Glossary

Tooth implant associations & accreditation

ASID: The Australian Society of Implant Dentistry. ASID promotes sharing of knowledge and teaching in the field of teeth implants, offers a support network for professional members, and provides information for the general public on tooth implant procedures and dentists. It offers an accreditation program for dentists interested in dental implants.

ICOI: The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. The largest provider of continuing dental implants education in the world, the ICOI is dedicated to advancing high standards in patient care and updating members on the newest procedures, devices and materials for teeth implants through the ICOI and other societies.

Dental prosthesist: Teeth implants are created to mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth by a dental technician who is skilled in the design, construction, repair and adjustment of a variety of dental appliances. For a technician to become a dental prosthesist, they must undertake additional training to allow them to assess patient needs before designing and constructing relevant appliances. A prosthesist is also able to fit and adjust removable appliances as needed.

Tooth implant procedures

Keyhole surgery: a type of surgery during which the surgeon operates through one or more tiny incisions (of only a few millimetres wide). With dental implants, a tiny punch hole is created through the gum via which a titanium fixture is inserted. Because the dentist is unable to visualise the bone during surgery, a special stent is used to guide placement. The stent is fabricated using CAD Cam technology based on computer-based planning in advance of the surgery. As a less invasive type of surgery, it results in less discomfort for the patient and aids in a faster recovery. After receiving a tooth implant through keyhole surgery, you may experience some small bruises and swelling, but should be able to work the next day.

Stent: a tube used to hold a passage/conduit in the body open to allow access for surgery. In the case of keyhole surgery during dental implants, this tube would be very small.

OPG: A much easier way of saying “orthopantomogram” – a routine dental x-ray that scans the upper and lower jaws from ear to ear, giving the dentist a two-dimensional view of your teeth. Used not only for assessing the placement of dental implants, you may have had one for impacted wisdom teeth, orthodontic assessment or a range of other dental treatments.

CAT scan: (also known as a CT scan) A computed axial tomography scan, which allows the radiologist to produce a 3D image of body structures – not just bones, but certain soft tissue as well. This allows us to assess the volume and quality of the jaw bone before the placement of teeth implants.

CBCT scan: Cone Beam Computerised Tomography is a newer version of CAT scan technology with a significantly lowered radiation dose, and is designed specifically for the jaws, jaw joints, sinuses and lower face. It has replaced the need for CAT scans and allows in-depth assessment of the bone volume for tooth implants, as well as computer-based planning for guided keyhole surgery.

Local anaesthetic: : injection of an anaesthetic drug directly into an area in order to numb it. You still maintain full consciousness. If you experience anxiety during visits to the dentist, or would feel more comfortable with some level of sedation during the installation of your teeth implants, CAID has appropriate facilities and employs specialist anaesthetists who can discuss treatment options with you and perform sedation and anaesthesia as required.

For more information or to arrange a consultation, call us today or (03) 8845 5400 or send a contact form.