Are you looking for a reliable, long-term solution to replace your missing teeth? If so, dental implants may be a perfect choice. Not only are they durable and secure, but they can also help restore your self-confidence by giving back your beautiful smile! But what exactly are tooth implants, and how do these miraculous devices work? Let’s take a closer look!
What are dental implants?
Dental implants, crafted from titanium and fixed into your jawbone, can be custom-made in order to blend seamlessly with the colour of your natural teeth. With some extra TLC and regular care, they will last you an eternity!
What are the various types of tooth implants?
Endosteal implants – Through a secure and sturdy support structure, such as specialised screws or cylinders, endosteal implants are inserted into the jawbone as a reliable way to replace any number of teeth. As long as there is an adequate amount of bone in the jaw area, this method is commonly used for dental prostheses.
Subperiosteal implants – Not enough bone in your jaw for an endosteal implant placement? No problem! A subperiosteal implant is a solution you need. This metal post, which is custom-made to fit snugly over and beneath your jaw bone and gum tissue, firmly attaches an abutment to a dental prosthetic such as a crown or bridge. You will be amazed at how comfortable it feels with this secure type of attachment.
What are the materials used in dental implants?
For dental implants, titanium and zirconium are the go-to materials due to their remarkable strength and ability to fuse with the jawbone. Titanium is a superb choice as it’s lightweight yet sturdy. Alternatively, people who may have metal allergies or autoimmune disorders find solace in opting for zirconium instead of titanium, as it does not interfere with body chemistry when implanted. Both materials provide an ideal balance between durability and consistency for successful implantation outcomes.
To make your artificial teeth look as natural as possible, your dentist will take photos and use colour guides for reference. What’s more, they are crafted from acrylic resin and porcelain to perfectly replicate the shape, size, and shade of your original set of pearly whites.
How is the dental implant treatment done?
To guarantee a successful and long-lasting dental implant, there are three primary steps to the procedure that must be carefully considered. Let us explore each one of these processes in further detail!
Consultation and planning
When you schedule an appointment with your dentist, he will do a comprehensive analysis of your mouth and teeth to decide if dental implants are something that could work for you. Moreover, you will be asked questions regarding any medical problems in the past, as well as what outcomes you have in mind after undergoing implant surgery.
During your dental implant consultation, your dentist will thoroughly assess the condition of both your teeth and gums. In addition, they’ll take X-rays as well as a 3D scan to identify the ideal placement spot for surgical insertion.
Dental implant surgery
With dental implant surgery, you don’t have to worry about pain – your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic, and the entire surgical procedure may take as little as a few hours. During this process, titanium implants are inserted into the jawbone beneath the gum line for efficient integration.
Once the implant posts attach themselves firmly to the jawbone and the process of osseointegration is completed, your implants will be ready to receive the abutment and a crown
Attaching the replacement tooth
Once the initial steps are completed, your dentist will skillfully attach an attractive artificial tooth to its specially designed base in their office. This entire process is commonly carried out with local anesthesia for added comfort.
Could I be a good fit for dental implants?
If you want to give your smile an upgrade with implant technology, there are some critical factors to consider.
1. Avoid chewing tobacco or smoking
Smoking is damaging to your health, but it can also impact the success of dental implant placements. If you are looking for ways to quit smoking and maximise your chances of a successful healing process after implant placement, then speaking with a dentist about cessation strategies would be beneficial. Quitting smoking may seem daunting at first, but the long-term benefits will make it worth the effort!
2. You should have a sufficient bone density in your jaw
The jawbone’s density is absolutely essential in order for a successful implant to be completed. Without enough support from the underlying bone, an implant may not work at all – so it must be taken into account. By properly evaluating and accounting for your jawbone density, you will ensure that the implant can securely stay affixed within your jawline and provide long-lasting results.
If the bone beneath your lost tooth is too frail to support an implant, bone grafting could be the perfect solution. The bone graft procedure includes introducing natural or synthetic bones into the area that held your tooth previously, making it robust enough for an implant! Afterwards, you’ll have no trouble with implants being installed.
3. You should be in good dental health
If you’re hoping for successful dental implants, it is essential to have good oral hygiene. For your implant placement to be safe and effective, any decay or gum disease must be eliminated from the mouth first. In addition, other health conditions that may influence the prospect of treatment should also be taken into account by your dentist. But don’t fret if you are apprehensive about getting implants due to tooth corrosion or periodontal complications; these issues can typically be fixed prior to starting treatment.
How to care for tooth implants?
Use sensitive cleaning products
For optimum dental implant health and hygiene, it is recommended that you use gentle products. Harsh substances may cause extreme discomfort, so they must be avoided. Additionally, avoid oral care items with intense flavours, such as cinnamon or mint, as these might produce an unpleasant sensation in your mouth.
