- What is a Dental Implant ?
A dental implant replaces the root portion of a failing tooth. They can be made from a number of materials.
The implant provides a platform on which the dentist can attach a new core (abutment) and a new dental crown.
- Are all Dental Implants the same ?
No – not all implants are the same. There are well over 700 implant systems on the global market. They vary in their design, quality and features just like any other product. They also vary in their level of service support and clinical features. The cost of an implant will vary depending on the above features. Value is more important than price.
- Do all dental surgeons have the same training and qualifications for placement of Implants ?
No – the level of training for placement of dental implants is highly variable within the dental profession and there is currently no legislative body that reviews and confirms that a particular dentist has enough training and experience to place implants. Some dentists obtain their training via short courses or ‘training days’ run by the companies that sell the implants. Others enrol in ‘continuing education’ courses run by various training institutions.
At FDS all our implant surgeons have completed both an undergraduate general dental degree (five years full time) as well as a specialist post graduate degree (involving an additional two – three years of full time study).
At FDS all our implant surgeons are “registered dental specialists” with the Australian Heath Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) – thus confirming their training and qualifications.
- How long has Dr Carrigy been placing Implants ?
As mentioned above, Dr Carrigy obtained his Masters Degree and specialist registration in 1997.
He has placed over 4000 dental implants in the last twenty years. He regularly attends continuing education courses in both Australia and overseas to maintain currency of knowledge and up to date surgical skills.
- What Implant System is Used at FDS ? Why ?
The main implant system used at FDS is the Swiss system – STRAUMANN. They provide a “first class” implant product range with excellent scientific support. Their implants have proven to be very durable – with over 90% of their implants still in function after 20 years of clinical use. At FDS we also prefer their implants as they are “passive” fit to help protect deeper tissues and are manufactured to precise tolerances to optimise component fit. The company is also well respected globally with over thirty years of implant experience.
- What is the procedure used at FDS for placement of Implants ? Do I need a GA ? Time off work ?
At FDS we use a very conservative minor surgical approach for implant placement. There is no need for a GA and most patients can return to work the next day.
- What can go wrong with implants ? What happens then ?
Even with the best planning, surgical technique and after placement care – some dental implants may ‘fail to integrate’ and not bond to the deeper tissues. This is disappointing – but in most cases a new implant can easily be placed.
In the long-term implants are in the same environment as teeth – and can therefore suffer from some of the same concerns. It is therefore very important to keep the implant clean and have regular supportive care appointments with FDS or your general dental team to ensure the ongoing health of an implant.
- Can FDS do the surgery and also construct the crown for an implant ?
FDS specialises in the surgical aspects of implant placement. You will need to return to your general dental team for the crown to be constructed. In some complex cases a specialist “prosthodontist” may join the team.
- If I get more than one implant – is there a cost saving ?
Yes, in most cases there is a significant cost saving per additional implant placed at the same appointment.
- How can I get things started ? Do I need a referral to arrange a consultation at FDS ?
Ring 3878 2519 (Brisbane) or 5444 2800 (Sunshine Coast) directly to arrange your consultation appointment.
Web Page : foundationdental.com.au
Dr John Carrigy
(BDSc Hons) from Syd University. After a number of years as a General Dental Practitioner with the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps (RAADC) he returned to Melbourne University where he completed his training within Periodontics and Dental Implants (MDSc Perio). In 1997 John founded “Foundation Dental Services” (FDS) – believing that ‘strong foundations’ are critical to every other aspect of restorative and implant dentistry. Over the last twenty years FDS has helped 12 000 people achieve a ‘healthy smile’ via contemporary periodontics and implant therapy.
