Dental Implants
Dental Implants
At Station St Dental, implant dentistry begins with careful assessment and treatment planning. Replacing a tooth isn’t simply about filling a gap — we need to consider the health of the surrounding teeth and gums, available bone, your bite, appearance and how the proposed restoration will function over the longer term.
Our aim is to create implant restorations that function comfortably, look natural and integrate appropriately with the rest of your mouth.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium fixture placed into the jawbone to provide support for a replacement tooth.
Once integrated with the surrounding bone, the implant can support a custom-made dental restoration. Depending on the situation, implants can be used to support:
- A single replacement tooth
- Several teeth with an implant-supported bridge
- More extensive replacement of missing teeth
- An implant-retained denture
Unlike a conventional bridge, replacing a single missing tooth with an implant generally avoids the need to prepare the neighbouring teeth simply to support the replacement tooth.
Planning Dental Implant Treatment
Successful implant treatment starts with a thorough assessment.
We consider the teeth, gums, bite and available space, together with appropriate dental imaging. Digital scanning and photography can also form part of the planning process and help us plan the final restoration before treatment begins.
This restorative planning is important. The position of an implant needs to be considered in relation to the tooth that it will ultimately support — not simply where there happens to be available bone.
Depending on the individual case, additional imaging or specialist assessment may be required before treatment proceeds.
A Team Approach to Implant Dentistry
Implant treatment often involves several stages and, where appropriate, different clinicians working together.
At Station St Dental, we work closely with experienced clinicians and specialists involved in implant surgery. This allows the surgical and restorative aspects of treatment to be planned together, with the final tooth position, function and appearance considered from the outset.
Following implant placement and healing, the definitive restoration can be carefully designed and fitted, with ongoing care and maintenance provided as part of your long-term dental care.
Replacing a Single Missing Tooth
A dental implant can be an excellent option when a single tooth has been lost or cannot predictably be retained.
A custom-made ceramic crown is attached to the implant to replace the missing tooth. Careful attention is given to its shape, position, bite and relationship with the surrounding teeth and gums.
However, an implant isn’t automatically preferable to retaining a natural tooth. Where a tooth can predictably be preserved, we will discuss that option as part of treatment planning.
Replacing Several Missing Teeth
When several adjacent teeth are missing, it isn’t always necessary to place an implant for every missing tooth.
In suitable situations, strategically positioned implants can support an implant-supported bridge, replacing several teeth with a fixed restoration.
The appropriate number and position of implants depends on the individual clinical situation and requires careful planning.
Implants and Complete Dentures
For appropriate patients, a relatively small number of implants can provide secure attachment points for a removable denture while still allowing it to be removed for cleaning.
We discuss this treatment in more detail on our Implant-Retained Lower Denture page.
Are Dental Implants Right for Everyone?
Dental implants have an excellent history of clinical use, but they aren’t appropriate for every patient or every missing tooth.
We consider factors including:
- General and dental health
- Gum and periodontal health
- Available bone
- Smoking and other relevant risk factors
- The condition of neighbouring teeth
- The bite and forces placed on the proposed restoration
- Ability to clean and maintain the implant
- Alternative ways of replacing — or sometimes not replacing — the missing tooth
Our role is to explain the advantages, limitations and alternatives so that you can make an informed decision.
Looking After Dental Implants
Implants cannot develop tooth decay, but the tissues and bone supporting them still require ongoing care.
Good home cleaning, healthy gums and regular professional assessment are important for maintaining implant health. At your ongoing dental visits, we can monitor the implant restoration, surrounding tissues and bite as part of your overall dental care.
Carefully Planned Tooth Replacement
There is rarely only one way to replace a missing tooth.
Depending on the circumstances, options may include an implant, bridge or removable prosthesis. Occasionally, leaving a space untreated may also be reasonable.
At Station St Dental, we take the time to assess the complete situation and recommend treatment based on function, aesthetics, preservation of remaining teeth and long-term maintainability.
If you are considering dental implants, an initial consultation allows us to assess your individual situation and discuss the options available.
Why Choose Station St Dental?
Truly Holistic Dental Care
Integrated, Multi-Disciplinary Dentistry
To ensure we stay ahead of the curve, our entire team - including our friendly front desk staff - regularly attends professional development courses. We’re committed to learning the latest advancements in dental care and proudly use cutting-edge equipment and technology in our clinic.
A Comfortable, Family-Friendly Environment
Family-Focused Dentistry
It’s not uncommon for families to schedule their appointments together, making it easy and convenient to manage everyone’s oral health in one visit.
Plus, eligible children may access up to $1,132 in dental care over two years through the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) - making quality care more accessible when you need it most.
We Also Accept All Major Health Funds, CDBS & Veteran Affairs
