Are you considering getting dental implants? If so, you’re not alone. Dental implants have become one of the most popular and effective options for replacing missing teeth. They offer a long-term solution to tooth loss that looks and feels like your natural teeth.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of dental implants, how they are placed, the cost associated with them, and other important information. We hope that by learning about dental implant treatment from this article, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you.
What is a dental implant, and how does it work?
Dental implants are a perfect solution for anyone who has missing or damaged teeth.
Dental implants are made from medical-grade titanium and can last up to many years with proper care. The implant is placed directly into the jawbone, fusing with the bone tissue.
This creates a strong and stable foundation for the restoration. The restoration, which can be a crown, bridge or denture, is then securely attached to the implant.
The result is a natural-looking tooth that looks and functions just like your natural teeth.
The benefits of dental implants
Missing teeth can pose physical and psychological complications. Dental implants are an excellent solution for situations where one or more of your natural teeth are missing.
These implants offer numerous advantages when compared to other methods of replacement, such as:
- Dental implants offer a long-term solution to tooth loss
- Look and feel like your natural teeth
- More natural looking and feeling than dentures, bridges, or other tooth replacement methods
- A permanent prosthetic that replaces the root of a missing tooth
- They can last up to many years with proper care
- Easy to eat, speak, smile and laugh without worrying about the stability of false teeth
- Look just as natural as regular teeth and can help restore patient confidence with their impressive durability
- A safe and reliable way to improve oral hygiene and functionality
- They help to maintain the correct spacing between teeth
The types of dental implants
There are two main types of dental implants available: Endosteal and Subperiosteal.
Endosteal implants, which are the most commonly used type, are implanted directly into the jawbone. During this procedure, a metal post is placed in the jawbone, and replacement teeth are then attached to a part of the metal post that protrudes through the gums.
Subperiosteal implants, on the other hand, are generally used when there isn’t enough jawbone height or width for endosteal implants to be placed properly. They feature a metal framework that is permanently fitted against the jawbone under the gum tissues, providing support for replacement teeth without needing invasive surgery on the jawbone itself.
Both endosteal and subperiosteal implants can provide patients with secure replacements for their missing teeth.
The process of getting a dental implant
A tooth implant procedure is a surgical technique designed to replace your natural root with an artificial one. A titanium dental implant, crafted in the same shape as your original teeth roots, will be inserted directly into the jawbone where your missing tooth once resided. As a result, you can experience improved oral health and gain back beautiful pearly whites!
Dental implants give you the strength and aesthetics to restore your oral health. Not only that, but they also help prevent bone mass diminishment beneath the gum line because of their ability to stimulate bone growth – something dentures and crowns struggle with compared to this robust solution.
Preparation
Although the journey to obtaining dental implants may be lengthy and intricate, it is certainly worth pursuing. To begin, you must locate a dentist who boasts expertise in this particular surgery.
After you have pinpointed a credible dentist, they will inspect your mouth and estimate what needs to be done prior to getting the implants installed. During the initial appointment, the dentist will evaluate your medical history and draw up an implant treatment plan that fits with it.
A comprehensive checkup of your bones, nerves and sinuses is necessary. A panoramic X-ray will also be taken to ensure that no issues like tooth decay or gum disease arise during the implant process. This extra step allows your dentist to provide you with the most secure and safest outcome possible!
If you have a severely decayed tooth, your dentist might suggest postponing extractions and implant placements by one to two months. But if matters are urgent, it’s possible for extraction and installation to take place in a single day.
Furthermore, for those with a feeble or impaired jawbone, a dental bone graft and sinus lift could help bolster it.
Although this process could take several months to heal adequately, it is critical for obtaining successful results.
Three to twelve months may appear lengthy and daunting; however, the time spent ensuring a secure implant placement will be worth it. After all, no one wants their dental implant surgery to fail!
Placing the implant
If you are feeling anxious about this dental procedure, your dentist can provide a sedative to help make the process more comfortable. This operation is done in the office with local anaesthesia for added safety and ease of mind.
Your dentist will give you tailored advice based on the number of implants to be inserted and whether it will be a straightforward or more complex procedure.
To begin the process, the oral surgeon will carefully slice open your gums to reveal the bone underneath. Then they’ll create a hole where a titanium screw is inserted and fixed firmly with an accompanying metal post.
