In the past, you had limited options for replacing missing teeth: Removable dentures and bridges. Thanks to advanced dental technology and materials science, today’s tooth loss patients can opt for dental implants as a permanent solution.
Dental implants provide a more stable and durable alternative to removable dentures. Unlike removable dentures that may slide or slip off at inopportune times, implant-supported teeth remain securely anchored on your jawbone, just like your natural teeth.
You no longer have to soak dentures or avoid certain types of food for fear of damaging the dental appliance. Not only do implant-supported teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth, they do not interfere with your lifestyle, allowing you to chew, bite, eat and drink as if they were regular teeth.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, our dentists are trained and experienced in a range of implant-specific restorative work. Combining a wealth of knowledge and skills in the cosmetic and restorative fields, we utilise advanced dental implant techniques and systems to obtain aesthetically pleasing and predictable treatment outcomes.
For more information on how you can find a dental implant solution to restore Beauty and Health to your Smile, call our friendly team at Molonglo Dental Surgery on 02 6287 1222.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants consist of small titanium posts that are placed in the patient’s mouth to replace the natural teeth roots of missing teeth. Inserted into the jawbone, the root-like dental implants form a strong and lasting biological bond with the bone structure, thereby providing a stable foundation that supports the prosthetic teeth. That is why implant-supported teeth can fully restore your ability to bite and chew as with your natural teeth.
Having dental implants placed is considered to be the closest thing to having natural teeth. The stable and functional implant-supported teeth allow those with tooth loss conditions to enjoy a lifetime of convenience and practicality.
What to Expect for Treatment
The treatment typically begins with an initial consultation so that our dentist can brief you on the treatment protocol and answer any questions that you may have. Next, the quality of your jawbone tissue would be assessed, to ensure that the health and integrity of your jaw may be maintained throughout the treatment and that it has sufficient mass to support the implant.
Once you have been ascertained as a good dental implant candidate, you may undergo the surgical procedure. This involves drilling a small hole in the area where the implant will be placed. A combination of computerized imaging and CT scanning will be used to increase the visual clarity on the area of interest, in order to guide the drills for this highly precise placement.
Next, a titanium screw is inserted to hold the dental implant firmly in its precise location. A protective cover screw is then placed on top of the installed titanium post, to further anchor the screw in its position, thus allowing it to heal faster and with minimal disruption. The implant would be then left uninterrupted for about three to six months, allowing it time to biologically fuse with the jawbone in a process known as Osseointegration.
After Osseointegration is complete, impressions of the site will be taken to facilitate the fabrication of the dental prosthetic. Finally, the replacement teeth are installed to present a seamless restoration and a brand new smile.
Modern dental implants enjoy a high success and survival rate. The success rate is even higher when administered by a trained and experienced dental professional.
For more information on how our dentists can add Beauty, Function and Health to your Smile with dental implants, call our friendly team at Molonglo Dental Surgery on 02 6287 1222.
Explore more Treatments
Let’s help you get to the right place, these Molonglo services are closely connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Canberra, the cost for a single dental implant ranges from $4,000 to $7,000. This fee covers the entire treatment cost, including the costs of the implant post, abutment, and final crown. In addition to flexible payment options, Molonglo Dental Surgery offers staged treatment plans to help patients spread the cost over time. We also accept payment through Afterpay and Ezi-Pay to make the process more manageable for our customers.
Unfortunately, Medicare does not provide coverage for dental implants as they are considered a cosmetic or elective procedure. However, many private health insurance funds offer partial rebates but the amount varies between policies. During your consultation, our experienced team can help to check your policy details to make sure that you are maximising your benefits and reducing out-of-pocket expenses as much as possible. Rest assure that we will assist you in navigating the complexities of insurance claims so that you won't have to deal with all that paperwork.
The dental implant is essentially a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. With proper care and maintenance, the titanium post can last a lifetime. However, the visible part of the implant – which is the crown capping that covers the top part of the post – may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear. To ensure the longevity of your implant, please maintain your regular oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, in addition to twice-yearly dental check-ups.
The dental implant procedure is generally not painful. The use of local anaesthetic to numb the area helps you to remain comfortable throughout the surgery. Most dental implant patients report that they experience minimal discomfort – often considering it a less invasive procedure than that of a tooth extraction. If patients were to experience mild soreness or swelling after the implant treatment, it can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief medication. The symptoms or discomfort usually subside within a few days.
If you are an adult with good overall health and adequate oral hygiene, you would make a suitable candidate for dental implants. However, you should still get evaluated by a trained implant dentist for a proper assessment. The dentist would be looking out for certain conditions, such as significant bone loss in the jaw, which may require additional treatment. If bone grafting is needed, we can discuss this option to create a solid foundation for the implant. The dentist would recommend the best course of action following a thorough assessment.
The complete dental implant process usually takes between 4 and 9 months. The treatment timeline includes the following: Initial consultation; implant placement; healing period (osseointegration); and final crown fitting. If bone grafting is required, the process may take longer. During your initial consultation, we will provide you with a personalised treatment plan and timeline.
Sedation is available to help you stay comfortable during implant surgery. Most patients find nitrous oxide (happy gas) is all they need; where a deeper level of relaxation would help, your dentist will assess your medical history and advise on the most suitable approach at your planning appointment about what other options are available.
Molonglo Dental Surgery provides full-service implant care in our Canberra clinic. We handle everything from initial planning to the final crown placement. Our focus is on delivering gentle, precise, and affordable treatment. Backed by years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, you can trust our friendly Canberra team to restore your smile with confidence.