Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once it has healed and bonded with the bone, a crown is attached on top to create a strong, natural-looking replacement tooth that does not rely on neighbouring teeth for support.

Good candidates generally have healthy gums, enough jawbone to support the implant and good general health. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and some medications can affect healing. Implants are not suitable for everyone, so we recommend visiting our Yamanto clinic for an assessment.

Implants are made from titanium or similar biocompatible materials, like those used in plates for broken bones. These materials bond well with bone, which is what makes implants so stable once healed.

After the implant is placed, it usually needs a few months to heal and fuse with the bone. Once healed, the new crown is attached. The total timeframe depends on your bone, whether any extractions or bone grafting are needed, and how many teeth are being replaced.

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Most people describe the discomfort afterwards as similar to or less than having a tooth removed, and it is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Sedation options are available for anxious patients.

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, implants can last many years and often decades. The crown on top may eventually need replacing due to normal wear. Not smoking and looking after your gums are the best ways to protect your implant.

Implants do not rely on neighbouring teeth, so healthy teeth do not need to be prepared as they would for a bridge. They also feel more like natural teeth than a removable denture. However, bridges and dentures can be quicker and more affordable, so the best option depends on your situation and budget.

Yes. Implants can give full dentures a very stable attachment, so they clip into place rather than sitting on the gums. Implant-retained dentures are much less likely to move when eating or speaking, which many denture wearers find life-changing.

The cost varies depending on the number of implants, the type of crown or denture, and whether additional procedures such as extractions or bone grafts are required. We will provide a detailed written quote after your consultation at our Yamanto clinic.

Health fund rebates vary depending on your fund and level of cover. Check with your fund using the item numbers on your quote. We accept all health funds and can claim on the spot through HICAPS.

Yes. We offer flexible payment options through Zippay, Afterpay and DentiCare (subject to approval before your appointment) to help make implant treatment more affordable.

Over time, nearby teeth can drift or tip into the gap and opposing teeth can over-erupt. This can affect your bite and chewing, and put extra stress on the remaining teeth, leading to wear or fractures. The jawbone in the gap may also shrink. See our missing teeth page for your options.

If the bone has shrunk after a tooth was lost, bone grafting may be able to rebuild the area before or during implant placement. In some cases, alternatives like a bridge or denture may be more suitable. We will assess your bone with x-rays or a scan.

Sometimes an implant can be placed at the same time as an extraction, but often the area needs to heal first. It depends on the infection, bone and gum in the area. We will discuss the best timing when planning your treatment.

Clean around your implant just like a natural tooth: brush twice a day, clean between teeth with floss or interdental brushes and visit us every six months. Healthy gums around the implant are essential for its long-term success.

Yes. The crown attached to your implant is custom-made and colour-matched to your surrounding teeth, so it blends in with your smile and looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth.

Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of implant failure and gum problems around the implant. It does not always rule implants out, but we strongly recommend quitting, or at least stopping before and after treatment. We will discuss this at your consultation.

Yes. Multiple teeth can be replaced with individual implants, an implant-supported bridge, or implants that support a full denture. This often means fewer implants are needed than the number of missing teeth.

Tranquility Dentistry is located at Shop 7, 428 Warwick Road, Yamanto, just south of the Ipswich city centre. We welcome patients from Raceview, Flinders View, Deebing Heights, Ripley, Springfield, Redbank, Amberley, Willowbank, Brassall and Karalee, plus the Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley.

Call (07) 3060 4724, email info@tranquilitydentistry.com.au or book online. At your consultation we will examine the area, take x-rays and discuss whether implants are right for you.