Dental Implants are one of the treatment options available to replace a lost tooth or teeth.
The Initial Consultation
A full medical history is the first part of the evaluation process to decide if dental implants are the right solution for you.
The next thing we do is evaluate the site for the implant and assess if there is enough room and height for an implant-supported crown.
Then we assess if there is enough bone to place the implant into without getting too close to any important structures that will cause complications.
If there is not enough bone, there are bone-grafting procedures that will add another step in the process. The materials used, and the costs involved will be fully explained to you.
The cost of a single implant is between $6000 and $6500, and will generally take from 3 to 9 months from start to finish.
What to expect
After the initial consultation, we take impressions for study models.
We will give you a referral for a 3-D x-ray scan, (I-cat scan) of the area of interest.
We will discuss with you how we will achieve the result that is best for you.
Dr Skinner will go through all of your options and discuss the pros and cons of each one and answer all your questions.
Dental Implants, a viable treatment option for you
There are other options besides implants such as; a partial denture, a fixed bridge, or even possibly orthodontics to fill that space in your mouth.
It is not wise to place implants in a young person who is still growing.
Surprisingly older people were the first people to embrace implants as an alternative to dentures.
Keyhole Surgery
At Dentist on Collins, Implant surgery is done using a full operating theatre protocol to eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination and infection.
Dr Skinner operates using an operating microscope, which means the fixture is placed using a keyhole surgery method. The keyhole approach is more conservative, more comfortable for the patient in terms of minimal to no post-operative pain and avoids the need for flap surgery and sutures.
Patients find it surprisingly comfortable with very little or no post-operative pain. We will give you thorough post-operative instructions, and we are here if you have any problems.
Generally, three months later we assess the implant to see how well it has integrated. Work will then begin to make the final restoration.
Finally
There are very few medical reasons why a person is not a suitable candidate for an implant.
A patient with controlled Type II Diabetes can have an implant.
A smoker can have an implant but the risk of failure is higher and healing generally takes longer. Obviously, it is better for many reasons that patients do not smoke.
Inquiries from patients wanting dental implants are best made with a preliminary consultation appointment.
Telephone inquiries commenting on other dentists’ treatment plans are inadequate. Each person is an individual, their individual requirements are unique.
We can only assess your needs when we discuss them with you in a face-to-face environment.
For more information read my article on ‘The three stages of having a dental implant‘
Copyright Dr R.D Skinner – Dentist Melbourne
Dental Implants Collins Street Melbourne