Your Treatment Options

Since 2003 hundreds of our patients have had single and multiple teeth successfully replaced WITHOUT SURGERY using a conservative method we call  KEYHOLE IMPLANT DENTISTRY.

Having placed and resotired over 12,000 implants during that time, we have improved the quality of life for so many patients. 

Our practice has two identities:

CHATSWOOD PREVENTIVE DENTISTS

and

THE KEYHOLE IMPLANT DENTISTRY CENTRE

At all times, our goal is to PREVENT, PRESERVE and PROTECT our patients from dental diseases and the loss o their natural teeth. 

That's the reason for the first name.

The second name is because we have become the most recognised dental practice  in Australia for providing conservative, non-surgical implant replacements for patients needing replacement of a missing tooth.

Dr. Joseph Shohmelian has been an implant dentist since 1984 and in 2003 conducted the first case of Keyhole Implant Dentistry in Australia before becoming known as the "Father of Keyhole Implant Dentistry"  through his seminars, webinars, online courses and mentoring programs for dentists.

We invite you to call (02) 9411 5116 and speak with Shannon or Jenny to let them know about your problem and see if we have a solution to assist you.

Surgical or "Conventional" Dental Implants came into vogue in the mid  1980's  and have been the only method taught to graduate dentists since then. These implants require surgery to open the gum, drill a deep wide channel in the jawbone before placing a titanium screw. A temporary denture can be worn if required but generally not necessary if it is a back tooth. Anywhere between 3-6 months later, the implant surface is uncovered by opening a window in the gum and connecting a second stage, known as the "abutment" before creating the final porcelain crown.

Having performed numerous such procedures between 1984 and 2003, in our clinic we have found that the same results are achievable WITHOUT SURGERY and WITHIN A FEW WEEKS, rather than months. Using our KEYHOLE techniquie there is no need to wear a removable denture as we create a temporary tooth at the first visit and usually complete the final porcelain crown a few weeks later.  

All of these refinements in the implant technique we use results in  substantially less time and cost for ouir patients and is accompanied by virtually zero pain after the procedure.  

Prior to implants becoming recognised as a viable method to replace a missing tooth, the only method to create non-removable teeth was a BRIDGE.

As the name implies, the replacement for the missing tooth is connected to the tooth on either side of the gap, using them as the support for the BRIDGE.

If youb have perfect teeth on either side of the gap, it is a shame to permanentlyi damage them to carry a bridge. However, if those teeth have already been damaged by previous decay and are subject to breakage, a bridge will not only be ideal to replace the missing tooth but also to protect these weakened supporting teeth. By covering them with a protective outer layer of porcelain these can be reconstructed to act as sound, reliable longterm members of your dentition. 

The most common and least desirable method to replace a missing tooth has been the removable partial denture.  

These are made with a base of acrylic or a cast metal frame to which a tooth is attached. If made just in acylic, they are subect to fracture and are bulky in the mouth. In contrast, those with a cast metal frame are strong and less cumbersome to wear. They are subject to separation of the replacement tooth from the frame as well as breakage of the retainer clasps. 

For most people, the fact that they sit ON the gum rather than IN the gum and need to be removed and cleaned after every meal, reminds them multiple times daily that they have a false tooth. 

This is the exact opposite of the natural feel and function provided by bridges and implants.  However, they do provide the least costly alternative for a missing tooth and can serve as a temporary solution while preparing for the costs associated with the better options.