What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small fixture placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Once it bonds with the surrounding bone, it can support:
• A single crown
• A fixed bridge
• A full-arch restoration
The implant sits beneath the gum, while the crown or bridge forms the visible part of the replacement tooth. Learn more about our wider approach to dental implants in Wollongong.
Why It Matters Who Places Your Implant
An implant must be positioned to suit the final tooth, surrounding gums, available bone, neighbouring teeth, bite and nearby nerves or sinus.
Professor Alessandro Quaranta is an AHPRA-registered specialist periodontist, Clinical Professor and PhD in Dental Implantology. Dr Lizzy Hui is a Dental Board-registered specialist in periodontics with MRACDS (Perio).
Their specialist experience supports both straightforward cases and treatment involving bone loss, gum disease or existing implant complications.
Healthy Gums Come First
Active gum disease can affect the tissues supporting an implant. It usually needs to be controlled before surgery.
Your assessment may consider:
- Gum inflammation
- Available bone
- Oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Teeth grinding
Having gum disease does not automatically rule out an implant. However, gum disease treatment may be recommended first to create a healthier foundation.
Will You Need a Bone Graft or Sinus Lift?
Jawbone can shrink after tooth loss. Bone may also be lost through infection, injury or periodontitis.
When there is not enough bone to hold an implant securely, treatment may involve:
- Socket preservation
- Ridge augmentation
- A sinus lift
- A block graft
Not every patient needs grafting. Imaging and a clinical examination will show whether additional support is required. Our dental bone graft page explains these options in more detail.
The Treatment Process
Implant care usually follows several stages:
- Assessment: Your gums, teeth, bite, bone and medical history are reviewed.
- Planning: Imaging helps determine the safest implant position.
- Preparation: Gum treatment, extraction or grafting is completed if needed.
- Placement: The implant is positioned under local anaesthetic.
- Healing: The implant integrates with the jawbone over several months.
- Restoration: A crown, bridge or full-arch restoration is attached.
- Maintenance: Regular reviews help protect the result.
Some implants can be placed when a tooth is removed. Other cases are completed in stages to allow the bone and gums to heal.
What Affects the Cost?
The cost depends on the complexity of your treatment rather than the implant alone. Important factors include:
- Number of implants
- Type of restoration
- Tooth removal
- Bone or gum grafting
- Imaging and sedation
- Laboratory work
You will receive an individual treatment plan and fee estimate after assessment. Private health benefits vary, so confirm applicable rebates directly with your insurer.
Protecting Your Implant Long Term
Implants cannot develop decay, but the surrounding gums and bone can become inflamed. Early inflammation is called peri-implant mucositis. When inflammation leads to progressive bone loss, it is known as peri-implantitis.
Watch for:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Gum recession
- Unusual discharge
- Implant movement
Daily cleaning and regular professional care are essential. Avoiding smoking and managing diabetes can also help reduce avoidable risks.
When an Existing Implant Is Failing
A problem with an implant placed elsewhere does not always mean it must be removed. The cause may involve inflammation, bone loss, excess cement, implant position or the attached restoration.
Treatment could include professional cleaning, peri-implantitis care, regenerative surgery or adjustments to the crown or bridge. Bring previous X-rays and implant records if they are available.
Supporting North Wollongong Patients
Patients from North Wollongong, Fairy Meadow, Balgownie, Towradgi, Corrimal, Woonona and nearby areas can visit our Kiama specialist rooms.
You do not need a referral. With your permission, our team can work with your general dentist to coordinate surgery, restorative treatment and ongoing maintenance.
Information for Referring Dentists
Kiama Dental Specialists accepts referrals for implant placement, periodontal stabilisation, bone grafting, sinus lifts and failing implants.
Findings and recommendations can be shared with the referring practitioner. Patients may then return to their general dentist for the restorative stage and continuing care. Dentists can refer a patient online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental implants and how do they work?
Dental implants are small fixtures placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once healed, they can support a crown, bridge or full-arch restoration.
Are dental implants painful?
Local anaesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during placement. Mild soreness, swelling or tenderness afterwards is normal and can usually be managed with the recommended aftercare.
How long do dental implants last?
Implants can remain functional for many years. Their longevity depends on gum health, daily cleaning, smoking, medical conditions and attendance at regular professional maintenance appointments.
How long does the implant process take?
Treatment commonly takes several months because the implant needs time to integrate with the jawbone. Bone grafting, gum treatment or complex restoration may extend this timeframe.
What if I do not have enough bone?
Insufficient bone does not always prevent treatment. A bone graft, ridge augmentation or sinus lift may rebuild the area and provide enough support for an implant.
Can I receive an implant if I have gum disease?
Possibly, but active gum disease usually needs to be controlled first. Healthy, stable gums reduce inflammation and provide a better foundation for long-term implant care.
Can implants replace more than one tooth?
Yes. Implants can support a bridge replacing several missing teeth or a full-arch restoration. The appropriate number of implants depends on your clinical needs.
How should I care for a dental implant?
Brush twice daily and clean carefully around the implant and beneath the restoration. Regular dental reviews help identify inflammation or bone changes before they become more serious.
Are implants covered by private health insurance?
Some extras policies may contribute towards parts of the treatment. Benefits and annual limits vary, so check the proposed item numbers directly with your health insurer.
Am I a suitable candidate for implant treatment?
Suitability depends on your gum health, available bone, medical history, oral hygiene and smoking status. A specialist examination and appropriate imaging are needed before treatment is recommended.
Request a Consultation
or Ask a Question
Start with a Specialist Assessment
Successful implant care begins with a clear diagnosis and careful planning. Contact Kiama Dental Specialists or call (02) 4274 9662 to arrange a consultation at our Kiama rooms.