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Dental Implants:
- Learn more about the types of dental implants and their advantages over dentures or a bridge.
- Contact us for specialised service with expertise in the placement of dental implants.
We are a referral practice for dental implant needs, where complex dental reconstructions are required.
Stages of Facial Atrophy and how to prevent it.
Accelerated ageing due to loss of lower facial-height vertical dimension. This occurs from severe tooth wear gum disease with teeth flaring and loss of teeth.
We also show how to rejuvenate the face, improve dental, facial aesthetics, oral comfort and function: using dental Implants.
Case Study: This patient was most embarrassed about his appearance which affected his business and daily activities. Unstable lower denture and loose upper teeth were almost crippling the patient.
Diagnosis: Terminal dentition: upper arch opposing lower denture. Patient cannot function or smile. Speaking is also difficult since the lower denture is unstable
When front and back teeth are lost on the right, the facial curtain hangs straight down from lower border of the orbit, and the smooth curtain from the side of the upper lip to the cheek is interrupted by an extension of nasolabial groove, accelerating the ageing process.
Lower Arch
After reconstructions with fixed upper implant supported bridgework. For overdenture see implants menu.
Lower overdenture with special attachments to anchor on the lower two implants providing retention and stability. Retracted tongue position. Highly stable lower overdenture
Upper Arch
Seven implants were placed on upper jaw requiring only two hours in a dental chair. The procedure is similar to a simple tooth removal with normal local analgesics (anaesthetics).
Seven implants anchor fixed upper arch bridgework
Porcelain bridgework before bolted to the implants and fixed permanently to the upper arch. Seven implants to anchor fixed upper arch bridgework. This bridge can be removed only by Dr Sarkis Nalbandian
to carry out if repair is required in the future. The holes where the screws are inserted are covered with tooth coloured fillings.
Final porcelain bridgework permanently fixed to the upper jaw held by implants that have been integrated-fused with the bone of the upper jaw.
Note as if the teeth were growing out of the gums as in natural dentition
Restoring Nature
- Improved patient confidence
- Improved aesthetics, comfort and function
- Dental-facial rejuvenation
- Can bite an apple
We are changing lives with modern dental implant technology
Five years after implant-supported bridgework involving upper and lower jaws
- The fillings are covering the screw access holes, and are a different colour for ease of location of the holes. This allows Dr Nalbandian from time to time to remove and service the bridge (clean or repair if required) and re-issue the bridge.
- After five years, patient has continued his home care and regular dental visits.
- The results are: predictable implant therapy, a healthy and happy patient and a happy dentist (Dr Sarkis Nalbandian).
Teeth that look and feel like your own
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a specially trained dentist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. This is an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth (or teeth) due to periodontal disease, injury, or some other reason. While high-tech in nature, dental implants save more teeth than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support. Dental implants are the closest thing to replacing a lost tooth (or teeth). Confidence with your teeth affects how you feel about yourself personally and professionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don't feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news. Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own. With placement by a specialised dental surgeon, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improved success rates for implants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial roots, usually made of titanium which are fused to the jaw bone and help attach one or more missing teeth. There are several treatment options available, depending on whether one or more teeth need to be replaced, or whether all the upper or lower teeth need replacement, including the exciting new procedure-Same Day Teeth.
Can I afford dental implants?
Fees vary depending on how many implants are required, what the final teeth are to be made of, as well as the quantity and quality of the available bone and gum tissue. Many treatments will be coordinated with your referring dentist. There are many different treatment options available which involve dental implants. It is difficult to provide any recommendations before studying your requirements to determine your suitability for treatment and ultimately, which options fit within your budget. Implants are considered an investment as the long-term success is often superior to the discomfort and repetitive temporary solutions available as an alternative. During our consultative process, you will see how we can tailor a unique solution to fit within your budget and circumstances. If you are insured by a health fund, part of the fees are reimbursed, and in addition 20% of fees over $1250 are claimable from your tax. Please consult with your tax and/or financial planner for confirmation.
