A small titanium screw or post that acts as a replacement tooth root. A replacement crown is fitted onto the implant to restore the full functionality of the missing tooth. Titanium is biocompatible, which means that the body sees it as natural tissue and grows bone and blood vessels around the implant.

Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, several teeth, a whole arch or a whole set. Dentures can even be stabilised on as few as eight implants.

Dental implants are the only way to replace the tooth root, giving a secure and stable chewing foundation that matches a natural tooth. They are fixed into place and won’t slip around in the mouth or fall out. No healthy teeth need to be removed to place a dental implant.

The length of the implant process depends on whether you need any preparation work before having the implant surgery. If you are in good oral and general health, from first consultation to having your permanent replacement tooth fitted will take about three months: this is due to the time it takes for the implant to integrate with the jawbone.

If you do need to have treatment before having the implant fitted, this will add time to the procedure, depending on what work needs to be done. Treatments include for gum disease, and bone grafts or sinus lifts to build up the jawbone so the implant can be securely fixed in place.

Dr Syed will carry out a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth and gums, take a medical history and ask you about your lifestyle to assess your suitability for dental implants in Perth. She may refer you for extra x-rays and for a CT scan to build up a detailed and accurate picture of your jawbone. This enables her to plan the most effective surgery, making sure to avoid any nerves or blood vessels when placing the implants.

Any surgical procedure, even a minor one like having dental implants in Perth, will involve some measure of discomfort. However, because the jawbone has fewer nerve endings than the teeth, it’s actually less painful than having root canal therapy. All our implants are fitted using a local anaesthetic to numb the implant site, so any discomfort will be minimal.

We totally understand that dental treatment can make some patients feel nervous, separate from the physical discomfort that may be experienced during surgery. Our friendly and approachable staff will take you through the process step-by-step, making sure you know what’s happening every step of the way. You can talk to our implant dentist Dr Mahnaz Syed about options for sedation and relaxation during the implant surgery, including oral or intravenous sedation.

Between four and eight weeks, maybe longer if you smoke or have conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, which slow down the body’s capacity to heal.

Immediately after surgery for dental implants in Perth, we will fit you with temporary teeth that will last until your implants have healed. You will need to eat a liquid diet, then a soft food diet while the implants heal. You will then come in for an appointment to have your replacement crowns fitted. The crowns will be custom-made to blend in seamlessly with your existing teeth.

This depends on how many implants you need and whether you need preliminary work before the surgery. Our implant consultation is $145, and Dr Syed will be able to give you a cost and treatment plan after this appointment. When Dr Syed sends you for a scan you will get a Medicare rebate as Dr Syed is a specialist.

In the same way as a natural tooth: twice daily brushing and flossing and twice-yearly check-ups with the dentist and hygienist. With proper care, dental implants can last upwards of 15 years.