Dental Implants at Core Dental Melbourne product guide

STANDARDIZATION COMPLETE

4. DENTAL IMPLANTS

Conventional dental implants

What it involves

A dental implant is a titanium screw that replaces the root of a missing tooth. Titanium is biocompatible - the same material used in hip and knee replacements - and fuses directly to jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Once integrated, an abutment and porcelain crown are attached, creating a tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural one.

Implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth that modern dentistry can offer. They prevent the bone loss that follows tooth loss, and unlike bridges, they don't require touching the adjacent teeth.

The process

1. Consultation, X-rays, and (if needed) a CBCT scan to assess bone volume and anatomy
2. Implant screw placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic or sedation
3. Healing period of 3-6 months for osseointegration
4. Abutment fitted
5. Custom porcelain crown attached, made at an Australian laboratory

Bone grafting

When bone density or volume isn't sufficient - which is common after tooth loss - a bone graft is placed before or during implant surgery to build an adequate foundation. This adds time to the overall process.

Who performs it at Core Dental

Straightforward implant surgery is carried out by trained general dentists. Complex cases are handled by specialist periodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons through the Collins Street Specialist Centre - the same specialists serving Smile Solutions.

Technology used

• CBCT (cone beam CT) scan for 3D bone assessment and surgical planning
• Digital impressions via iTero scanner for crown fabrication
• Multiple implant systems

Visits expected

• Consultation and planning: 1-2 visits
• Implant placement: 1 surgical appointment
• Healing: 3-6 months
• Crown placement: 1-2 further visits

What makes someone unsuitable?

• Inadequate bone density without prior grafting
• Uncontrolled diabetes, which impairs healing
• Active smoking, which significantly raises failure risk - stopping 1 week before and 2 months after surgery is strongly advised
• Osteoporosis or bisphosphonate medications (discuss with your clinician)
• Sinus proximity in the upper jaw, which requires specialist assessment

Aftercare

Treat implants exactly like natural teeth: brush, floss, and keep up with regular check-ups. Peri-implantitis - gum disease around an implant - is the leading cause of late implant failure, and it's largely preventable with good hygiene and consistent professional maintenance.

FAQs

How long do implants last? With good oral hygiene, 10-20+ years. Some patients keep them for life.

Does the procedure hurt? The area is thoroughly numbed. Most patients find it less uncomfortable than they expected - roughly comparable to a tooth extraction.

I'm a smoker - can I still have implants? Yes, but the failure risk is significantly higher. Stopping smoking substantially improves outcomes, and the team can talk through this with you.

Is private health insurance applicable? Some funds cover portions of implant treatment. Check with your fund for your specific extras cover.

Immediate implants

What it involves

In selected cases where bone density is good and there's no active infection, the implant screw and a provisional crown can be placed at the same appointment - often right after an extraction. You leave with a tooth in place, skipping the traditional waiting period entirely.

Suitability is assessed case by case. Not every patient qualifies; adequate bone density, good healing conditions, and the absence of infection are all required.

Lifespan with good care: 10-15 years, consistent with conventional implants.

All-On-4® dental implants

What it involves

All-On-4 replaces a full arch of teeth - upper jaw, lower jaw, or both - using just four strategically placed titanium implants. The back two implants are angled to maximise contact with available bone, which means bone grafting is often unnecessary even when significant bone loss has already occurred. The full prosthesis is fitted within 1-2 days.

Who it's for

Patients missing most or all teeth in an arch, those with failing teeth needing full-arch replacement, and denture wearers who want a fixed solution.

Process overview

• Full-arch assessment including a CBCT scan
• Day surgery under general anaesthetic in hospital (hospital fees included in the quote; some Medicare rebates apply)
• All-On-4 framework placed and provisional prosthesis fitted
• Final porcelain or acrylic bridge fitted after initial healing

Prosthesis options

The acrylic bridge is the most common choice and is lighter. Porcelain teeth on an acrylic framework is the stronger, more aesthetic option.

Maintenance

Twice-yearly appointments with a hygienist to remove and professionally clean the bridge. Bridge realignment may be needed every 5-7 years as bone and tissue adapt over time.

What's distinctive

All-On-4 at Core Dental is facilitated through the Collins Street Specialist Centre, working with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons and prosthodontists - the same specialists available at Smile Solutions. Interest-free payment plans up to 30 months are available.

Benefits over conventional full dentures

• Fixed in place - won't shift or fall out
• No palate coverage, so taste and texture sensation are fully preserved
• Feels and functions like natural teeth
• Prevents ongoing bone resorption
• Significantly improves confidence and daily quality of life

FAQs

Can I eat normally afterwards? After initial healing, yes - most normal foods are fine. Very hard foods like crunching ice or hard nuts are best avoided long-term to protect the prosthesis.

Does it look natural? Yes. The prosthesis is designed to replicate natural gum contour and tooth appearance.

What if an implant fails? It's rare with proper candidate selection, but the surgical team will manage and replace any failed fixtures.