Treatment Information & Considerations

At Dental Studio Mooroolbark, your health and well-being come first. Our AHPRA‑registered dentists focus on preventive, minimally invasive care, tailoring treatments to your individual needs. Using advanced technology, we conduct thorough consultations and assessments to recommend the safest and most effective options, while ensuring you understand any potential risks associated with procedures.

Implants and All-on-X – Information and Risks

Important Information Before Dental Implant or All-on-X Treatment

Dental implants involve the surgical placement of a biocompatible screw (usually made of a titanium alloy) into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth (crown), helping restore the function and appearance of your natural teeth. Implants may not be suitable for everyone; patients with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, periodontal disease, bleeding disorders, or on bisphosphonate medications may have a higher risk of complications or implant failure.

Before your surgical procedure, your dentist may recommend changes to your daily habits to support healing and long-term success. For example, quitting smoking and making adjustments to your diet or oral hygiene can improve outcomes. Some changes may need to be made well in advance to ensure your mouth and general health are ready for surgery.

Your dentist will provide personalised guidance on what applies to your situation.

Additional Procedures

In some cases, supporting procedures may be required alongside your implant or All-on-X treatment to ensure stability and long-term results. These may include:

Bone grafting – adding bone replacement where needed to support the implant.
Sinus lift – creating more space in the upper jaw so implants can be placed securely.
Gum augmentation – improving gum volume or quality.

These treatments carry their own risks and costs. Your dentist will explain if they are recommended for you.

General Risks and Considerations

All dental procedures carry some risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Alternative treatment options may also be available.

Treatment is usually completed over 3–6 visits, depending on your case. Most people can return to normal daily activities within a few days, though some may need additional time for recovery.

Healing times vary, but most patients feel settled within two weeks after surgery. Long-term maintenance is essential. Your dentist will provide a personalised care plan, which may involve ongoing costs.

Surgical Risks

Upper Jaw

Implants are placed close to the sinuses, where bone quality may be less dense.
Rare complications include sinus entry, bone fracture, or poor implant stability.
Additional procedures may be required if this occurs.

Lower Jaw

Implants are placed near nerves that supply feeling to the lips, chin, and tongue.
Rarely, nerve irritation or swelling may cause temporary numbness or tingling.
In very rare cases, altered sensation may be prolonged or permanent.

Post-Surgical Risks

In some cases, implants may not be stable enough to support an immediate fixed prosthesis. A temporary removable appliance may be needed during healing.
Very rarely, implants may fail to integrate with the bone (“implant failure”). If this occurs, the implant may need to be removed and replaced, sometimes with additional procedures.
Regular monitoring every 4–6 months is essential to check implant health.

Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery

Swelling & Bruising: Normal after surgery, usually peaking on day 1/2, then gradually reducing.
Bleeding: May occur for 24–48 hours after surgery.
Pain/Discomfort: Expected for 1–2 weeks, manageable with prescribed medication.
Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours. Sports and gym activities are best avoided for 7–10 days.
Tiredness: Feeling weak or tired in the first 24 hours is common.
Smoking: Strongly discouraged, as it significantly increases the risk of infection or implant failure.
Diet: Cold, soft foods are recommended immediately after surgery.
Time Off Work: You may need to take leave, depending on your treatment and recovery. Arrange for someone to assist you if your procedure involves general anaesthesia.

Orthodontic Treatment Information and Risks

At Dental Studio Mooroolbark, we provide orthodontic treatment, including fixed braces and clear aligners. Our services address functional concerns such as gaps between teeth and various bite misalignments, including overbite, underbite, deep bite, and crossbite. All treatments are designed to support optimal oral function and are managed by a team experienced in a range of alignment methods.

Treatment Pathway Overview

Our personalised orthodontic process includes:

Initial Assessment and Planning: Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation of oral health, tooth spacing, and bite alignment. This assessment allows our team to identify functional concerns and determine the most appropriate treatment method.

Selection of Treatment Option: Based on your individual needs, we may recommend fixed braces or clear aligners. The choice is guided by the specific functional requirements and bite correction goals.

