If you are missing one, a number or all of your teeth, and you are looking for a permanently fixed dental solution, then dental implants may be right for you.

Dental implants are the most advanced technique for permanent teeth replacement as they deliver a natural appearance, function in the same way as your natural teeth, are comfortable and easy to maintain.

Implants are stronger and more durable than other teeth replacement options such as dentures. They feel more like natural teeth and can withstand greater bite pressures.

Dental implants can stand alone to replace a missing tooth, unlike a bridge which relies on the strength of the adjacent teeth. An implant will complement the neighbouring teeth, and they will benefit from this kind of replacement.

Dental implants are not suitable for everyone.

• If you are under 17 years, your bones are still growing, and implants are not recommended.
• If you have lost bone, an assessment will be made about the need for bone augmentation.
• Smokers may have a problem with bony integration of the implant.
• Diabetics may have a problem with healing and infection around implants.
• Some placements are challenging. If you have a thin gum type or a high lipline, you might not be happy with an implant in the middle of your smile.

Medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, gastric reflux as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking may impact your dental implant, so need to be discussed with your dentist at the planning stages of your dental implant.

A dental implant is a three-stage process.

Dr Bowtell works with a specialist periodontal surgeon to place dental implants. The periodontist will order appropriate scans and imaging to assess whether there is enough bone to support the implant in full function.

If a tooth has been missing for more than three months, there may be bone loss that needs to be corrected with bone grafting.

Stage One

In stage one a Swiss-made titanium implant, which forms an artificial tooth root, is inserted into your bone where the missing tooth’s root used to be by our specialist periodontal surgeon. If grafting is necessary, it will be done at this stage.

You will be completely anaesthetised during this procedure so that you won’t feel anything. Our specialist surgeon located in Chermside, Brisbane and has an excellent reputation.

It takes approximately three months for your implant to be strongly integrated with the bone. If needed for aesthetic reasons, you will be fitted with a temporary false tooth or temporary crown during your healing time.

Stage Two

Once you have healed and your implant has been tested by the periodontist you will return to your dentist to have a crown fitted to your implant.

Stage two is where your dentist takes impressions of your teeth and gums and arranges for your new crown to be made to fit onto your implant.

Stage Three

After the lab has made the crown, your dentist will attach your crown to the implant with an internal screw.