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A missing tooth creates real problems. Chewing gets harder. Speaking changes. The jawbone starts shrinking because there’s no tooth root to keep it active.
Implants solve these issues better than older methods. They work like natural teeth and prevent bone deterioration.
Planning to get a tooth replacement? Here’s what you need to know about implants and other options. Also, visiting a dental implant specialist Warriewood clinic can help clear your doubts.
What Is a Dental Implant?
An implant represents an artificial tooth root, usually made using titanium. The implants are placed by a dental implant specialist, Warriewood, into the jawbone through surgery.
Three components make up an implant:
- Implant body (the metal screw placed inside the bone)
- Abutment (the connector)
- Crown (the upper part that people see)
The implant bonds with the bone. The process takes a few months but creates a permanent foundation.
Who Qualifies for Implant Treatment?
Most adults can get implants, though some factors affect eligibility.
What helps:
- Enough jawbone density
- Healthy gums
- Generally good health
- Being a non-smoker
What complicates things:
- Severe bone loss
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Certain autoimmune conditions
- Heavy smoking
A dental implant specialist, Warriewood or Narrabeen clinic like UDC, uses X-rays and 3D scans during assessment. Bone grafting can solve some bone density issues.
What are the Types of Dental Implants?
Endosteal Implants
These are what most people get. They’re placed straight into the jawbone and come in screw, cylinder, or blade shapes.
Success rate hovers around 95-98%. They work for single teeth, multiple teeth, or as anchors for bridges.
The catch? They need adequate bone and a healing period of 3-6 months.
Subperiosteal Implants
Rather than going into the bone, these rest on top of it under the gum tissue. A metal frame sits on the bone with posts sticking through the gums.
They’re an option when someone lacks bone and wants to skip grafting procedures. Less common these days because bone grafting techniques have improved.
Zygomatic Implants
These anchor into the cheekbone instead of the jaw. They’re for people with severe upper jaw bone loss.
The benefit? No extensive bone grafting needed. The downside? It’s a complex procedure that requires real expertise.
Mini Implants
These are narrower than regular implants—under 3mm compared to 3.5-6mm.
A dental implant specialist Warriewood clinic may suggest this for:
- Narrow jaw ridges
- Holding lower dentures in place
- Replacing smaller teeth
Less invasive and cheaper, but not strong enough for back teeth that do heavy chewing.
All-on-4 Solutions
This approach uses just four implants to hold an entire arch of teeth—that’s 10 to 14 teeth total. The back implants angle strategically to grab the best bone.
Perfect for someone who’s lost all their teeth in one or both arches. Many patients walk out with a new smile the same day.
Dental implant specialist Narrabeen clinics like United Dental Clinic offer All-on-4 for residents throughout the Northern Beaches.
Implant-Supported Dentures and Bridges
Sometimes multiple implants work together to support larger pieces:
- Bridges that replace several teeth in a row
- Overdentures that clip onto implants but can be removed
- Fixed dentures that stay put permanently
More stable than traditional dentures and require fewer implants than replacing every tooth individually.
What Can Go Wrong During or After Dental Implant Treatment?
Implants work out well 95-98% of the time. Still, complications happen:
- Infections at the surgery site
- The implant doesn’t bond with bone
- Gum inflammation around the implant
- Bone loss around the implant
- Nerve damage (rare)
How to stack the odds:
- Keep teeth and implants clean
- Show up for dental appointments
- Quit smoking
- Keep conditions like diabetes in check
- Follow the dentist’s post-surgery instructions
What are the Other Options Besides Implants?
| Option | Description | Upside | Downside |
| Traditional Dentures | Removable false teeth that rest on the gums. | Cheapest option, no surgery required. | Can slip around, don’t stop bone loss, need replacing every 5–8 years. |
| Fixed Bridges | A false tooth held in place by crowns on the teeth next to the gap. | Stays put, works well for chewing. | Healthy teeth must be filed down; doesn’t prevent bone loss; lasts 10–15 years. |
| Maryland Bridges | A lighter bridge that sticks to the back of nearby teeth with minimal grinding. | Keeps most tooth structure intact, costs less. | Not as durable; only works for front teeth. |
| Partial Dentures | Removable appliances that fill in gaps between natural teeth. | Budget-friendly, can be adjusted over time. | Metal clasps may show; can damage neighbouring teeth; less stable. |
| Leaving the Gap | Some people skip replacement entirely, especially for back molars. | No immediate cost or procedure. | Teeth can drift, bite alignment changes, jawbone shrinks, and nearby teeth take extra stress. |
Quick Comparison
| Option | Upfront Cost | Average Lifespan | Prevents Bone Loss | Removable? |
| Dental Implants | Higher | 20 + years | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Bridges (Fixed / Maryland) | Medium | 10–15 years | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Dentures (Full / Partial) | Lower | 5–8 years | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
How To Make the Decision?
Several things matter when choosing:
- Bone condition – Good bone supports implants well. Poor bone might need grafting or point toward alternatives.
- Money – Implants cost more initially but last longer, potentially saving money over decades.
- Appearance – Implants look closest to natural teeth.
- Daily life – People who stay active often want something fixed in place.
- How soon – Alternatives get finished faster in the short term.
A dental implant specialist Warriewood or Narrabeen can walk through what makes sense for each person’s situation.
United Dental Clinic’s Approach
The clinic offers:
- Specialists experienced with implants
- Current technology
- Sedation for nervous patients
- All-on-4 available on-site
- Everything under one roof
The team takes time explaining things and focuses on keeping patients comfortable.
FAQs
How long do implants last?
Most last 20+ years. Some never need replacing. The crown on top might need a refresh after 10-15 years.
Can smokers get dental implants?
Technically yes, but smoking doubles or triples the failure rate. Most dentists ask patients to quit at least before surgery and during healing. Some won’t do the procedure otherwise.
When can I eat normally again?
A dental implant specialist Narrabeen suggests taking soft foods right after. Back to steak and apples once the implant fully bonds with bone—usually 3-6 months. Some people get temporary teeth to use while waiting.
Wrapping Up
Implants done by dental implant specialist Narrabeen beat other options for most people. They feel normal, last decades, and keep the jawbone healthy.
That said, bridges and dentures work better in some situations. Call United Dental Clinic to book a consultation. They’ll check what’s actually going on in your mouth and explain what makes sense.