Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement solution, whether you’re missing one tooth or several. At No Gaps Dental in New South Wales, we provide high-quality dental implants that are built to last. Our skilled and experienced dentists have treated dental implant patients for more than three decades, using the latest dental technologies and techniques.
We maintain meticulous sanitation standards in everything we do, from routine consultations to intensive dental procedures. Our goal is to provide quality dental care in a safe environment across our multiple locations. Additional safety measures are in place for your protection, including hand sanitiser stations throughout the practice.
What are Dental Implants: Three Main Components
A dental implant is a fixed prosthetic that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Unlike dentures, it requires no special maintenance apart from your regular oral hygiene routine.
Its permanence allows the implant to stimulate the jawbone and withstand as much pressure as your regular teeth. An implant not only restores your smile after tooth loss but can also improve your quality of life.
A dental implant is made up of three key components: An implant, an abutment, and the replacement tooth (a custom crown).
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Dental implant
A dental implant is a small screw-shaped artificial tooth root that’s surgically fused to the jaw.
Dental implants are made from titanium or zirconia. Titanium is strong and durable, providing a stable base for long-lasting implants. While zirconia isn’t as durable, it is a safe alternative for patients with metal allergies.
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The abutment
The abutment is a small connecting component that attaches to the dental implant and serves as the base for the replacement crown. The abutment is typically made from titanium or zirconia.
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The dental crown
A dental crown is attached to the abutment and is the part you see above the gumline. Depending on the number of missing teeth, you may require a single crown, a bridge, or an entire row of replacement crowns.
At No Gaps Dental, we fabricate custom dental crowns to align with the gums and jawbone and match the colour of your natural teeth and complexion. We use Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) technology to make strong, long-lasting, hypoallergenic crowns.
Why Do Dentists Recommend Dental Implant Surgery?
There are several reasons your dentist may recommend considering dental implants as a solution for tooth loss. If you are unable or unwilling to wear dentures, dental implants can restore your confidence, improve your speech, and help your face retain its volume.
If you have one or more missing teeth and want a permanent replacement option that looks and functions like a natural tooth, a dental implant is a great choice.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. Patients must meet specific criteria to minimise the chance of dental implant failure. A person receiving dental implants should:
- Have a strong and healthy jawbone structure
- Practice healthy oral hygiene habits
- Be willing to commit to multiple dental procedures over several months
- Be a non-smoker
Factors that may make you unsuitable for dental implants include:
- Periodontitis (gum disease)
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Immunodeficiency
- Insufficient jawbone structure
In some cases, preparatory dental work can improve your suitability for dental implants. For example, you can undergo bone grafts and sinus lifts to repair deficient bone around the sinuses. These procedures can strengthen your jaw, making it more stable for a dental implant.
How to Prepare for Dental Implant Surgery?
When preparing to receive dental implants, you’re committing to a process that spans several months. Before the actual dental implant procedure, you’ll review the following with your dentist.
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Your oral health
To determine if your oral health is good enough to support the implant, your dentist must perform a comprehensive oral exam, including X-rays and 3D images of your teeth and jaw.
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Your medical history
Your dentist needs to know about your medical conditions, medications you take, and any allergies you may have to medications. This information can help your dentist decide if you need to take antibiotics before surgery to prevent infection and what kind of anti-inflammatory meds you can take after the procedure.
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A treatment plan
Your dentist can create a custom treatment plan for your implant procedure based on your oral health and medical history. This includes any implant adjunct procedures that need to occur before the implant surgery, such as a sinus lift or bone graft.
How We’re Keeping Patients Safe?
We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in New South Wales to ensure the safety of our patients and their families. Patients must attend appointments alone, except for minors who may bring one person with them.
We are limiting the number of people allowed in our practices at one time, spacing chairs in the waiting room according to NSW COVID-19 guidelines, and requiring everyone to wear masks until further notice (except when in the chair receiving treatment).
Staff have received education and training on appropriate safety measures, including infection control and prevention. We have also introduced enhanced disinfection measures, including frequent sanitisation of shared spaces and hand sanitiser for your use when entering and exiting the building.
Dental Implants in Sydney
At No Gaps Dental, we serve Sydney and the surrounding areas through state-of-the-art facilities in multiple locations, including Artarmon, Bondi Junction, Epping, and Penrith.
Health and safety is a priority for patients, staff, and visitors, so rest assured we are making every effort to create a comfortable environment with hand sanitiser and enhanced safety precautions.
If you’re wondering, ‘what are dental implants,’ talk to one of our dentists today to learn how they can restore your smile and self-confidence. Book an appointment at any of our locations using our convenient online form or call us on (02) 8806 0227.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.