Discover DaVinci Smiles™ Dental Implants in Joondalup

To qualify for dental implants, a patient must meet certain essential criteria. Here’s a list of those critical criteria:

• Adequate bone density and volume:
  The most crucial factor is having enough jawbone to support the implant. If there’s significant bone loss, a dentist might recommend a bone graft procedure to provide a secure foundation for the implant.
• Healthy gums:
  Patients must have healthy gums. Gum disease, or periodontitis, can severely compromise the stability of the implant as it can lead to further bone loss.
• Non-smoker status:
  Smoking significantly impairs blood flow to the gums, affecting the healing process and increasing the risk of peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant).
• Good overall health:
  Conditions that impair healing or increase the risk of infection, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or autoimmune diseases, need to be well-controlled. Patients undergoing treatments that compromise the immune system, such as chemotherapy, may need to wait until treatment is complete.
• No contraindications to surgery:
  Patients must be fit for surgery. Certain conditions, such as severe heart conditions or recent heart attacks, may postpone or cancel the eligibility for elective surgeries like implant placement.

Understanding these technical specifications can help you assess if dental implants are the right option for you. A thorough evaluation from our team at Candlewood Dental Centre Joondalup is essential to making this determination.

Most patients can resume normal activities the day following their dental implant procedure, though the procedure’s complexity may influence this. To support the initial healing process, it’s recommended to refrain from strenuous activities like exercise or heavy lifting for the first 48 to 72 hours. Engaging in gentle, low-impact activities during this period is encouraged to minimise discomfort and swelling.

Maintaining dental implants involves specific care practices that are crucial for their longevity and functionality. Here’s a detailed list of steps to properly maintain your dental implants:

1. Regular brushing:
   Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush to help avoid plaque accumulation around the implant.
2. Non-abrasive toothpaste:
   Use toothpaste that is not abrasive to avoid scratching the surface of the implant crown.
3. Daily flossing:
   Floss daily around the implant and neighbouring teeth to remove plaque and food particles that can lead to gum disease.
4. Interdental brushes:
   Use interdental brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas around the implants, which are important for removing plaque and debris.
5. Antimicrobial mouthwash:
   Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to remove bacteria and plaque, which can lead to inflammation around the implants.
6. Routine dental check-ups:
   Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist, usually every six months, to check the implant’s stability and receive a professional cleaning.
7. Avoid hard and sticky foods:
   Avoid biting into hard objects (such as ice or hard sweets) and sticky foods that might harm or displace the crown on your implant.
8. Quit smoking:
   Smoking can impair healing and negatively affect the health of implants, so discontinuing smoking is highly recommended for implant patients.

Following these measures can preserve the health and longevity of your dental implants, keeping your healthy smile both beautiful and functional. Regular maintenance and professional care from our team at Candlewood Dental Centre Joondalup are key to enjoying the benefits of implants.

During a dental implant consultation, patients can expect a thorough evaluation and discussion of their oral health and treatment options. Here’s what you should anticipate during your dental implant consultation:

1. Oral examination:
   The dental professional will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. They will assess your bite, check for any signs of gum disease, and evaluate the overall health of your mouth.
2. Medical history review:
   Your dental professional will review your medical history to identify any conditions or medications that may impact your implant treatment. They will ask about your general health, allergies, and any previous surgeries or treatments.
3. Imaging and diagnostics:
   The dental professional will take X-rays, CBCT scans, or 3D images of your mouth. These diagnostic tools help them assess your jawbone density, identify any underlying issues, and plan your implant placement.
4. Customised treatment plan discussion:
   Based on the examination and imaging results, your dental professional will discuss your treatment options. They will outline the various types of implants, the steps of the procedure, and the anticipated timeline for your particular situation.
5. Cost and financing:
   During the consultation, you will receive information about the estimated cost of your implant treatment. Your dental professional will also discuss available financing options and help you understand your health fund cover, if applicable.
6. Questions and concerns:
   The consultation offers a chance for you to ask questions or share any concerns you might have regarding the implant process. Your dental professional will provide clear, detailed answers and help you feel comfortable and informed about your treatment.

