Dental & Zygomatic Implants
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants offer a sophisticated and long term solution for replacing missing teeth. This technology involves the placement of small, biocompatible titanium posts (the implant) directly into your jawbone. These posts act as artificial tooth roots, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth.
A key element of dental implant success is a process called "osseointegration." This is where the titanium implant fuses with your jawbone, creating a strong and lasting bond. This integration process is vital for the long-term stability and function of the implant.
Once osseointegration is complete, a connector called an abutment is attached to the implant. This abutment serves as the base for your new tooth (crown), which is custom-made to match your natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional tooth replacement options:
Improved Appearance: Implants look and feel like natural teeth, restoring your smile and confidence.
Enhanced Chewing Ability: Implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favourite foods with ease.
Improved Oral Health: Implants don't require the alteration of adjacent teeth, as bridges do, preserving your natural tooth structure.
Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Convenience: Implants are a fixed solution, eliminating the need for messy adhesives or removal for cleaning, as with dentures.
Dental implants provide a reliable and aesthetically pleasing way to replace missing teeth, improving your oral health and overall quality of life.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants offer a groundbreaking approach to tooth replacement, specifically designed for individuals with significant bone loss in the upper jaw. Unlike traditional implants that rely on adequate jawbone for support, zygomatic implants utilise the sturdy cheekbone (zygoma) as the anchor.
These longer implants are strategically placed through the upper jaw and anchored into the zygoma, bypassing the need for extensive bone grafting procedures often required in cases of severe bone loss. This technique allows for immediate placement of a full or partial set of teeth, significantly reducing treatment time.
Benefits of Zygomatic Implants
Restoration of Teeth: Zygomatic implants provide a stable base for replacing an entire upper arch of teeth, restoring chewing function and enhancing facial aesthetics.
Faster Treatment: By avoiding the need for bone grafting, zygomatic implants offer a faster route to a complete smile.
Minimally Invasive: In some cases, zygomatic implants can be placed using minimally invasive techniques, potentially reducing discomfort and recovery time.
Who Are Zygomatic Implants For?
Zygomatic implants are typically recommended for individuals who:
Have experienced significant bone loss in the upper jaw.
Are not suitable candidates for traditional implants due to insufficient bone.
Desire a fixed solution for replacing multiple missing teeth.
Wish to avoid or minimise bone grafting procedures.
While zygomatic implants offer a remarkable solution for complex cases, it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if they are the right option for you.
What to expect with Implant Surgery
Dental implant surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your individual needs. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach for you. Zygomatic implants are more complex and are only performed under general anaesthetic in a hospital setting.
General Anaesthetic Procedure (Hospital Setting):
Fasting: You will need to fast for 6 hours prior to your procedure. This usually means no food or drink after midnight for a morning operation, or from early morning for an afternoon operation.
Hospital Arrival: Please arrive at the hospital 1-2 hours before your scheduled procedure.
Hospital Admission: You will be checked in by hospital admission staff. Completing the hospital admission paperwork online beforehand can streamline this process.
Day Procedure: Implant surgery is usually a day procedure, meaning you will return home on the same day.
Procedure and Recovery: After the procedure, you will spend some time in the recovery room before being discharged.
Discharge: You must have a responsible adult pick you up from the hospital (not a taxi or ride-share service). You should have someone stay with you overnight.
Medications and Instructions: You will receive prescriptions for any necessary medications and detailed written post-operative care instructions.
Follow-up: Our team will be in contact to monitor your recovery. You can also contact your surgeon or the clinic with any concerns.
Local Anaesthetic Procedure (Clinic Setting):
Pre-Procedure Meal: There is no need to fast for a local anaesthetic procedure. In fact, we encourage you to have a light meal beforehand to prevent faintness during the procedure.
Arrival: Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled procedure.
Local Anaesthetic Administration: You will receive local anaesthetic injections, similar to those given by a dentist. You will then rest for a short period while the anaesthetic takes effect. During this time, you will be given both verbal and written post-operative care instructions.
Procedure and Discharge: The procedure time varies. You will be ready to leave shortly after the procedure is complete.
Medications and Instructions: You will receive prescriptions for any necessary medications and detailed written post-operative care instructions.
Follow-up: Our team will be in contact to monitor your recovery. You can also contact your surgeon or the clinic with any concerns.
Implant Timeline
Phase 1: Implant Placement
Implants are surgically placed in your jawbone. This can be done in one or two stages. In the single-stage approach, the implant is visible above the gum line immediately. Alternatively, the implant may be covered by the gum tissue initially and uncovered later. The best approach depends on the stability of the implant at the time of placement and if adjunctive procedures like bone grafting or sinus lifting are required.
Phase 2: Osseointegration Period
A healing period of 3-6 months is necessary to allow the implants to fuse with the bone. During this time, you will continue to see your general dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Phase 3: Restorative Phase
Fabrication and placement of the final restorations (crown) on the implants. This phase will be completed by your general dentist or a prosthodontist. Please discuss the details and costs associated with this phase directly with your general dentist or specialist prosthodontist.
Risks
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 and Complications of Standard Dental Implants
Nerve Injury: In rare cases, implant placement in the lower jaw can injure the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) or lingual nerve. IAN injury can cause temporary or permanent numbness or tingling in the lower lip, chin, and teeth, potentially affecting sensation and leading to biting injuries. Lingual nerve injury can cause numbness or altered sensation in the tongue, impacting taste and speech.
