Dr. Ash Sagar Do you find that your teeth are loose, and there is little to no tooth structure left? Do you have difficulty chewing, biting or talking due to missing teeth? If so, it may be time for dental implants. Dental implants are a safe and reliable way of restoring your smile without needing a denture or traditional bridge. It is a great alternative when other treatments have failed.
There are many reasons why people might need to get dental implants. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to an injury or from periodontal disease, it’s crucial that you not only find the right dentist but also have a plan for what comes next.
Therefore, if you’re one of those people looking for a way to get back the smile you once had, you may want to look into getting permanent implants. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what dental implants are and how they can help you achieve your goal of having a healthy, confident-looking smile.
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What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are part of restorative dentistry, an option for individuals who have sustained tooth loss from accidents or other dental problems that can’t be resolved with traditional dentures and crowns. In some instances, an individual might need to get more than one implant placed to bring back their bright smile.
At times, fixing the jawbone will also become an essential part of this treatment since it ensures the stability and durability of the implants if they are installed in locations where there’s bone loss.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots inserted into the jawbone. Teeth implants are used as a foundation to hold a prosthetic tooth in place. In this way, they function in a similar way to natural tooth roots. The result is artificial teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
Implants consist of three parts:
- The implant, which is made from titanium.
- The abutment, which is the post that connects the implant and the crown.
- A crown that acts as the tooth
The two types of implants are:
Endosteal Implant:
Titanium is a prevalent material used in endosteal implants. It is surgically inserted into the jawbone to provide stability for the dental crown. Titanium is biocompatible; hence it does not irritate or be rejected by the body. The metal post fuses with the jaw bone as it heals.
Subperiosteal Implant:
It is a less common method but is an excellent option for patients with insufficient bone mass to anchor the endosteal implants. Subperiosteal implants are placed below or beneath the gum tissue but above the jaw bone. It looks like many endosteal surgical implant procedures except that it doesn’t penetrate the jawbone.
Want to learn more? Read our detailed guide: What Are Dental Implants: Complete Guide
Dental Implants Procedure
Credit: Bluesky Bio
The tooth implant procedure is a surgical technique where an artificial root replaces the natural one. The dental implant, or a titanium fixture that’s made to resemble your teeth roots, can be placed in the jaw exactly where your missing tooth was once situated. The implant in place offers beauty and strength to resolve oral issues like missing or damaged teeth. On top of that, dental implants help keep bone beneath the gum mass from decreasing because they stimulate bone growth compared to other remedies such as dentures and crowns.
Preparation
The process of getting dental implants can be long and complex, but it is worth the wait. The first step in the process is to find a dentist who specializes in this surgical procedure. Once you have found a qualified dentist, they will examine your mouth and give you an idea of what needs to happen before getting the implants put in. Also, the dentist will look into your medical history and create your implant treatment plan during the initial consultation.
A thorough examination of the bone, nerves and sinuses is required. A panoramic x-ray will also be taken to determine if there are any underlying problems like tooth decay and gum disease that could cause problems for you during the implant process.
When there is a need to extract a decayed tooth, your dentist might recommend waiting for one and two months before moving onto the implant placement. However, if the situation is dire, it can be possible to extract a tooth and have an implant installed on the same day.
Moreover, for patients with a weak or damaged jawbone, a dental bone graft or sinus lift could strengthen it. However, the procedure can significantly delay the dental implant surgery since it typically takes between three to twelve months to heal to hold an implant securely in place.
It may seem like a lot of work just for one tooth, but it is essential for success rates if done correctly
Placing the Implant
This dental procedure is performed in the dentist’s office and is done with local anesthesia. A sedative medication can be administered to those anxious about the operation to make the procedure go more smoothly. Your dental professional will give you advice based on the number of implants to be inserted into your mouth and how complicated it will be to execute this surgery.
First, the oral surgeon cuts the gum to expose the bone and then drill a hole where the titanium screw will be placed. Once that’s done, the metal post is screwed into place. Next, the gum tissue will then be sutured to cover the implant after it is placed to avoid any food from becoming lodged in the gum.
The healing time would take between four to six months. At this time, the implant eventually becomes attached to the bone during a process called osseointegration.
Due to the delicate nature of this procedure, dental specialists must undergo training. As a result, they can place implants precisely so that the best outcome is achieved.
Installing the Abutment
After the implant is fully integrated, the abutment is installed. It connects the replacement tooth, or implant crown, to the implant.
Minor surgery to open up the gums is required to place the abutment. It is an outpatient procedure that only needs a local anesthetic. Once the abutment is in position, the gum tissue will be closed around it but not cover it.
Still, there are instances wherein both the implant and the abutment are installed in one surgery process. In general, long-term negative symptoms are not observed in the person being treated as long as there is ample time for the gums to heal.
