Getting dental implants isn’t always a simple, clear-cut decision. Most patients take an average of 3 months before coming for an initial consultation. And it can be another year (or longer) before they’re ready to press ‘Go’.

And that’s okay.

Preparing yourself for what will happen before, during and after treatment is part of the process. The best way to do that is by asking your dental implant practitioner as many questions as needed. You should go into this treatment comfortable and confident with your decisions and know about the outcomes.

As the lead implant dentist at Keppel Dental, I’ve helped hundreds of patients with their dental implant treatment. And I’ve probably answered 3 times as many questions. I’ve included some of my answers here, along with answers to questions I think they should ask me. Use them as prompts as you prepare for your own dental implant treatment.

What to ask before getting dental implants

• How do dental implants work?
The answer will give you a feel for your practitioner’s process, and fill in any gaps in your knowledge.

• Roughly, what’s your success rate?
You need to feel confident the practice can provide the treatment you’re looking for.

• Why do you think dental implants are a good option for me?
It’s important to know all the tooth replacement options available to you, as well as why your dentist thinks this would be the best one.

• What risks or disadvantages are there to having dental implants?
Every patient is different. Ask your dentist what challenges they foresee that relate specifically to you.

• What are the steps in the lead-up to getting dental implants?
Here you’re looking for information about any pre-procedure work you may need (consultations, scans, x-rays, tooth removal, etc.), and the cost and time associated with that work.

• How much will my dental implants cost, and what are your payment terms?
Whether you get an exact figure or an estimate will depend on how your dentist prices their implant work—a fixed figure, or a case-by-case assessment. At the very least they should give you a ballpark cost and details on what payment plans are available to you.

• What happens if my implant fails?
This question checks what (if any) assurances they offer if your implant fails after surgery, and how long that guarantee lasts.

Questions to ask during your treatment

• How long will surgery take?
Get a minimum and maximum time. This will help you mentally prepare for how long you’ll be in the chair.

• During surgery, how can I tell you I need a break?
Agree on a hand signal to let your dentist know you need them to pause.

• What can I expect to feel during surgery?
The treatment area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should feel very little. However, your dentist may discuss sounds you’re likely to hear, along with any pulling, tugging or pressure.

• How long does it take to recover and heal?
You should feel your usual self 5-7 days after surgery. But complete healing can take 3 months or more. Your dentist will let you know what you can expect based on:
– the number of implants you’re having,
– where they’re positioned,
– and any other treatments needed to support your dental implant.

• Can I eat and drink as normal?
This can vary from patient to patient, and whether they’re having one dental implant or full mouth implants. So make sure you check to understand what’s best for you.

• Will it hurt afterwards, and how long can I expect that discomfort to last?
Some discomfort around the treatment site is normal. Your dentist will explain what you can expect, and discuss your options when it comes to pain management.

• What should I look out for that may signal something is wrong?
Knowing what’s common right after implant surgery (and what’s not) will minimise the risk of dental implant failure.

• When can I return to work?
Most people can return to work as soon as they feel well enough—24-48 hours after surgery. But it may depend on your profession, and whether surgery was completed under local or general anaesthetic.

• How long after surgery will I see you again?
This question will give you peace of mind, and manage expectations about healing time.

• Will I have a temporary crown, bridge or arch?
Not every patient needs a temporary prosthetic while their implant heals, so you may want to check whether this applies to you.

• When will my final crown, bridge or arch be fitted?
This will help you understand how long the treatment process will take.

• How should I clean my teeth in the days and weeks after surgery?
It’s important you don’t neglect your other teeth while you’re healing. But if you’re feeling apprehensive, your dentist will reassure you on how best to keep your new implant and the rest of your teeth clean.

• How will I know osseointegration has been successful?
Here you’re trying to understand what signs to look for that suggest:
– your treatment has been a success
– you’re healing well
– you’re ready for the final prosthetic to be fitted.

What to check with your dentist after treatment

• How long will my dental implants last?
Dental implants can last 10-20 years. However, your lifestyle, your medications and the quality of the implant can affect this.

• Am I still prone to implant failure? If so, how can I avoid it?
Implant failure can occur years after treatment. Ask your dentist what they advise to minimise the risk.

• How do I care for my implant?
Generally, you clean and care for dental implants the same way you do for natural teeth. But as every patient is different, get your practitioner’s advice in relation to your personal care plan.

