Dental implants require the same care as real teeth, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups.

Most people who have received dental implants say that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. Local anaesthesia can be used during the procedure, and most patients report that implants involve less pain than a tooth extraction. After the dental implant, mild soreness can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications, such as Nurofen or Panadol.

The first step in the dental implant process is the development of an individualized treatment plan. The plan addresses your specific needs and is prepared by Dr Allan who is specially trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. Next, the tooth root implant, which is a small post made of titanium, is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implanted metal post, anchoring it securely in the jaw. The healing process can take from six to 12 weeks. Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, a small connector post, called an abutment is attached to the post to securely hold the new tooth. To make the new tooth or teeth, your dentist makes impressions of your teeth, and creates a model of your bite (which captures all of your teeth, their type, and arrangement). The new tooth or teeth is based on this model. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then attached to the abutment. Instead of one or more individual crowns, some patients may have attachments placed on the implant that retain and support a removable denture. Your dentist also will match the colour of the new teeth to your natural teeth. Because the implant is secured within the jawbone, the replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your own natural teeth. How Successful Are Dental Implants? Can Anyone Get Dental Implants? Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on the quantity and quality of the supporting bone. However, dental implants have presented a high success rate of up to 97% in different literatures. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders such as diabetes, heart diseases, patients using medication for Osteoporosis or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you are considering implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.

In general, dental implants are considered as a major dental treatment and the rebate for them is capped to different limits by different insurance providers. Detailed questions about your individual needs and how they relate to insurance should be discussed with your dentist and insurance provider.