Dental Implants

Dental implants are a highly successful and modern way to permanently replace one or more missing teeth. This technique has been developed and perfected over the last 40 years to produce reliable and long-lasting, permanent solutions to tooth loss. Dental implants have been used to restore natural aesthetics and confidence in function for hundreds of our patients from Sydney and beyond.

what is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium fixture, usually in the shape of a screw, that is surgically inserted in the jaw bone to permanently replace a missing or hopelessly damaged tooth.

There are a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations for many different applications, but the basic principle of “osseointegration”  applies to all classes.

The implant fixture basically serves the function of the tooth root, and serves as a base for the construction and fitting of a porcelain crown. In selected cases, a damaged tooth can be removed and replaced with an implant-supported crown in the same day.

how does it work?

Dental implants are made of biocompatible titanium and once inserted into the bone with meticulous surgical technique, start forming a biological bond to bone tissue.

Over the next few months, bone-forming cells adhere to the implant surface in a process called osseointegration, essentially becoming part of your body.

Recent advances in 3D scanning technology and dental implant surgical technique have allowed for the evolution of this extraordinary treatment alternative that allows for immediate tooth replacement.

Powerful implant planning software allows for extremely accurate diagnosis and surgical planning that creates a virtual model of the completed case and a precision surgical template guide that facilitates extremely accurate implant placement and fitting of the final restoration. Your implants and new teeth can be fitted in the same day in some cases.

what’s involved?

Planning stage
Every case is treated individually, and Dr Lazaris will assess your specific dental condition and recommend the best treatment approach. The consultation and examination process involves a thorough clinical examination and 3D CT scan to assess your individual condition and needs.

Dr Lazaris then feeds the data from your 3D CT scan into specialised planning software and designs the implant placement protocols and positions. From these computer-generated images a surgical template is constructed that will be used on the day of your scheduled surgery.

Surgery stage
We begin the surgical phase by getting you prepared for the procedure. Our anaesthetist will make sure you are suitably sedated and comfortable so that you feel no discomfort during the surgery and have little or no memory of the procedure. Dr Lazaris will then administer local anaesthetic to ensure you are completely numb during the surgical phase of treatment.

The implants are carefully inserted into the jaw bone in strategic positions and angulations using the precision surgical guide. In immediate restoration cases, a provisional crown will be fitted immediately. Sutures are then placed around the implant fixtures to facilitate rapid healing.

Final Prosthetic stage
After suitable amount of time to allow for osseointegration and associated soft tissue contouring (average 3 to 6 months), a final porcelain crown can now be fitted to the implant fixture

what can i expect afterwards?

A certain degree of post-operative discomfort is expected and will be managed by anti-inflammatory medication and plenty of rest. In the weeks to months following surgery, your bone will form a bond with the implant surfaces (Osseointegration) and will mature to a permanent and strong adhesion with proper post-operative care.

In order to ensure the success of this critical phase, patients are advised to refrain from eating hard or crunchy foods and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption for up to 3 months.

You will be required to attend for review appointments over the next few months so that we can ensure that all is healing well and your mouth is comfortable and free from any infection.

Long-term success of treatment is highly dependent on regular hygiene maintenance, including brushing, flossing and mouth-rinses along with regular hygiene visits.

why dr lazaris?

It is this attention to detail in every aspect of dental implant treatment that has seen Dr Lazaris become one of the most experienced dental implant practitioners in Sydney. Having completed numerous cases over many years, his clinical expertise and artistry consistently achieve beautiful results for our clients.

Dr Lazaris is also one of the first practitioners in Sydney to have successfully implemented the revolutionary All on 4 technique for the immediate restoration of the entire mouth. Read more about how All on 4 can change your life.

 

*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.