Reclaim Your Confident Smile: Understanding Dental Implants at Adelaide Gum Doctor with Dr. Leo Lander
Missing teeth can impact your smile, your ability to eat comfortably, and even your confidence. At Adelaide Gum Doctor, our specialist periodontist, Dr. Leo Lander, offers dental implants as a long-lasting, natural-feeling solution to replace missing teeth. Let’s explore what dental implants are and why they might be the ideal choice for restoring your smile.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small, biocompatible titanium (or in some cases, ceramic) post that is surgically placed into your jawbone, mimicking the root of a natural tooth. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a stable and strong foundation. This artificial root can then support a variety of custom-made restorations, such as a single crown, a bridge for multiple missing teeth, or even secure dentures.
Dental Implant vs. Traditional Dental Bridge
When replacing a single missing tooth, you might consider either a dental implant or a conventional dental bridge. Here’s a simple comparison:
Dental Implant
- Independent: replaces the missing tooth without affecting adjacent healthy teeth.
- Long-lasting: with proper care, implants can last many years, even a lifetime.
- Natural feel & function: behaves very much like a natural tooth.
- Easier to clean: brush and floss like individual teeth.
Conventional Dental Bridge
- Relies on adjacent teeth: requires grinding down enamel of the teeth next to the gap.
- Finite lifespan: typically needs replacement after 10–15 years.
- May feel less natural: often needs special cleaning tools under connected crowns.
- Potential stress on healthy teeth: higher risk of decay and root canal issues.
For a single missing tooth with healthy adjacent teeth, a dental implant is often considered the superior long-term solution due to its independence and natural feel. The cost of both options is quite similar, so if both teeth on each side of the gap require dental crowns regardless, a bridge is a suitable alternative.
The Importance of Specialist Treatment
Think of building a house. You could hire a general builder for a basic structure. However, for a complex and critical foundation that needs to stand the test of time, you’d want a master builder.
Similarly, while some general dentists place implants, a specialist periodontist like Dr. Leo Lander has years of focused training in the gums and supporting bone, including intricate surgical placement of dental implants. This specialised expertise ensures:
- Precise surgical placement to maximise success and longevity.
- Comprehensive assessment of bone quality/quantity and meticulous planning.
- Management of complex cases for optimal outcomes.
- Focus on gum health for long-term implant success.
- Minimised risks with proactive complication management.
What to Expect with Dental Implants at Adelaide Gum Doctor
- Comprehensive Consultation: Dr. Lander performs a thorough examination, including high-resolution 3-D CBCT imaging, to assess bone structure and plan precise implant placement.
- Implant Placement: the titanium post is placed under local anaesthesia. Sedation options, including IV sedation, are available for comfort.
- Osseointegration: a healing period allows the implant to fuse securely with the jawbone.
- Custom Restoration: a crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the abutment for a natural-looking, functional result. This part can be done by your referring dentist; if you don’t have one, we can recommend trusted general dentists or Specialist Prosthodontists.