Following, the gum tissue will be secured to conceal the implant after it is inserted so that food won’t become trapped in between.
Over the course of between four to six months, one’s implant will eventually become bonded with the bone through a process known as osseointegration. During this time frame, healing is gradually taking place.
Because of its intricate nature, dentists must have training in order to ensure the proper placement of implants and obtain optimal results.
Installing the abutment
After the implant is securely fused to your jawbone, an abutment is placed. This serves as a bridge between the implanted tooth or crown and the implant itself.
A minor surgical procedure is necessary to open up the gums to instal the abutment. This technique involves just local anaesthetic and can be completed as an outpatient process. Post-surgery, the gum line will close around but not cover it entirely.
On occasion, a single surgical session can be used to both insert the implant and attach the abutment. As long as adequate time is provided for the healing of the gum, no lingering adverse effects have been reported in those receiving treatment.
To help you avoid the uncomfortable feeling of a metal post sitting in your gums, your dentist may first provide you with a temporary crown while they heal. In around two weeks, moving on to the last step: getting your permanent porcelain crown fitted, will be safe.
Fitting the crown
After taking new dental impressions, your dentist will customise the substitute tooth to align with and complement the existing teeth’s anatomy perfectly.
Once the swelling has subsided in your mouth, it’s time to return to your dentist for a new crown. The first step is having impressions taken of your mouth, which will be used in fabricating an artificial tooth that would then be fitted onto the abutment.
For those who are looking to maintain a more natural look, matching the colour of their crowns with the hue of their existing teeth is an excellent option.
Recovering from surgery
Restoring your smile can take some time, and you may experience a few minor pains along the way. Swelling of your gums, pain surrounding the implant post, gum bruising, or slight bleeding are all common occurrences during recovery.
With each passing day, your symptoms should fade away and not persist for longer than anticipated. If the situation worsens further, contact your dentist immediately to obtain some medications to help alleviate the discomfort.
Moreover, following the post-operation instructions for faster recovery is important. Subsequently, your dentist will need to inspect your progress, and you may require additional visits.
You can enjoy your usual meals after the implant placement and healing process. Artificial teeth are just as tough as real ones – capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear without trouble!
How to take care of your implants
Taking care of dental implants is easy and no different than taking care of your regular teeth.
The best way to keep dental implants healthy is by brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, using an antimicrobial mouthwash, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.
Additionally, make sure to take extra care when eating hard or sticky foods that can damage the dental implant or surrounding gum tissue.
Finally, avoid smoking and heavy drinking, which can also harm dental implants. Following these steps will help ensure dental implants remain in optimal condition for years to come!
The cost of dental implants
Dental implants can be a great investment for your dental health. While dental implant costs can seem like a significant expense, they are an incredibly durable solution to tooth loss and decay that can last for years with proper care.
With dental implants, you no longer have to worry about discomfort or cosmetic concerns around missing teeth since dental implants look and act just like your natural teeth.
Dental Implant Cost is certainly worth the long-term commitment and peace of mind that comes with having dental implants placed. Discussing financing options with your dental provider helps ease the burden of dental implant costs.
Risks associated with dental implants
Implant dentistry is a great solution for missing teeth, but it is important to be aware of their associated risks. Implant failure is one of the few dangers that can occur due to improper placement or materials used.
Infections could also develop in and around the implant, as well as rejection of the device by the body. Implant failure may require further surgery to remove it from your jawbone, and the entire process must be repeated from the beginning if desired.
It is, therefore, extremely important to consult with a qualified professional before undergoing a dental implant procedure. A reputable dentist will ensure that all steps are taken to reduce any risks as much as possible and provide patients with peace of mind that their smile is in good hands.
Conclusion
If you’re considering getting dental implant surgery, consult a qualified dentist who will ensure that all steps are taken to reduce any risks as much as possible so you can enjoy the many benefits of having beautiful, healthy-looking teeth for years to come.
If dental implants are right for you, contact Good Choice Dental on (02) 8203 8760 today. One of our knowledgeable implant dentists will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you set up an appointment.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Dental implant surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
Dental implant: What you should know
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know
Dental implant procedure
https://www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/dental-implant-procedures/
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