At DENTL in East Melbourne, the team recently treated a patient who was missing individual teeth on each side of their mouth. Rather than exploring removable options, the decision was made to replace them with fixed dental implants, giving the patient a durable, natural-feeling result they could get on with life with.
The DENTL Approach to Dental Implants
What sets DENTL apart is the use of 3D guided dental implant surgery for every implant placement. Rather than relying on visual estimation alone, the team uses three-dimensional imaging and guided surgical technology to place each implant in the exact position required. This approach supports both accuracy and safety throughout the procedure.
The Dental Implant Process at DENTL
Step One: Placing the Implant
The first stage involves placing the titanium implant into the jawbone at the precise location where the missing tooth once sat. At DENTL, this is completed using 3D guided surgery to ensure the implant is positioned correctly from the outset.
Step Two: The Healing Phase
Following placement, the implant is left to integrate with the surrounding bone over a period of approximately three months. This process, known as osseointegration, is what gives the implant its stability. Once the implant is solid within the bone, the team can begin building the crown on top.
Step Three: Designing the Crown
After scanning the integrated implant, DENTL uses the data to 3D print a model and design a custom implant crown. Each crown is built using a custom titanium abutment and a high-strength zirconia crown, shade matched to the surrounding teeth and fitted precisely to the patient’s bite. The result is a restoration that looks and feels consistent with the natural dentition.
Step Four: Fitting the Crown
A common misconception is that the implant crown is screwed directly onto the implant. In practice, the crown clicks into place on top of the implant, and a small internal screw is then tightened using a screwdriver. The screw channel is sealed with a filling material. Once tightened, the crown cannot be removed by the patient, and normal eating and chewing can resume as though the tooth were natural.
Caring for Your Implant Crown
When an implant crown is designed correctly, aftercare is straightforward. Patients are advised to brush around the gum line as they would with natural teeth, and to use floss or an interdental brush to clean between the implant and adjacent teeth. Keeping the gums healthy around the implant is essential for long-term success.
At every six-monthly examination and hygiene visit, the DENTL team checks and cleans both natural teeth and implant crowns to support their longevity.
Book a Dental Implant Consultation at DENTL
If you are missing a tooth and want to understand your options, call DENTL on (03) 8820 1699 or complete the booking form below to arrange a consultation with the team in East Melbourne.