• What shall I do if it comes loose?
Here you’re trying to understand whether you should contact them or another practitioner in this situation. Find out what guarantees you’re entitled to if you need help to treat, repair or replace a loose implant.

• Do I need to see you each time for my checkups, or can I see an OHT?
Some dentists prefer to see their dental implant patients each time, so really this is just to check their preference and understand who’ll be caring for you in the near future.

• When should my next appointment be?
This can vary from patient to patient depending on how well treatment has gone. Make sure you know when your dentist expects to see you next.

• Are there any foods, drinks, or lifestyle choices I should avoid now that I have implants?
Generally, the answer is ‘No’. However, if you’re a smoker or play contact sports your dentist may want to talk about the increased risk these activities can have on your implant, and give you ideas on how to best protect your new tooth (or teeth).

Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Treatment costs, expected outcomes and time needed all need to be understood, evaluated and planned for before hitting ‘Go’.

Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. Using the latest digital dentistry technologies and high-quality dental implant products, we can deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

Contact us, and our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss your concerns, the procedure, the timelines, and the estimated cost for your treatment.

So your dentist has suggested you need a root canal treatment. And since the news broke it’s been playing on your mind.

Few treatments strike fear in a patient the way ‘root canal’ does. (Tooth extraction is another biggie.) But the anxiety people feel in the run-up to this pretty standard procedure often stems from a lack of understanding. So we’ve created this guide to give you the information you need about root canals and alleviate some of that fear.

In this guide we’ll explain:

• what root canals are
• what the treatment involves
• why you may need a root canal
• how the process is performed – step by step.

We’ll also talk about root canals and pain. As dentists, we know a major reason people fear certain treatments is they’re worried about how uncomfortable it will feel.

By the end of this guide you’ll have an impressive amount of endodontic treatment knowledge. (That’s posh, dentist lingo for ‘root canal’.) And hopefully your upcoming treatment will seem far less intimidating.

What is a root canal and why do you need this treatment?

A root canal contains the pulp, tissue and blood vessels found inside the tooth. It sits below the tooth’s crown, enamel and dentin.

Dentists suggest endodontic treatment when the pulp inside the root canals become infected (usually from bacteria getting inside the tooth). Infection may be a result of:

• tooth decay
• severe gum disease (considered a combined periodontal and endodontic infection)
• a broken filling
• a chipped or cracked tooth
• weaker teeth due to ageing.

The best way to save the tooth and stop the spread of infectious bacteria is to remove the infection with root canal treatment.

Signs you might need root canal treatment

When a tooth becomes infected, you may notice one or more of these symptoms.

• Toothache, and increased pain when eating, drinking or biting down on anything.
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, and the sensitivity sticking around even after the sensation has gone.
• A darkening of the tooth and possibly the gum surrounding it, which suggests decay.
• The tooth being loose and wobbly.
• Swollen and tender gums around the infected tooth.
• Pus oozing out close to the infected tooth.

These symptoms aren’t exclusive to an infected tooth. You may be experiencing another oral health challenge, such as gum disease. To confirm the cause of your tooth or gum pain you’ll need to see your dentist. They’ll diagnose the problem and let you know whether you need root canal treatment.

Tooth decay and infection needs to be diagnosed by a dentist. Root canal treatment may be the best way to get rid of the infection and save the tooth. 

What if root canal treatment is recommended but you don’t want to go through with it?

As is the case when you see your GP, when your dentist identifies an oral health challenge they should discuss all available treatment options with you. In the case of an infected tooth, only a handful of options are available.

Root canal treatment is one option.

Tooth extraction is another, and may be more realistic if the tooth is beyond saving.

The final option is to do nothing.

But putting off root canal treatment or doing nothing increases the risk of the infection spreading. It may start affecting other teeth, your gums and even your jaw. In severe cases, the infection from your tooth can spread to other parts of your body, especially if there’s swelling. This can lead to serious illness and the need for antibiotics.

However, that happens only in extreme cases. And chances are you’ll never face that worst-case scenario because you’re seeing your dentist for regular checkups. That puts you in a strong position to avoid any sort of infection. And if there is one we’ll catch it early so it doesn’t become a major issue.

