Dental Implants in Caringbah

Dental implant treatment is spread over many months and so the total cost is split up into more manageable installments over time, depending upon what treatment stage has been completed. This naturally spreads out the payment schedule. We also offer a no interest payment plan schedule that can help make dental implant treatment fit your budget, and avoid larger payments being due all at once.

A single implant treatment where there is no grafting required can range from $7000-$8000.

The most expensive single implant treatment requires bone and gum grafting with extra steps involved, and can add a few thousand dollars.

A dental implant bridge will involve at least 2 implants and a false tooth, with discounts offered typically for multiple missing teeth. The final cost will depend upon the number of implants and false teeth that make up the bridge, as well as additional treatments that are required (such as grafting).

If you require all your teeth replaced in an arch, such as in an ‘All-on-4’ style treatment, the costs can range from $30,000 -$40,000. At Jacaranda Dental, the surgical side of this treatment is usually done in hospital with a specialist Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, and completed in the rooms at Jacaranda Dental.

Yes, dental implant treatment can be claimed if you have dental health insurance and are covered for ‘major dental’. The amount claimed will be determined by your specific dental insurer and the level of dental cover you have. Because dental implant treatment can take many months, sometimes it spans two insurance ‘years’ and you can expect to be eligible for 2 rebates. We can provide an itemised quote for you to check your rebate before treatment begins.

Implants are performed in the dental chair under local anaesthetic under sterile conditions. The appointment can be quick for simple single tooth implants or last up to a couple of hours for the more complex treatments including grafting. The gum is opened up, the bone is drilled for the implant post, and then after the implant has been placed the gum is stitched back around the implant to allow healing.

Dental implant treatment is performed under local anaesthesia and so no pain should be felt during the implant placement appointment. Once the local anaesthetic wears off there is likely some post operative discomfort that can last a few days. The pain should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relief medications like Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. The implant has no nerve endings and so gives no ongoing sensitivity. Patients are usually surprised by how little discomfort is experienced.

Yes, in certain circumstances we have the option to extract a tooth and replace it on the same day with an implant. This procedure is known as an ‘immediate implant’. Specific criteria must be met including having good bone, an absence of infection, and the implant needs to be kept out of the bite and not used during the healing period. An Immediate implant offers a great replacement solution as it cuts down the need for multiple procedures, and can mean patients are never without a ‘tooth’.

Dental implants are generally safe and successful. The common risks for dental implant surgery are the same for any surgical procedure and include:

• Infection – Bacteria entering the surgical site can cause infection. This can cause pain and delayed healing and potentially see failure of the treatment. At risk patients and certain treatments are managed with antibiotic coverage.
• Pain, swelling, bleeding – these complications occur with any surgical procedure and can be managed with good surgical technique and post operative care instructions.
• Nerve damage – Important nerves need to be identified by the dentist and avoided as damage can cause altered sensation (tingling, pain) or numbness. Careful planning and guided surgery techniques can minimise the risks.
• Damage to adjacent teeth – good planning and careful surgical techniques are important to identify and avoid adjacent teeth as damage can cause future problems with the damaged tooth.
• Implant failure – The implant may fail to fuse to the jaw bone and cause it to be loose or wobbly. In this case the implant will need to be removed and re-treated.
• Sinus issues – implants in the upper jaw can affect the sinus with a risk of infection or sinusitis.

Soft foods are best for the first few days to minimise damage to the healing implant site. Foods like soups, eggs, pasta and fish are recommended.

The implant is at it’s weakest for the first 2 weeks, and gets progressively stronger before it reaches full strength at approximately 3 months. It is best to avoid eating on the implant for the first few weeks, and slowly resume normal eating in the weeks that follow.

Implant failure is when the implant is no longer integrated to the bone. Common types of failure include an initial failure to integrate, implant gum disease (peri-implantitis) and overload in the bite. While the implant post can often last a lifetime, the cosmetic crown typically needs replacement more often.

Implants have a high overall success rate, and 10-year implant survival ranges between 90% – 95% . Success depends upon the quality and quantity of bone, overall health of the patient and lifestyle factors.

Early implant failure – can be caused by:

• surgical complications such as infection. It is more likely with poor bone quality in medically compromised patients or in patients who smoke.
• Occlusal overload – If an implant is loaded in the bite it can fail from micro movement before it has fused to the bone.

Late implant failure – Once an implant is integrated and restored, the most common reasons for implant failure include:

• Peri-implantitis – gum infection around an implant can damage the bone and cause it to fail.

How do I care for my dental implant?

• Occlusal overload – if an implant is under too much biting force it can damage the bone interface and the implant becomes loose.