Your dental professional may offer you a temporary crown for your teeth. At the same time, they heal to avoid the discomfort of the metal post sticking out of the gums.
Furthermore, the recovery period takes approximately two weeks. It would be the last part of the oral surgery, as the next step is to get the porcelain crown fitted.
Fitting the Crown
After taking fresh dental impressions, your dental surgeon will shape the replacement tooth to fit your existing tooth structure.
After the swelling in your mouth has gone down, you will have an appointment with your dentist again for the new crown. The first step is for them to take impressions of your mouth that they can use to create the fake tooth that would go onto the abutment.
People who want to maintain a natural appearance may consider selecting the same colour for their crown to match the other natural teeth. In contrast, others may prefer a more flashy aesthetic with permanent gold teeth
Recovering from The Surgery
It will take time for you to recover fully, and it is common to encounter some mild pain and discomfort along the way. You may experience swollen gums or pain around the implant post or some gum bruising and slight bleeding as well.
The symptoms you experienced should be getting better with each day and should not last longer than expected. If the symptoms get worse, get in touch with your dentist immediately to be given some pain medications.
Further, be consistent in following the post-op instructions so you’ll heal faster. Your dentist needs to check your progress, so you may have to visit the dental office more often.
Once the implant placement and recovery process are complete, you can eat as usual. Implant teeth are just as strong as your natural teeth.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
The dental implants procedure is an option for people who want to replace a missing tooth. They can be used to fill gaps caused by many reasons, such as tooth decay or injury.
Benefits of Dental Implants
The dental implants procedure is an option for people who want to replace a missing tooth. They can be used to fill gaps caused by many reasons, such as tooth decay or injury.
- Implants are more robust than other teeth replacements. These also last for 15 to 20 years when you care for them correctly.
- Implants are one of many tooth restoration options available. The good thing about them is they require less effort to maintain than their alternatives, like complete dentures. Still, adjustments may need to be made periodically for optimal performance. Overall, though, these implants will stay in place without any problems at all on your part.
- Dental bridges often damage the teeth next to them. A preferable option is a dental implant, which will preserve your nearby natural teeth.
- Dental implants may be a useful preventive measure for maintaining oral health and preserving the facial and bone structure.
- Speech becomes difficult for many people who wear removable dentures because of the risk that their teeth may slip and become dislodged. Dental implants allow users to speak clearly without worrying about teeth falling, creating a voice with a more excellent range.
- Dental implants are the most effective way to give you confidence and a brilliant smile. They look better than traditional dentures and are more durable as well.
Risk of Dental Implants
- Infection:
It is essential to take care of the implant after surgery. Follow instructions from your dentist for good dental hygiene because infections can cause unnecessary pain and complications. - Incomplete osseointegration:
When a dental implant is placed in your mouth, it needs to fuse with the bone for it to function. If this does not happen, you may have to go through the process of getting one more implanted when that area heals. - Nerve damage:
Dental implants placed too close to the nerve may have long-term effects on specific parts of your mouth. Damage to the structure of one’s mouth, such as the blood vessel, can lead to permanent numbness or pain in that part. - Implant fracture:
Implants are designed to replace your real teeth, but extreme force can make them wear down quicker. After the break, due to these pressures, they need to be removed, and new ones will be put in after some months.
Cost of Dental Implants
Getting dentures in Australia can be expensive due to the high price of major surgery, implants and other treatments.
The dental implant cost varies depending on many factors, including the complexity, number of teeth to be replaced, and location of the dentistry.
In Australia, dental implants typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500. The national survey from 2017 revealed that the average price per tooth is around $5,563; however, you will need to be willing to put up a comparable sum upfront.
Want to learn more? Read our detailed guide: Cost of Dental Implants in 2021: Everything You Need To Know
Final Thoughts
Dental implants are the most common type of tooth replacement procedure in Australia.
The process for a dental implant procedure is not an easy one. From the initial consultation to getting your new teeth
The procedure and process for dental implants are not as frightening or painful as you might think. Still, it does require some planning ahead of time so that your implant surgery can take place when the opportunity arises.
We know that many of you are still pondering the idea of having a dental restoration. Perhaps it is because you want to learn more about how this dental implant process works, or maybe there are some lingering doubts as to whether or not implants are suitable for your particular situation.
The dental implant procedure and process is a complicated one. It can be challenging to understand the steps, let alone know where you should go for care if you need an implant or are considering implants in your practice. At Narre Warren Dental Care, we offer comprehensive dental services, including dental implants that fit any budget and give patients complete confidence that their smile will look great after treatment. To learn more about our range of treatments, call us at 03 8771 4137 today!