Sinus Complications: Implants placed in the upper jaw can, in rare cases, lead to sinus infections or displacement of the implant into the sinus cavity. This may require further surgery to resolve.
Other Risks: These include potential damage to adjacent teeth during the procedure, postoperative infection or bleeding, implant failure (where the implant doesn't fuse with the bone), non-ideal implant positioning, and peri-implantitis (a gum infection that can develop around the implant).
Alternatives to Dental Implants
Depending on your individual circumstances, there are alternatives to consider:
Leaving the Gap: This might be an option if the missing tooth doesn't significantly impact your chewing ability or appearance. However, it can lead to the shifting of adjacent teeth and bone loss over time.
Dentures: These are removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth. While a more affordable option, dentures may require adhesives for stability and can affect speech and taste. They also need to be replaced periodically.
Bridges: These are fixed appliances that use adjacent teeth to support a replacement tooth. Bridges are a good option for replacing one or a few missing teeth but can require significant preparation of the supporting teeth and may not be suitable in all cases.
Maintenance of Dental Implants
To ensure the long-term success of your dental implants, they require maintenance similar to natural teeth:
Regular Professional Cleaning: It's recommended to have your implants professionally cleaned by a dentist, hygienist, or specialist periodontist every six months to remove any build-up and check for any signs of problems.
Possible Repairs: Over time, the crown or bridge attached to the implant may require adjustments or repairs due to normal wear and tear.
Zygomatic Implants: An Alternative for Insufficient Bone
Procedure
Zygomatic implant surgery involves placing longer dental implants into the cheekbone (zygoma) to support a full or partial prosthesis in the upper jaw. This is typically done when there is insufficient bone in the upper jaw for traditional implants.
Benefits
Restoration of Teeth: Zygomatic implants can provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, improving chewing function and aesthetics. This can often be achieved in a quicker timeframe than traditional grafting procedures.
Alternative to Bone Grafting: In cases of severe bone loss, it may avoid the need for extensive bone grafting procedures.
Risks and Potential Complications
General Surgical Risks: Infection, bleeding, swelling and pain, reaction to anaesthesia.
Specific Risks Related to Zygomatic Implants:
Nerve Damage: Possible temporary or permanent numbness or altered sensation in the cheek, lips, or gums.
Eye Risks: The cheekbones make up the floor and side wall of the eye sockets; bleeding from these areas can cause visual compromise.
Sinus Issues: Potential for sinus infections or complications.
Implant Failure: The implants may not integrate with the bone, requiring further treatment.
Fracture of the Zygomatic Bone: Though rare, there is a risk of fracture during implant placement.
Aesthetic Concerns: Achieving optimal aesthetics can be challenging.
Difficult Removal: If the implants need to be removed in the future, the procedure can be complex and may involve additional risks.
Additional Factors
Smoking: Significantly increases the risk of complications and implant failure.
General Health: Certain health conditions may increase the risk of complications.
Alternatives to Zygomatic Implants
Traditional Dental Implants: If sufficient bone is available.
Bone Grafting Procedures: To increase bone volume for traditional implants.
Removable Dentures: A less invasive but potentially less stable option.
Fees
Dental implant fees can seem complex and vary depending on your individual needs. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs involved:
Surgical Fees:
These cover the surgical placement of the implant(s).
Fees vary based on the complexity of the procedure, the number of implants being placed, and whether any additional procedures (like bone grafting or sinus lifting) are required.
The typical cost of surgical implant placement with a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon is $3,000-$3,200.
A zygomatic implant, a more complex procedure, typically costs $5,000.
Your private health insurance "extras" cover may provide a rebate for the surgical fee, depending on your level of cover.
Hospital Fee (if applicable):
If your treatment requires a hospital setting (e.g., for complex cases involving bone grafting or sinus lifting), there will be a hospital fee.
This is usually covered by your "hospital cover" with only your policy excess to pay (typically $0-$500).
Medicare may also cover a portion of the hospital fees for certain adjunctive procedures like bone grafting and sinus lifting.
Anaesthetic Fee (if applicable):
If you require a general anaesthetic or sedation, there will be an anaesthetic fee.
This will vary depending on the type of anaesthetic and the length of the procedure.
Specific Item Codes and Procedures:
Surgical implant guide: 679
Single implant (Single stage): 688
Single implant (1st stage): 684
Single implant (2nd stage): 691
Removal of Implant: 663
Zygomatic implant: 688
Important Considerations:
Consultation and Treatment Planning: The initial consultation and treatment planning are crucial for determining the complexity of your case, the number of implants needed, and any adjunctive procedures required. This will allow for accurate cost estimation.
Health Fund and Medicare: We strongly recommend contacting your private health fund and Medicare to confirm your exact coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses for surgical, hospital, and anaesthetic fees.
Adjunctive Procedures: If you require bone grafting or sinus lifting, these procedures may be covered by Medicare and your private health insurance "hospital cover" if performed in a hospital setting.
Overall Treatment Plan: Dental implants are a long-term investment in your oral health. It's important to understand that the fees discussed above cover only the surgical placement of the implant into the jaw. They do not include the cost of the final tooth restoration ("crown"), which is a separate expense. You should discuss the cost of the crown with your dentist or specialist prosthodontist, as this will vary depending on the materials used and the complexity of the restoration. Be sure to have a comprehensive discussion about the full treatment plan and all associated costs with your dental professionals to make an informed decision.