Single tooth dental implants
They’re strong, stable and they look just like normal teeth
A single tooth dental implant replaces a lost or missing tooth with an implant that looks and acts like a normal tooth.
Planning for dental implant surgery
As part of planning your procedure, Dr van Mourik will refer you to get a cone beam x-ray. This gets scanned into a computer to generate a precise 3D model. He will then use virtual surgical planning to assess your anatomy as well as the amount and quality of bone. This may involve making a customised computer-generated guide for the surgery.
Where the surgery is performed
Your single tooth implant surgery can be done in a private hospital under general anaesthetic or in Dr van Mourik’s private rooms under intravenous sedation and/or local anaesthetic.
For safety reasons Dr van Mourik always uses an anaesthetist who is a specially trained medical doctor to perform his general anaesthetic and intravenous sedation.
How single tooth dental implant surgery is performed
Damaged tooth removal
This can be done at the same time as implant screw placement or beforehand.
Implant screw inserted
The implant screw is inserted into jawbone. A healing cap is then placed on the screw, and gums are closed.
Tooth removal and screw insertion take a total of 30 to 40 minutes depending on the number of teeth being replaced, the complexity of the surgery and your medical history.
Abutment attached to the implant screw
Approximately 3- to 6 months after the implant screw has been inserted and has fused with the bone, a metal post (abutment) is attached to the screw. This procedure is quite quick, involves little discomfort and done in Dr van Mourik’s private surgery.
Artificial tooth attached to the abutment
Once the abutment has been placed, the artificial tooth is attached by your referring dentist.
If you have adequate bone in your jaw, a single-stage procedure may be possible. This is when the abutment and prosthesis are placed at the same time as the implant screw. The advantage is that you may get a temporary crown right away and the final implant procedure will be completed faster.
Recovery after having a dental implant
Day surgery: If you’ve general anaesthetic or IV sedation you will require someone to assist you get home. If done under local anaesthetic, you can drive home yourself.
Pain management: Most people are surprised to find that pain is minimal. Normal painkillers such as Nurofen® and Panadol® are usually all you’ll need. An icepack can help reduce any swelling or pain.
Work/School: Most people return to work one day after their implant surgery, while a few have to take more than a day or two off.
Stitches: Disolving stitches are used in most cases. They gradually dissolve over 1-2 weeks.
Diet: Soft food diet for 1-2 days after surgery. By 1-2 weeks after surgery you’ll most likely be eating and drinking normally.
Follow up: Dr van Mourik will want to see you after your surgery to monitor your healing.
Dr Van Mourik will give you detailed post-operative instructions during your initial consultation. To maximise your chance of making a quick recovery without complications, please pay careful attention to these instructions. General information can be found on the Post-op and Patient Care page.
Cost of a single tooth dental implant
Medicare will reimburse you for part of your initial consultation.
Dr van Mourik will give you a written quote for the cost of your dental implant surgery at the initial consultation. We’ll help you make applicable Medicare and private health insurance claims so that you’ll know how much of the cost will be covered.
If the performed under general anaesthetic or IV sedation, we’ll give you contact details for the anaesthetist so you can obtain their fee schedule. Medicare and private health insurance will cover part of the anaesthetist’s costs
Dr van Mourik is a highly experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He explains things clearly and he’s a good listener, so do ask him questions about your single tooth implant and tell him about any concerns or worries you have — he’ll take the time to answer and manage your concerns sensitively.
(02) 9416 4809
admin@kristianvanmourik.com.au
Suite 5, 12 Tryon Rd, Lindfield 2070, NSW
Suite 104, 568 Oxford St, Bondi Junction 2022, NSW