several implants in one visit to support the restoration.
• Treatment setting and approach: Depending on your recovery needs, preferences, and the complexity of the procedure, implants may be placed in one session or over multiple appointments.