Functional Benefits

Orthodontic treatment at Dental Studio Mooroolbark offers several functional advantages:

Improved Chewing Efficiency: Proper alignment helps distribute biting forces evenly, reducing strain on specific teeth and the jaw.
Simplified Oral Hygiene: Certain methods, particularly clear aligners, allow easier cleaning compared to fixed appliances.
Gradual, Controlled Tooth Movement: Both braces and aligners provide predictable, precise adjustments to position teeth in functionally optimal locations.

Possible Risks and Considerations

Orthodontic treatments are generally safe, but some functional considerations include:

Temporary Discomfort or Pressure: Mild discomfort may occur when adjustments are made or when new aligners are used.
Soft Tissue Irritation: Fixed appliances may cause minor irritation to gums or lips during the initial stages or after adjustments.
Hygiene Challenges: Inadequate cleaning around brackets or aligners can trap plaque, increasing the risk of decay or gum inflammation.
Compliance-Dependent Outcomes: Results may vary if appliances, especially aligners, are not worn or maintained as advised.
Adjustment Needs: Occasional adjustments may be required to address unexpected tooth movement or fit issues.

Our team will explain these considerations in detail during your consultation to ensure informed decision-making.

Maintenance and Aftercare

To maintain functional outcomes:

Consistent Wear or Care: Follow the advised wear schedule for aligners and maintain regular cleaning for braces.
Oral Hygiene Routine: Brush and floss carefully, using floss threaders if needed to prevent plaque buildup.
Scheduled Check-Ups: Attend monitoring appointments to allow timely adjustments and track functional progress.
Post-Treatment Support: Retainers may be recommended after active treatment to maintain tooth position and prevent relapse.

Disclaimer: Treatment outcomes may vary depending on oral health, functional requirements, and patient adherence. This information is provided to support informed healthcare decisions. Please consult a qualified dentist at Dental Studio Mooroolbark for advice specific to your circumstances.

Dental Veneers - Important Information and Risks

At Dental Studio Mooroolbark, our dental veneers service is designed to improve tooth function and structural integrity. Whether addressing wear, minor chips, or uneven surfaces, our custom-fit porcelain or composite veneers are tailored to support functional performance.

Functional Purpose of Veneers

Veneers are thin shells that bond to the surface of teeth to:

Protect teeth affected by erosion, wear, or minor damage.
Stabilise weakened surfaces prone to further deterioration.
Correct slight misalignments that reduce biting efficiency.
Support routine biting and pressure distribution for optimal functional performance.

Our team can advise whether porcelain or composite veneers are more suitable based on functional requirements.

Treatment Journey at Dental Studio Mooroolbark

Step 1: Assessment and Planning
Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Dentists assess oral health, tooth structure, and alignment. Functional options, including veneers or alternatives like onlays or orthodontic adjustments, are discussed.

Step 2: Preparation and Impression
If veneers are recommended, a minimal layer of enamel may be removed to ensure proper functional fit. Digital scans or impressions are then taken to guide precise fabrication.

Step 3: Manufacturing and Placement
Veneers are crafted in a trusted dental laboratory. Once ready, they are bonded using a dental adhesive. Occlusion (bite alignment) is verified, and minor adjustments are made to optimise functional performance.

Possible Risks and Considerations

While veneer placement is routine, potential functional considerations include:

Enamel adjustment: Minimal enamel removal may increase sensitivity temporarily.
Tooth sensitivity: Temporary sensitivity to temperature or pressure may occur.
Veneer damage: Excessive force or grinding can chip or detach veneers.
Gum irritation: Insufficient hygiene can increase the risk of irritation.
Adjustment needs: Post-placement adjustments may be required for functional comfort.
Material sensitivities: Rare, but any known allergies should be reported prior to treatment.

These considerations are discussed during consultation to support informed decisions.

Maintenance and Aftercare

To maintain the functional benefits of veneers:

Oral hygiene: Brush and floss daily to maintain optimal dental health.
Avoid hard foods: Prevent damage to the veneers.
Regular check-ups: Monitor functional fit and performance.
Protective measures: Use a night guard if grinding or clenching is present.

With proper care, porcelain veneers may last 10 to 15 years, and composite veneers typically last 4 to 8 years.

Disclaimer: Treatment outcomes vary depending on oral health and individual patient factors. This information is intended to support informed healthcare decisions. Please consult a qualified dentist at Dental Studio Mooroolbark for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.