The 5 steps of a root canal procedure

Step 1: Pre-procedure planning

If you come in complaining of toothache, or your dentist identifies signs of a tooth infection during your regular check-up, they’ll take some x-rays to get an understanding of the shape of your tooth and the root canals. They’ll also test the responsiveness of the nerve within the tooth.

You’ll then be asked to make an appointment for endodontic treatment.

Extra tip: On the day of your root canal, make sure you have something to eat and drink before coming in. It might be a while before you get to eat again. And having a full tummy will help reduce the risk of dizziness or feeling faint. 

Step 2: Getting you comfortable

On the day of the procedure, the dentist will first numb the area with local anaesthetic. They’ll also work with you to come up with a non-verbal signal you can use if you need a break.

Step 3: Isolating the tooth

A small rubber dental dam is placed over the infected tooth to isolate it from the rest of your mouth while still allowing you to breathe normally.

This helps keep the area as sterile as possible, and minimises the risk of bacteria from your saliva getting into the tooth and worsening the infection. It also stops the irrigants used to clean the tooth from getting into the mouth. (Take our word for it when we say they taste horrendous.)

Step 4: Drilling and cleaning the root canals

Once we’ve confirmed the area is numb, we’ll drill a hole in the top of the infected tooth. We’ll then use an endodontic file in a back-and-forth motion to remove the infected pulp and tissue from the tooth’s canals.

When the file comes out clean, we know we’ve removed the infected pulp. We can then disinfect the canals using sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA).

As well as removing bacteria, the endodontic file shapes the canal. It’s then possible to fill it with a malleable, plastic material called gutta-percha (a natural plant resin from a Malaysian tree called a percha).

Step 5: Filling and capping

The final step is to seal the tooth and repair the drilled hole with a regular filling. (We use Glass Ionomer Cement as a base, and then restore the tooth with composite resin.)

Most premolars and molars will need an onlay (a covering of the tooth’s surface) or a crown. This helps protect the rest of the tooth, and minimises the risk of another infection.

How long does root canal treatment take?

How long treatment takes can depend on the number of canals the tooth has. And the number of canals a tooth has depends on the type of tooth.

Canines usually have one, premolars may have one or two, upper molars can have up to four, and lower molars can have three or four. But there are many variations on this. It can also vary from person to person. Your dentist won’t know how many canals your tooth has until they start the root canal treatment.

In certain cases (e.g. when the infection is minor), your root canal treatment can be done in one appointment taking an hour or less.

But this treatment is normally completed over two or three appointments.

• Appointment 1 is usually an emergency appointment where the nerve is removed to prevent further discomfort.
• Appointment 2 is where the canals are cleaned and shaped.
• Appointment 3 is where the canals are filled and sealed with the gutta-percha, and a filling is placed on top.

This may sound long-winded. But it ensures you are comfortable, and don’t spend any more time in the treatment chair than you can handle.

Healing after a root canal procedure

When the anaesthetic has worn off your tooth and gums around the treatment site will feel sore and tender.

The discomfort should last only a day. However, for some patients it can feel sensitive for up to a week. Before you leave the practice your dentist will discuss pain relief options with you, and let you know how to care for your tooth as it heals.

Ideally you shouldn’t eat or drink anything for at least an hour after treatment. This minimises the risk of accidentally biting your lip or cheek as the anaesthetic wears off. After this time, you may find it more comfortable to eat using the side of your mouth that wasn’t treated.

Worried you need a root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures in the world. From a dentist’s standpoint, this isn’t great. They’d much prefer everyone to have healthy teeth and gums and not need the treatment. But if it is on the horizon for you, take comfort in the fact you’re not alone. It’s a well-practised, well-established treatment that tens of thousands of people have done each year.

If you’re experiencing toothache or swollen gums, or can see signs of tooth decay, then don’t put off making an appointment.

Come and see us (if you’re in the Yeppoon and Rockhampton area) or your closest dentist. With a quick look, your dentist can diagnose what’s causing your discomfort and recommend treatment. And while that may be a root canal, it may not.

If you have dental implant treatment in Australia there’s a 4-10% chance of it failing. That’s phenomenally low. But as with all medical treatment, there is a chance it won’t work. So before launching teeth-first into the process, it’s a good idea to understand why some dental implants fail. You’ll then be in a stronger position to decide whether they’re right for you.

Dental implant failure – a medical definition

A dental implant is classed as having failed if:

• it comes loose
• it falls out completely
• the titanium screw (the implant) is visible beneath the gum line.

