Dental Implants near Foster

A Tooth Replacement Anchored in the Jaw

A dental implant is placed into the jawbone and provides the support for a replacement tooth. Once the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone, an abutment connects it to the final restoration, which may be a crown when replacing one tooth.

For a single missing tooth, this means the neighbouring teeth don’t need to be prepared to support a bridge. Where several teeth are missing, implants can also be used to support a larger restoration, with the design based on the gaps and the teeth that remain.

Your Implant Dentist

Implant treatment at Miners’ Dental Clinic is provided by Dr Vandana Budhwar (dentist), who holds a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Implants) from the University of Melbourne. She has placed over 10,000 dental implants, completed more than 1,000 All On 4 Plus® full-arch cases and teaches implant dentistry to other dentists.

Your first consultation with Dr Budhwar is where the conversation begins. She’ll look at the area you’re hoping to restore, discuss the choices available and explain what each stage would involve. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, understand the proposed treatment and consider your options before deciding whether you’d like to proceed.

When the Site Needs Additional Treatment

A tooth that has been missing for some time may have less bone available for implant placement. Where there isn’t enough suitable bone to support the proposed implant, additional treatment may be considered before placement.

Bone grafting is one possible approach, although it isn’t required in every case. If your implant site needs preparation, we’ll explain why, what the treatment involves and how it changes the overall timeframe.

Replacing a Single Tooth

When one tooth is missing, an implant-supported crown can restore the space without placing a bridge on the neighbouring teeth.

The position of the tooth matters when planning the final result, particularly where the replacement will sit among otherwise healthy teeth. We’ll consider the space available, the surrounding teeth and your bite when planning the implant and crown together.

When Several Teeth Are Missing

Several missing teeth don’t necessarily mean that each one needs its own implant. Depending on the position of the gaps and the restoration being considered, a number of implants can support a larger replacement.

We’ll look at the overall arrangement of your teeth rather than treating each gap separately. This allows the proposed restoration to work with the teeth that remain and the way your bite functions.

Which Tooth Replacement Options Are Available?

There are a few ways to deal with a missing tooth, and each comes with its own practical considerations. An implant is one possibility, but a bridge, partial denture or, in some situations, leaving the space alone may also be discussed.

At your appointment, we’ll look at the tooth that’s missing and the condition of the surrounding area before talking through the options that may be appropriate. We’ll also explain the treatment involved, how long it is likely to take and what each option would mean for you financially.

Looking After the Implant

The implant itself cannot develop tooth decay, but the gum and bone around it still need proper care. Plaque can collect around the implant, and the replacement tooth can wear or become damaged over time.

Daily cleaning and regular dental examinations help keep the surrounding tissues healthy and allow us to monitor the implant and restoration. We’ll also show you how to clean around the area once your treatment is complete.

What to Know Before You Decide

Dental implants can be a way to replace a missing tooth, but it’s worth knowing that the treatment involves surgery and a period of healing. Some swelling or tenderness can occur in the days following treatment, while less common complications can include an implant failing to integrate with the surrounding bone or inflammation affecting the gum around it.

Your general health and oral health can also have a bearing on healing. Smoking, diabetes and untreated gum disease are among the factors we’ll ask about when assessing whether implant treatment is appropriate. The location of the proposed implant matters too, particularly where nerves or the sinuses are close to the treatment area.

We’ll discuss these points with you as part of your consultation, along with anything else that may be relevant to your circumstances. The aim is simply to make sure you understand both the treatment and the considerations involved before deciding how you’d like to proceed.

How Long Does the Implant Process Take?

Implant treatment is carried out over several stages, with healing time between them. For a single missing tooth, the process will generally include the following:

• Planning your treatment: We’ll examine the area, take the necessary imaging and discuss whether an implant is suitable. We’ll also explain the alternatives, expected costs and what the treatment will involve before you decide to proceed.
• Allowing the implant to heal: Once the implant has been placed in the jaw, it needs time to integrate with the surrounding bone. This healing period is usually around three months, although the timing can vary.
• Preparing your replacement tooth: Once the implant has healed sufficiently, we’ll take impressions and any other records needed to make your new tooth. This stage allows the final restoration to be made for the implant and the surrounding teeth.
• Completing the restoration: Your final crown is generally fitted around three to four weeks after the impressions have been taken.

From placing the implant to having the finished tooth is usually around four months. Treatment can take longer when the implant site needs preparation beforehand or when additional healing time is required. We’ll explain the expected timeframe for your treatment and include the relevant stages in your written treatment plan.

Understanding the Cost

The total cost varies because implant treatment can involve several stages. Depending on your treatment, the fees may include:

• Implant placement
• Preparation of the implant site, where required
• The abutment and final restoration
• Appointments involved throughout treatment

Once your treatment has been planned, we’ll provide a written treatment plan with the proposed treatment and associated fees. This gives you the opportunity to review the recommended treatment and costs before deciding whether to proceed.

Using Your Private Health Insurance

If you have extras cover, your written treatment plan will include the item numbers for the treatment we’ve recommended. You’re welcome to check these with your fund before going ahead, and our team can help you work through the information. As policies vary, your health fund is the best place to confirm exactly what you may receive back under your particular cover.

Dental Care near Foster and Surrounding Communities

Miners’ Dental Clinic sees patients from Wonthaggi, Inverloch, Cape Paterson, Kilcunda, Korumburra, Leongatha and surrounding communities across the Bass Coast and South Gippsland. With implant treatment often involving several stages, having your care in Foster can make attending appointments more convenient.

Considering Dental Implants?

Replacing a missing tooth is a decision worth discussing properly, particularly when there are several treatment options available. At Miners’ Dental Clinic, we’ll examine the area, answer your questions and explain whether an implant could be a suitable way to replace the tooth.

If you’re considering dental implants near Foster, call Miners’ Dental Clinic on (03) 5672 1948 to arrange a consultation.