FAQs about dental implants answered by Spa Dental

When you are an adult who has missing teeth, it is important to know that there are dental options available that can restore your smile to its former glory, without the use of dental adhesives.

When you visit our team at Spa Dental, we will always be happy to discuss your suitability to have dental implants Sydney fitted, we can advise you on how long the process will take, and can also help you with the aftercare.

Curious to learn more? Here, our team at the practice answers common questions that we receive about dental implants Sydney, so read on to learn more.

Does having oral implants fitted hurt?

In a word, no.

When you come to have dental implants Sydney fitted, the first thing we will do is numb your gums with a local anaesthetic. If you are a nervous patient, you can be sedated, which will block any discomfort.

When you are at home afterwards, the discomfort should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol. If the soreness is worsening, then please call our team as soon as possible.

How long does the process take?

The process of having implants fitted is broken down into stages.

Firstly, the fitting of a single implant can take between 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete. Then, once all of your implants have been fitted, there are around 3 to 9 months when the implants need to fuse to your jaw via a process called osseointegration.

The length of the last stage will vary based on your age, your health, and any underlying health conditions that you may have.

Can I have them fitted if I am an older patient?

Absolutely!

The key thing we check for when fitting implants is a high level of overall dental health, so no active tooth decay or gum disease. We will also perform an X-ray to ensure that your jawbone is healthy enough to support an implant. If this is all deemed to be good by our team, then you can have your oral implants fitted if you are 19 or 90!

How long do they last once they are fitted?

If they are cared for correctly, then your oral implants can easily last over 20 years.

Luckily, the daily care is not too taxing. You simply need to brush them twice a day, floss them and keep an eye out for signs of gum disease. This is important because if it is left untreated, gum disease can cause the bone that is supporting the implant to degrade, meaning that the implant can come loose.

So, always aim to attend check-ups, keep your teeth clean, avoid smoking or drinking to excess, and your implants will last a long time.

Will they become infected?

No, if you adhere to the aftercare advice of our team, your oral implants are unlikely to become infected.

However, an infection with a newly fitted implant does occur in around 0.001% of all cases, meaning that you will still need to keep an eye out for signs that there may be an issue. This includes a feeling of being unwell, a fever, discomfort, swelling and bleeding from the implant site.

If you notice any of these signs or feel that your implant is infected, then call our team for an urgent assessment.

DISCLAIMER

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.