The dental implant consultation is a crucial step in your journey towards a restored, beautiful smile. It allows you to gather all the necessary information, understand your unique situation, and make an informed decision about your treatment.

Dental implants can greatly improve overall oral health in the following ways:

• Prevent bone loss:
  When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area begins to weaken because it no longer receives stimulation. Dental implants merge with the jawbone, delivering the stimulation needed to prevent bone loss and preserve the structure of the jaw.
• Protect adjacent teeth:
  Missing teeth can cause adjacent healthy teeth to shift or tilt into the space, causing misalignment and bite issues. Dental implants fill the gap, preventing the surrounding teeth from moving and preserving the natural alignment of the mouth.
• Improve oral hygiene:
  Unlike dental bridges, which can make brushing and flossing difficult in the surrounding areas, dental implants function like natural teeth. This makes it simpler to clean and maintain, lowering the risk of decay and gum disease in the surrounding teeth.
• Restore proper bite function:
  Losing teeth can change how you bite and chew, causing uneven wear on other teeth and possibly resulting in jaw pain. Dental implants restore proper bite function, distributing the force evenly across the mouth and reducing the strain on other teeth.
• Enhance overall oral comfort:
  Dental implants eliminate the discomfort and instability often associated with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures. Implants offer a solid and secure base for artificial teeth, enhancing oral comfort and enabling comfortable eating, speaking, and smiling.

The positive effects of dental implants on oral health extend beyond just replacing missing teeth. They contribute to long-term oral health, preventing a range of potential issues and promoting optimal oral function.

The total healing process for dental implants usually takes about five to seven months, depending on individual circumstances. This procedure involves multiple stages, each essential for the implant to successfully merge with the jawbone. Here’s an overview:

1. Initial healing:
   Following the implant surgery, the first phase of healing usually takes one to two weeks. During this time, the gums heal around the implant, and swelling or discomfort gradually subsides.
2. Osseointegration:
   The osseointegration phase, where the implant fuses with the jawbone, usually takes three to six months. This process is crucial for providing a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. The exact duration of osseointegration depends on factors such as the implant location and the patient’s healing capacity.
3. Gum healing after abutment placement:
   Once osseointegration is complete and the abutment is attached to the implant, the gums need to heal around it. This process usually takes two to four weeks before the final restoration can be placed.

It’s important to understand that the healing time can differ between individuals due to various factors. These include:

• Age:
  Older patients may experience slower healing due to a reduced capacity for bone regeneration and tissue repair. Younger patients generally heal faster and more predictably.
• Overall health:
  Individuals with chronic illnesses like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or weakened immune systems might have delayed healing. These health issues can disrupt the body’s usual healing mechanisms.
• Smoking:
  Smoking can delay the healing process by decreasing blood flow to the area of surgery. This can impair osseointegration and increase the risk of implant failure.
• Oral hygiene:
  Poor oral hygiene may cause infections and hinder the healing process. It’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices, as advised by your dental professional, to achieve proper healing.
• Implant location:
  Implants placed in areas with low bone density or quality may require a longer healing time. This is because there is less blood flow, and more bone growth is needed.
• Bone grafting:
  If bone grafting is necessary before or during the implant surgery, the healing time may be extended. The grafted bone requires time to merge with the existing jawbone before placing the implant.
• Nutrition:
  A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein, can support healthy bone growth and tissue repair. Poor nutrition may slow down the healing process.
• Stress:
  High-stress levels can impair the immune system and disrupt the body’s ability to heal. Managing stress through techniques like relaxation or meditation may help support the healing process.

These factors can influence the healing timeline to varying degrees, and the impact may differ from person to person. Your dental professional will consider these factors when planning your treatment and providing you with a personalised timeline for healing and recovery.

Our DaVinci Smiles™ dental implants in Joondalup promote bone health by stimulating bone growth around the implant area. This process, known as osseointegration, involves the implant’s titanium material fusing with the jawbone. The fusion helps maintain jawbone density, preventing the bone loss that often occurs with tooth loss. Furthermore, by providing a stable base similar to a natural tooth root, these implants help distribute chewing forces, which encourages continuous bone regeneration.