Floss regularly
To avoid oral health issues like plaque accumulation near your implant sites, it is essential to floss regularly. Keeping up with dental implant hygiene should be no problem since there are plenty of specially designed flosses on the market for them.
Don’t eat sticky and hard foods
To prevent damage to your dental implants and the teeth opposite them, it’s important to avoid sticky or hard foods. These include dried fruits, potato chips, caramels, hard candies and crusty bread. Taking these simple measures will ensure that you keep your smile looking its best!
Use a soft-bristled nylon brush
When cleaning the area around your implant, switch to a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles and avoid using any metal objects. Brushing twice daily will be enough to keep your implant clean and protected from damage that harder bristles could cause.
Visit your dentist regularly for a routine cleaning and checkup
Dental implants are an amazing way to brighten your smile, but they don’t take the place of regular checkups with a dental professional. Every six months – or more often, depending on your oral health situation – it’s important to visit the dentist for cleanings and exams. When taken care of properly, these devices may last you an entire lifetime!
Take care of your gums
Even after you get an implant, your risk of gum disease doesn’t magically vanish. If neglected and not maintained properly, peri-implantitis can become a reality – a form of gum disease that is caused by the accumulation of bacteria around the dental implant area.
With this in mind, it’s important to look out for any symptoms such as bleeding, swelling bad breath or loosening implants; left untreated these could lead to even more serious issues with your implant failing completely.
Why should you get dental implants?
1. Dental implants enable you to eat and speak normally
Having a missing tooth can oftentimes make it arduous to speak or eat with ease. As your teeth no longer align properly when you utter words or bite down, dental implants allow for an effortless solution that functions similarly to natural teeth. You’ll be able to enjoy meals and converse comfortably in no time!
2. Dental implants prevent your other teeth from moving
When you have a missing tooth, the healthy teeth nearby can start to drift out of place and compromise your smile as well as how efficiently you chew. If this happens, it’ll be harder to put dental implants in at some point down the line. Fortunately, dental implants not only boost your appearance but also prevent other surrounding teeth from moving around too much.
3. Dental implants provide a natural look
Dental implants are crafted to be indistinguishable from your natural teeth, both in hue and structure. As a result, nobody will ever suspect that you’ve had any dental work done!
4. Dental implants are simple to take care of
It’s simple: maintain your dental implants as you would with natural teeth- by brushing and flossing. There is no requirement to buy any additional products – what works for existing teeth will do just fine!
5. Dental implants are impervious to cavities
With no organic components, dental implants are completely immune to tooth decay. Unlike natural teeth, which can suffer from a lack of blood flow or be damaged by trapped food particles and enamel erosion, an implant is composed entirely of artificial materials such as metal, resin, porcelain, and plastic – so there is nothing for bacteria to feed on.
6. Dental implants are made to last for many years
Tooth implants are the perfect choice for your long-term oral health, as they can last a lifetime with proper and timely care.
How much do dental implants cost on average?
Dental implants in Australia can look expensive, with prices starting at a minimum of $3,000. That amount may even increase to approximately $6,000 if you require other procedures, such as sinus lifts or bone grafts, during the course of your procedure. The total cost varies depending on the complexity and specific requirements associated with your dental implant process. Given that they look, feel and function just like your natural teeth, it’s no surprise that patients who opted for the procedure find it well worth the investment.
What should you eat after dental implant surgery?
First 24-48 hours – After your dental surgery, it’s fine to eat as long as you stick with liquids for now. Your gums and mouth are likely quite tender presently, so avoid any solid foods that may cause irritation in the area.
It is important to stay hydrated during this time; however, drinking from a straw will help reduce discomfort near all incision sites that were made.
To ensure a smooth recovery, it’s vital that you have your postoperative liquid meals prepped prior to the surgery or ask someone else to make them for you while resting. It is recommended that only liquids are consumed in the first 24-48 hours following the implant procedure.
1-2 weeks – For the next few weeks, it is essential to avoid chewing and opt for easier-to-chew foods. Here are some incredibly nutritious options that won’t require any biting: creamy cottage cheese, cooked vegetables with pureed meats, mashed sweet potatoes or oatmeal, as well as smoothies and meal replacement shakes. All of these dishes will provide essential vitamins needed to promote recovery at an expedited rate!
Get quality dental implants at My Local Dentists
Are you worried that missing teeth have caused your smile to suffer? Look no further; My Local Dentists are here to help! Whether you need a few implants or full sets of new, pearly whites, we will craft the perfect solution for you at an affordable price. Fully investing in quality implant services and materials means saying goodbye to feeling self-conscious about your smile forever.
Call us at (02) 9000 1239 to book your consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental Implant Surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
Dental Implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants