580 Glen Huntly RoadAn introductory guide to dental implants Melbourne
Have you heard of oral implants? Are you trying to decide whether or not they are right for you?
At our surgery, our team is always happy to meet with those who are looking into having dental implants Melbourne fitted, and we would be happy to assess your suitability and guide you through the surgery and aftercare too. 
But first, this article seeks to break down what any newcomer to the world of dental implants Melbourne needs to know. So, read on to learn more.
What are oral implants?
Dental implants Melbourne are a type of restorative and cosmetic device that has been designed to restore the appearance of your smile while also returning the strength of your bite.
Visually, they look like small titanium screws, and when they have fused, we can affix a single prosthetic tooth, a bridge, or a denture to them.
How are they fitted?
Oral implants are fitted through a rather straightforward surgery.
After we have chosen where they are going to be fitted, we will numb the jaw and make some specific incisions. Peeling the gum back, we expose the bone and drill holes into it. Once these are big enough, we fit the implants, which can take up to an hour per implant. When the implant is in place, we sew the gums up around the implant and the surgery is complete!
Types of implants
There are 4 types of oral implants that are used in clinical practice, with the most common being the endosteal option, which looks similar to a small titanium screw.
However, if there is an issue with the density of your jawbone or you need a bit more support for your implants due to disease, there are other options that can be fitted which include subperiosteal, zygomatic and mini implants. Our team will be able to assess which option is the most suitable for you, so don’t worry!
Fusing time
There are many things to consider when it comes to the fusing time of oral implants. The first is your general health. If you are someone who is healthy, then it may take as little as 3 months for your implants to fuse with your jawbone.
If you are older, it may take up to 9 months for successful fusing to be noted. But please be aware that if there are no signs of the implants fusing 12 months after they have been fitted, we will need to remove them and consider another restorative method for you, which is likely to involve either a bridge or set of dentures being fitted.
Longevity
If you maintain your oral implants correctly by brushing them, flossing them, and visiting our team at High Dental Implants Melbourne twice a year for check-ups, then your oral implants should easily last up to 15 years or more.
Remember, one of the leading causes of implants becoming loose is gum disease, so always be on the lookout for signs of gum disease, and aim to book yourself in for an appointment if you suspect that you have it.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.