A dental implant is the closest thing modern dentistry has to a natural tooth. It looks, feels, and functions like the real thing, and with proper care, it can last a lifetime. At Eastern Dental Group in Wantirna South, our experienced team provides single tooth implants, multiple tooth replacements, and full-arch restorations, using advanced techniques to ensure precise placement and long-lasting results.
If you are living with one or more missing teeth, struggling with loose or uncomfortable dentures, or have recently had a tooth extracted and are considering your options, dental implants may be the most appropriate long-term solution for you.
Call us to book your implant consultation.
(03) 9887 0822
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over a period of several months, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone through a natural process called osseointegration, creating a stable, permanent foundation. Once integration is complete, a custom-made crown is attached to the implant via a connecting piece called an abutment, restoring the full appearance and function of the missing tooth.
Unlike bridges or dentures, which sit on top of the gum or rely on adjacent teeth for support, a dental implant is anchored directly in the bone, making it the only tooth replacement option that also preserves the jawbone and prevents the bone loss that typically follows tooth loss.
A single implant and crown is used to replace one missing tooth without altering the adjacent teeth in any way. This is a conservative option with strong function for replacing a single tooth, compared to a bridge which requires the neighbouring teeth to be prepared and crowned.
Where several teeth are missing, individual implants can be placed to support separate crowns, or a smaller number of implants can support an implant-retained bridge spanning the gap. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate configuration based on the location of the missing teeth, available bone volume, and your treatment goals.
For patients missing all or most of their teeth on one or both arches, implant-supported dentures provide a more stable and comfortable alternative to conventional removable dentures. A series of implants are strategically placed to anchor the denture securely, eliminating the slipping, discomfort, and dietary restrictions associated with traditional full dentures.
A full-arch restoration replaces an entire arch of teeth using a fixed prosthesis supported by a small number of implants. This is a permanent, non-removable solution that restores full chewing function and aesthetics, and can be a particularly significant treatment option for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth.
Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth are suitable candidates for dental implants. The key requirements are sufficient jawbone density and volume to support the implant, and healthy gum tissue free from active periodontal disease. General health is also considered, as certain medical conditions and medications can affect the healing process.
Patients who smoke are at a higher risk of implant failure, as smoking impairs blood flow to the gum tissue and slows osseointegration. Eastern Dental Group recommends ceasing smoking before and during the implant treatment period to maximise the chance of a successful outcome.
If bone loss has occurred at the extraction site, this does not necessarily rule out implant treatment. Minor bone grafting procedures can rebuild the site prior to implant placement in many cases. Your dentist will assess bone volume using digital X-rays or a CBCT scan during your consultation and advise whether any preparatory treatment is needed.
Dental implant treatment is carried out over several appointments across a period of three to six months, or longer for more complex cases. Here is what the process involves at Eastern Dental Group.
Your dentist examines your teeth, gums, and jawbone and reviews your medical history to determine your suitability for implants. Digital X-rays are taken to assess bone volume and plan implant positioning. A personalised treatment plan and fee estimate are provided at this appointment.
If any existing teeth need to be extracted, or if bone grafting is needed to build up the implant site, this is carried out first and given time to heal. Tooth extractions and bone grafting are performed by our experienced team in-chair under local anaesthetic.
The titanium implant post is placed into the jawbone in a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic. The gum is then closed over or around the implant, and a healing period of three to six months begins while the implant fuses with the bone.
Once osseointegration is confirmed, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant post. The gum tissue is given a short period to heal and shape around it.
Impressions or digital scans are taken to fabricate a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture to fit the implant precisely. The final restoration is fitted, adjusted, and secured in place. The result is a tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Dental implants are widely considered a strong long-term solution for missing teeth, and for good reason.
When a tooth is lost, the bone that supported its root begins to resorb, shrinking over time and changing the shape of the face. An implant stimulates the bone in the same way a natural tooth root does, preventing this loss and maintaining facial structure.
Unlike a dental bridge, which requires the neighbouring teeth to be prepared and permanently altered, an implant stands entirely independently. Healthy adjacent teeth are left completely untouched.
Implants do not move, shift, or need to be removed for cleaning. They are brushed and flossed exactly like natural teeth and are maintained through regular check-up and clean appointments.
The custom crown is crafted to match the colour, shape, and translucency of the surrounding teeth. Most patients find it very difficult to tell their implant apart from their natural teeth.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, a well-placed implant can last 20 years or more.
Dental implants require the same daily care as natural teeth, brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and flossing or using interdental brushes daily to clean around the implant and beneath the crown. Avoiding smoking and limiting hard or very sticky foods will also help protect the restoration.
Regular check-up and clean appointments at Eastern Dental Group are important for monitoring implant health, checking that the surrounding gum and bone remain stable, and maintaining a professional clean around the implant site. Gum disease around an implant, a condition known as peri-implantitis, is the most common cause of implant failure and is largely preventable with good home care and regular professional monitoring.
Eastern Dental Group is located at 169 Stud Road, Wantirna South VIC 3152, and provides dental implant treatment to patients from Wantirna, Knoxfield, Scoresby, Bayswater, Boronia, and surrounding eastern suburbs. We are open Monday to Friday with late availability on Tuesdays until 7:30 PM.
If you have recently lost or had a tooth extracted and are concerned about infection or acute pain in the area, our emergency dental team can see you promptly. Call (03) 9887 0822.
Most private health insurance funds provide limited cover for dental implants, if any, as the procedure is typically classified under major dental. The level of rebate available depends on your specific fund, policy, and annual limits. Eastern Dental Group welcomes patients with any health fund and processes claims on the spot via HICAPS. The practice does not participate in preferred provider schemes, meaning all treatment recommendations are based entirely on your clinical needs. Call us before your consultation to discuss fees and your entitlements.
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth, with a custom-made crown attached once the implant has fused with the bone.
Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth are suitable candidates. Key requirements include sufficient jawbone density and healthy gum tissue free from active periodontal disease.
Dental implant treatment is carried out over several appointments across a period of three to six months, or longer for more complex cases.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, a well-placed implant can last 20 years or more.
Book online, or call us directly on (03) 9887 0822.
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