Tooth loss can compromise chewing, speech and confidence. Dental implants offer a long‑term solution because they replace the root and crown with a biocompatible screw and custom tooth. In Australia, particularly around Sydney, implant dentistry has gained popularity as a way to restore smiles naturally. This article explains what implants are, the main types, the procedure and costs, and why Bigger Smiles is committed to providing patients with long-lasting results that look and feel like their own teeth.
A dental implant is a small screw, usually made of titanium, that acts as an artificial tooth root. It is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over several months. Once healed, a connector (abutment) and crown, bridge or denture are attached. Because the implant is anchored in bone, it prevents jawbone loss and supports neighbouring teeth. Implants can replace single teeth, several adjacent teeth or an entire arch and are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement.
Different implant designs and techniques exist to suit individual needs:
| Type | Key features | When used |
|---|---|---|
| Endosteal (endosseous) implants | Titanium screws or cylinders placed directly into the jawbone; high success rate after bone integration | Suitable for most patients with sufficient bone volume; can support single or multiple teeth |
| Subperiosteal implants | Metal framework sits on top of the jawbone under the gums | For patients with inadequate bone who cannot undergo bone grafting, it is less common today |
| Zygomatic implants | Extra‑long implants anchored in the cheekbone | Used in the upper jaw when there is severe bone loss and bone grafts are not feasible |
| Mini implants | Narrow, toothpick‑sized implants | Often used to stabilise lower dentures or when space is limited; less load‑bearing |
| All‑on‑4 / All‑on‑6 | Technique using four or six implants to support a full arch; can avoid bone grafting | For full‑arch rehabilitation, quicker recovery and fewer implants than traditional full arch approaches |
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