Single dental implant in Perth

The process of having dental implants usually takes between three to nine months but this can vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.

Just like natural teeth, dental implants can be damaged by trauma and affected by gum disease and poor dental health. However, if you look after them - they can last for many years.

You’ll usually be given a local anaesthetic (and a sedative if you choose) so you feel more comfortable during your treatment. Most of our patients recover quickly, but you might experience some discomfort and swelling for several days. Don’t worry, we will provide you with aftercare and if you are worried about anything you can contact us for reassurance and advice.

We don’t recommend having dental implants in other countries. If you have any problems later on, it can more difficult to get these sorted as you will have to travel back to where you had your treatment (multiple visits are often needed). Also, as there are different implant systems, some may not be compatible with the availability of implant components in other countries.

If you are healthy, look after your dental health at home and visit the dentist regularly, you will most likely be suitable for dental implants. Dental implants can be a great solution for people of any age. However, they might not be suitable for everyone.

You might not be suitable for dental implants if:

• You smoke heavily – smoking can slow down and hinder the healing process
• You drink alcohol excessively – this can disrupt the healing of your gums
• You have weak bones – as the implant will need to integrate with the bone in the jawbone
• You have severe gum disease or tooth decay – these will need to be treated before proceeding with treatment
• You have a compromised immune system – as it can be more difficult for the body to heal after surgery
• You suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism) – as this can put excessive pressure on implants, potentially affecting their stability and longevity
• You have specific medical conditions – this can prevent us from providing you with this treatment
• You have a complex medical history or are taking certain medications – this can prevent you from having minor surgery.

Immediate load dental implants, also known as 'teeth in a day' is when a dental implant; a crown, bridge or denture are fitted at the same time. This is as opposed to a delayed loading which is a two-stage process, separated by a period of up to six months.

The main advantage of immediate loading is convenience. The procedure can be done on the same day, which is why it’s sometimes known as a ‘same day smile’. Other advantages are that it’s a quicker procedure, there’s no need to wait for the bone and implant to integrate, and you don’t need to wear a temporary crown, bridge or denture.

However, the main disadvantage with immediate loading is that there’s an increased risk of loss of the implant, due to a failure of the bone integrating sufficiently to the implant. One of our dentists will advise you on which technique will be the most beneficial for you and your dental needs.

The process and length of treatment will be dependent on your individual needs, therefore ‘teeth in a day’ might not be possible for all patients. Sometimes bone loss in the jaw means implants can’t be supported straight away and might require a bone graft.