How can dental implants help me?
Dental implants may offer solutions to the following patients:
- Those who cannot chew comfortably or efficiently with conventional dentures
- Those who have lost teeth and don’t want to wear partial dentures
- Those who have lost a single tooth and want a single tooth implant rather than a bridge
- Those who are wearing a partial or full denture but want a fixed solution
Do dental implants hurt?
Surprisingly very little! Placement of dental implants does involve minor surgery. The procedure is very gentle and often done under local anaesthetic. About 10% of patients prefer Intravenous (IV) Sedation provided by a medical doctor specialising in emergency medicine and sedation. All post-operative medication is provided to reduce inflammation-swelling and discomfort.
How long will treatment take?
Your first step is to arrange a consultation where we can start working on your specific needs. Important diagnostic information may include photographs, X-rays and models of your teeth. Some X-rays called CT (computerized tomography) are undertaken by a radiologist within walking distance from our centre. Once we have discussed your needs, treatment may begin. Treatment time depends upon what needs to be done. Sometimes you can have a new tooth or several teeth fitted in one day. Many options range within one visit or over three to six months. Sometimes, if we need to augment the bone, treatment may take about six months.
Are implants always successful?
Modern dental implants have been around for over 45 years. Research shows that the success rate for dental implants can be over 90%. It is one of the highest of any dental procedure. Dr Nalbandian's personal success rate is 93.5%, and as per our practice statistics, he has placed more than 1000 implants.
Will there be any swelling?
As with any surgical procedure, you may expect some discomfort and swelling. This amount will vary from patient to patient. Some people experience nothing, while others may have some discomfort for a week or so. Medication is available to help people through this period.
Will I be able to chew as normal?
Following the procedure itself, and depending on what has been done, we encourage you to avoid using the healing area for a few weeks. This may include having a soft but nutritious diet during the period of adaptation. Once the final teeth are placed, there are no restrictions, and you can certainly eat with confidence as you would with natural teeth.
Will I reject my dental implant?
Dental implant problems resemble the healing of a bone fracture, where bone heals against bone. In dental implants, the bone heals against titanium. In about 3-7% of cases, the bone will not heal against titanium. In this case the implant is removed, we wait for 3-6 weeks for the site to heal and a new implant is placed at this site. Because our success rate is high, the incidence is negligible; therefore we provide the second implant for free. A small fee however, is charged for surgical set-up costs. Our patients and referring dentists are most pleased with this arrangement and appreciate the level of care provided.
Will I be without my teeth for any period during treatment?
This is one of the most important questions our patients ask. Dr Nalbandian takes great effort to assure our patients they will have temporary teeth at missing sites where the implants are placed. We rarely allow our patients to leave our rooms without any form of teeth replacement, following an implant placement.
What type of follow up care is needed?
Your implants may fail for the same reasons you lost your natural teeth (periodontal disease that is not followed up/controlled or severe tooth bruxing/grinding). Poor oral hygiene is the greatest concern for dental implants.
The build-up of dental plaque and debris around the teeth means an increase in bacteria and toxins which cause destructive inflammation and infection. This may lead to swollen gums and loss of bone which supports the teeth and dental implants. Good oral hygiene is necessary and vital for the long term success of your implants and permanent teeth. The wearing of a night guard may be required to control forces of parafunction habits such as clenching and grinding/bruxing on the new implant supported restorations. Part of the success of your teeth is to have frequent visits to our rooms or to your referring dental surgeon. Personalised instruction, as well as cleaning around the dental implants and any remaining teeth is an important and integral part to the success and health of your new teeth.
How will I care for my dental implants?
Once we have successfully placed your new teeth, an appointment will be scheduled with our dental hygienist who will explain the correct use of brushing and flossing. If any special brushes are needed, these will be introduced and explained.
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