Dental & Zygomatic Implants

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Dental Implant Surgery

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What is a Dental Implant? A dental implant is a biocompatible titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone. It functions as an artificial tooth root, providing a stable foundation for a replacement tooth.

The Process Success relies on osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the bone.

  • Fusion: The titanium bonds with bone tissue, mimicking a natural root.

  • Abutment: Once stable, a connector is attached to the implant.

  • Crown: The final custom-made tooth is attached, matching your natural teeth perfectly.

Benefits

  • Oral Health: Unlike bridges, implants stand independently, preserving healthy adjacent teeth.

  • Aesthetics: Designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

  • Function: Anchored in bone, they restore full chewing power.

  • Durability: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

  • Convenience: A fixed solution that eliminates the need for adhesives or removal.

Zygomatic Implants

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Zygomatic implants are a specialised solution for patients with significant upper jaw bone loss. Unlike traditional implants that rely on the jawbone, these anchor into the sturdy cheekbone (zygoma). This bypasses the need for extensive bone grafting, often allowing for immediate tooth placement and significantly reducing treatment time.

Benefits

  • Restoration: Provides a stable base for a full upper arch, restoring function and aesthetics.

  • Speed: Eliminates the long healing times associated with bone grafting.

  • Recovery: Can be placed using minimally invasive techniques to reduce discomfort.

Ideal Candidates These implants are recommended for individuals with severe bone loss who are unsuitable for traditional implants or wish to avoid grafting. Please discuss the specific risks and benefits with your surgeon to determine if this is the right option for you.

What to expect with Implant Surgery

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Here is a concise breakdown of the procedure and timeline:

Surgery is performed under Local or General Anaesthetic. Zygomatic implants are complex and always performed under General Anaesthetic in a hospital.

General Anaesthetic (Hospital)

  • Fasting: No food or drink for 6 hours prior.

  • Logistics: Arrive 1–2 hours early. This is a day procedure.

  • Discharge: A responsible adult must drive you home and stay overnight. No taxis or ride-shares.

Local Anaesthetic (Clinic)

  • Prep: Do not fast; eat a light meal beforehand.

  • Logistics: Arrive 20 minutes early. You may leave shortly after the procedure.

Post-Operative (Both)

  • Care: Prescriptions and instructions are provided on the day.

  • Follow-up: We will contact you to monitor recovery.

Implant Timeline

  • Phase 1: Placement: Implants are surgically placed. This may be a one-stage (implant visible) or two-stage (gum covers implant) procedure, depending on stability and grafting needs.

  • Phase 2: Osseointegration: A 3–6 month healing period is required for the implant to fuse with the bone.

  • Phase 3: Restorative: Your general dentist or prosthodontist fabricates and fits the final crown. Please discuss costs and details for this phase directly with them.

Risks

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While dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth, it's important to understand the potential risks and complications involved.

Risks (Standard Implants)

  • Nerve Injury: Rare temporary or permanent numbness/altered sensation in the lip, chin, or tongue.

  • Other Risks: Sinus infection/displacement (upper jaw), damage to adjacent teeth, or failure to integrate.

Alternatives

  • Leave Gap: May cause bone loss and shifting teeth.

  • Dentures: Removable and affordable, but less stable.

  • Bridges: Fixed solution, but requires grinding down healthy adjacent teeth.

Maintenance Treat like natural teeth. Professional cleaning is required every six months. Crowns may eventually need maintenance due to wear.

Zygomatic Implants (Severe Bone Loss) These anchor into the cheekbone (zygoma) to bypass bone grafting, offering a faster solution for upper jaw restoration.

  • Specific Risks: Beyond standard surgical risks (infection/bleeding), risks include nerve damage, sinus issues, rare bone fracture, and visual compromise (due to proximity to the eye socket). Removal is complex.

  • Risk Factors: Smoking and poor general health significantly increase failure rates.

Fees

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Surgical Fees Fees vary by complexity. Rebates are often available via private health "extras".

  • Standard Implant: $2,950–$3,195

  • Zygomatic Implant: ~$5,000

Hospital & Anaesthetic Fees (If Applicable)

  • Hospital: Required for complex cases. Usually fully covered by "hospital cover" (you pay only the excess, e.g., $0–$500).

  • Anaesthetic: Applies if sedation or General Anaesthetic is used.

  • Medicare: May provide rebates for bone grafting or sinus lifts performed in a hospital.

Common Item Codes Please quote these to your health fund to confirm your out-of-pocket costs:

  • 679: Surgical guide

  • 688: Single stage / Zygomatic

  • 684 / 691: 1st / 2nd stage implant

  • 663: Implant removal

Important: Surgery Only The fees above cover implant placement only. The final tooth restoration ("crown") is a separate expense managed by your general dentist or prosthodontist. Please discuss the restorative costs directly with them.