Dental Implants

Dr Mark Peddey has been placing and restoring dental implants since 2000. In 2013 this experience was complemented by his successful completion of a 12 month Master Clinician Program in Implant Dentistry with the GIDE Institute and UCLA.

This is a comprehensive international implant training program for general dentists. It covers all aspects of bone and implant management for long term success and aesthetics. The program involved 20 contact days of lectures, hands on training, live demonstrations and students presenting their own case presentations. Throughout the year students completed online study and examinations as well as personal attendance in lecture and surgical environments.

This continuing education program has consolidated Dr Mark Peddey’s extensive experience in the planning, placement, restoration and ongoing care of dental implants. The Master Clinicians Program brings new distinctions to Implant Dentistry at Dentistry in Elwood.

All implant patients at Dentistry in Elwood are encouraged to participate in our Implant Review Clinic. This is a complimentary annual appointment where we allocate time to specifically examine and diagnose the health of the tissues supporting your implant and restoration. This is a practice initiative designed to enhance the health and longevity of your implant investment.

Dental Implants may be recommended to replace

Benefits

They won’t decay, they won’t corrode and you won’t get toothache. Dental implants are not merely a replacement tooth, they are an upgrade.

What is the process of dental implants like?

After your consultation appointment and review of your necessary scans and X-rays the time frames and fees for your treatment will be discussed.

There are four processes involved in the placement and management of dental implants. These are called treatment phases:

  1. Planning phase
  2. Surgical placement phase
  3. Restorative phase
  4. Maintenance phase

Implant Planning

Once you are identified as a suitable candidate for dental implants, scans, X-rays and impressions are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone and gum tissue health, and spacing availability.

Commonly a device called a radiographic surgical guide will need to be constructed. This aids Dr Peddey in the precise placement of the implant. Dr Peddey only uses the most advanced surgical planning technology available.

Surgical Placement

While the area is numb the implant is surgically placed. Additionally, critically missing bone and soft tissue may be grafted at this stage. Healing periods vary from patient to patient and between area to area. Sutures are usually required and will be removed 10 days later.

Restorative Phase

Immediate tooth replacement with a ceramic crown may be possible once the dental implant has been placed.

For full arch complex rehabilitation, new prosthetic teeth can be provided within a few days.

For smaller areas or implants involving grafting time needs to be given for the bone to heal. This usually takes at least 8 weeks.

Complex restorative treatment can take more than 6 months.

To complete the restorative phase, a series of impressions and fittings need to be taken. We work closely with our master technicians who provide excellent, predictable results for our patients.

Restoring a smile to its natural beauty using dental implant procedures can be extremely satisfying both to the patient and to Dr Peddey and his implant team.

Maintenance Phase

Your dental implants will require regular maintenance and review by Dr Peddey. Excellent oral hygiene practices and plaque control with regular preventative care is essential to ensure the life of your implants.

Is everyone suitable?

No. Some people may be ineligible due to existing tooth space or bone density. Smokers are not good candidates for dental implants.

Success and Longevity

Once completed the implant should last a lifetime. Implants on the lower jaw have a very high success rate — 98% — and even implants to the back of the mouth are over 90%. But other factors can complicate or compromise the procedure. Prognosis and other treatment options will be discussed at your initial consultation visit with Dr Peddey.

What are the risks?

While there are risks as with any surgical procedure such as infection, damage to the jaw bone or surrounding tissue — these risks would be minimised and mitigated by the proper screening process and a properly trained and suitably experienced dentist.

Is the cost worth it?

People are often worried about the cost of an implant being thousands of dollars and this is understandable. In the case of new teeth, how does one properly assess long term value? For example, how much would you pay for a new finger or a bionic knee? What value would you place on the comfort, peace of mind and happiness of being able to smile, eat and talk with comfort for the rest of your life? A new car can cost $30,000, whereas a second hand car could cost $3,000. So why pay $27,000 extra? The answer is usually comfort, peace of mind and confidence. It seems like a lot, yet most people happily pay it.

Alternatives

Dentures, bridges or All-On-4.