And depending on how soon it happens after surgery, it will be classed as either an early or late implant failure.

Early implant failure is any time in the first 24 hours of treatment through to the time it takes for the bone and implant to fuse. (This can take 3-6 months, and is called implant osseointegration.) If an implant is destined to fail, this is when it’s likely to happen.

Late implant failure is when an implant falls out after osseointegration. It could happen a year, 3 years or even 10 years after the implant was put in.

Whether an implant fails early or late depends on a few things, such as:

• the quality of the implant
• your lifestyle choices
• any changes in your health.

Let’s look at some of the most common reasons for implant failure, and what you can do to minimise the chances of your rather expensive implants making an early exit.

Common reasons an implant will come loose or fall out

It didn’t get a healthy start

Gums showing signs of disease are in a weakened state, which isn’t a great starting point for dental implants. And in severe cases, when the gum disease has advanced so much that it’s weakened the jaw bone, trying and fitting an implant is futile enough, let alone expecting it to survive 10-20 years.

It develops a case of peri-implantitis

This is when bacteria grow in gaps around the gums, implant and crown. It’s specific to people with dental implants and is a lot like gum disease. According to one study, peri-implantitis is responsible in 38% of cases where implants have failed.

Peri-implantitis usually occurs when the implant isn’t kept clean (i.e. not brushing or flossing the area). And just like gum disease, it’s possible to treat peri-implantitis and save the prosthetic tooth (as long as it’s spotted early enough).

Poor pre-procedure planning

The bone supporting an implant needs to be strong. If you think about the amount of force we put on our teeth when we eat or play sports, it has to deal with a lot. An implant going into weak bone won’t last long.

To check bone density and strength, your dentist will take detailed scans and x-rays of your mouth. If the bone looks weak, you may need a bone graft or sinus lift—procedures that strengthen the area of the jaw where the implant will be placed.

Your dentist will also use these images to create a surgical map so they know exactly where to drill and position the implant. Depending on your dentist’s facilities, they may print the map on a 3D printer and lay the surgical guide over your mouth to place the implant in the strongest part of the jawbone.

It’s rejected by the body

Known as ‘natural rejection’, your body simply decides it doesn’t like the foreign thing you’ve put into it and refuses to heal. Only a small number of dental implant patients encounter this, but signs it’s happening to you include:

• inflammation of the treatment site
• pain and tenderness that lasts longer than the expected 5-7 days
• the wound looking as fresh as it did on the surgery date, despite it happening 2 or more weeks ago.

An infection crops up

Swelling in the mouth, redness, and pain when there wasn’t any before are all signs you may have a post-surgery infection. It sounds serious and, if left untreated, could go that way. If you suspect an infection has developed, book an appointment to see your dentist right away. They’ll assess whether you need antibiotics, and explain how to keep the treatment site clean to treat the infection and stop it from getting worse.

Medications and treatments

Medications and treatments that weaken bone or contribute to dry mouth can increase the risk of implants falling out (just as they can cause natural teeth to fall out).

When a patient comes to me because their implant has failed, or is about to, it’s usually for one of these reasons. And even though implant removal is rare (and a last resort) it’s sometimes necessary.

Setting you up for dental implant success

If you’re thinking of getting dental implants or about to start treatment, there are some simple things you can do to set yourself up for a smoother ride.

1. See your dentist for regular checkups so any existing oral health challenges are identified and treated.
2. Once you’ve got an implant, follow your dentist’s instructions about how to look after them. This may involve using particular toothbrushes or flossing tools, and avoiding certain foods while you heal.
3. Keep your dentist informed about any changes in medication, treatments or your overall health that may affect bone strength.

Delivering dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Treatment costs, expected outcomes and time needed all need to be understood, evaluated and planned for before hitting ‘Go’.

Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. Using the latest digital dentistry technologies and high-quality dental implant products, we can deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

Contact us, and one of our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with me, Dr Luke. We’ll discuss your concerns, the procedure, the timelines, and the estimated cost for your treatment.

Curious about dental implants?

Contact us and our friendly staff will book your free first consultation with Dr Luke.

He’ll talk to you about your concerns, the procedure, the timelines, and the estimated cost for your personalised treatment plan.

With all the information on the table, you can then choose when and how to continue the journey.