Dental Implants

Dental implants are an amazing technology to restore the physical appearance and chewing functions of the mouth. They were developed in the 1970’s and have become a regular part of practice.

Dental implants are small titanium screws designed to replace the root of a tooth. As an artificial root, they form the foundation for the attachment of a new tooth or bridge (several teeth).

Single missing teeth due to trauma, fracture or decay can be replaced with implants. Dental implants may also be used to improve the retention of your full upper or full lower denture.

Dental implant placement requires a surgical procedure to the gums and jaw bone. Once an implant is placed into the jaw bone, it takes generally 6 – 12 weeks to adequately heal to the bone to support the overlying tooth structure.

Dr Nova Gibson will be able to advise whether to perform under local or general anaesthetic.

Bone Grafts

Implants need to be surrounded by bone. If bone is lacking within the gum line, a bone graft may be necessary.

Often after many months or years of missing a tooth, the jaw bone may not be suitable to place a dental implant without additional procedures such as bone grafting. Bone grafts are increments of bone-like material (calcium triphosphate/ bovine bone) and/or your own bone taken from another part of the jaw to aid the implants healing and success.

For full information on bone grafting, please contact us to make an appointment for a consultation