By Dr. Abhi Singh Your smile is the greatest asset you can have. But having tooth loss and tooth decay affects your confidence and causes rapid deterioration of your mouth if left untreated. The good news is that dental implants can help you look and feel better, regain self-esteem, and live a happier life.
Dental implants have been used to replace missing teeth for decades, and they are considered the gold standard of treatment for restoring function in a rapidly decaying mouth. You deserve to be able to smile again, and dental implants will assist you in doing so.
Are you enticed by the dental implant procedure but don’t have any idea about it? Well, this blog post will discuss what you need to know about dental implants. Watch out; this could pique your interest!
Millions of people who are missing one or more teeth may find it difficult to speak, eat, and smile. Dental implants have grown in popularity as the preferred restoration for missing or damaged teeth. Furthermore, dental implants serve to replace tooth roots. When the implants are placed, they provide a strong foundation for removable or permanent teeth replacements that are customised to match your natural teeth.
The artificial teeth look like regular teeth, but they also function like natural teeth. Dental implants are frequently a better option than bridgework or dentures. The quality of your jawbone and the type of implant you receive will dictate how your dental implant surgery will be performed. In addition, dental implants provide strong support for your new teeth without sacrificing the health of your jawbone.
Dental implants are the next best thing for natural, healthy teeth. If you’ve been thinking about getting a dental implant or want to learn more about them, we’ve created a list outlining the benefits of getting one. These include the following:
- Dental implants are not prone to shifting or slipping, giving you the same level of security and stability as natural teeth.
- They do not require overnight soaking. You clean them in the same manner as you would your natural teeth.
- Do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support, which means you will not lose any tooth structure like you would with a bridge.
- Maintain your jawbone and facial contour by preventing adjacent teeth from shifting.
- An excellent cosmetic option for lost teeth, restoring your ability to speak and chew comfortably.
- In general, depending on the location of the implants in your jaw, they have a success rate of up to 98 per cent.
- With proper care, they may last a lifetime.
If you have a reasonably strong jaw bone, do not have periodontitis (gum disease), and do not smoke, you will most likely be eligible for a dental implant. Also, implants are generally the best option if you have one or more missing teeth or if your teeth are broken or decayed beyond repair. If you’re unhappy with your dentures, partial dentures, or dental bridge, implant technology may also help.
Typically, people with insufficient bone or particular health conditions or behaviours were not considered good implant candidates. However, advances in diagnostics and bone reconstruction have made it so that most patients can receive dental implants.
The short answer is yes. Dental implants are possible for people who have suffered substantial bone loss. In many circumstances, this can be done without the need for lengthy bone grafting procedures. A qualified oral surgeon considers many factors before recommending a dental implant solution. Some of these considerations include the number of teeth that need to be replaced, the source of the patient’s bone loss, how much bone loss has occurred, and in which part of the jaw it has occurred.
To receive a dental implant, you must have healthy, firm gums. Gum disease weakens and destroys this tissue and bone. Even after you’ve treated the condition, your gum tissue and jawbone may be too weak to support an implant.
With an invasive implant procedure, your jawbone must be thick and wide enough to support the implant safely. Your healthy gum tissue must also fully surround the implant and final restoration.
What difference does it make in which dental implant system is implanted in your mouth? The type of implant chosen can significantly impact the duration, durability, and other aspects of your restoration. Because not all dental implants are the same, it’s essential to understand some critical differences.
When deciding on the best dental implant system for you, one vital element is which system your dentist is utilising. Please discuss with your dentist before the surgery date which implants will be implanted in your jawbone and why they prefer the ones they offer in-office over others on the market. This can make you feel more at ease about the dental implant therapy and the expected results.
How your dentist performs the dental operation is determined by the type of implant you need, any allergies you may have, and the state of your jawbone. You may require many dental operations to ensure that the implant and surrounding bone recover properly. While this process may take some time, it will secure the new tooth.
The process of placing an implant involves several steps, which may include:
A medical professional will undergo a comprehensive examination to determine the condition of your jawbone and the most appropriate dental implant therapy. This initial examination will include X-rays, impressions, and colour matching of your teeth to ensure that your implant appears as real as possible.
Depending on your oral health status, you will determine the number of teeth to replace with implants, which may require extra consultation with other dental professionals, such as periodontists. Additionally, you will address any medical issues or drugs you are currently using. Depending on your health or orthopedic implants, antibiotics may be required before dental treatment to avoid infection.
If you have an unreplaced tooth, your dentist will extract it before doing any dental work. This procedure may be performed concurrently with implant placement. Your dentist will describe the various forms of anesthesia to numb the area and alleviate any pain. Unless the tooth is damaged, it should not take long to extract. While the single tooth is pulled, you will feel only a slight tug and pressure.
Following your extraction, you should refrain from blowing your nose, smoking, excessive spitting, or drinking through a straw. These behaviours may result in developing a dry socket and associated pain.
Dental implants are classified into two types: those embedded in the jawbone and those placed immediately beneath the gumline. Let’s discuss if you’ve had the implant placed in your jawbone. If your existing jawbone is sufficiently robust and thick, more bone may not be necessary. Your jaw must be robust since it is subjected to a great deal of pressure while chewing, and your bone must be robust to preserve the implant.
If your jaw requires additional bone, it is often derived from a non-implant part of the jawbone. If you have a graft, you may need to wait to add the implant until the bone has healed. The dentist will then insert the implant after the bone has healed. Following placement of the implant in your jawbone, the jawbone will begin to develop around it. After that, the implant becomes a natural part of your gum line. This procedure is unique to each individual and may take between three and nine months.
Once the implant has gained sufficient stability, the dentist will attach an abutment. This component attaches the implant to the dental crown. Tighten the abutment to ensure that it remains in position while eating. Apart from a slight pressure, you will feel nothing during this treatment. That area will be numbed using a local anesthetic. Because it extends beyond the gum line, the abutment can occasionally be inserted concurrently with the implant. And since the component will be visible when you grin, you will need to consider how to conceal it. Next, the dentist will place a healing cap over the abutment to prevent tissue and bone from growing above it.
Once the implant has gained sufficient stability, the dentist will attach an abutment. This component attaches the implant to the dental crown. Tighten the abutment to ensure that it remains in position while eating. Apart from a slight pressure, you will feel nothing during this treatment. That area will be numbed using a local anesthetic. Because it extends beyond the gum line, the abutment can occasionally be inserted concurrently with the implant. And since the component will be visible when you grin, you will need to consider how to conceal it. Next, the dentist will place a healing cap over the abutment to prevent tissue and bone from growing above it.
There are no significant drawbacks to the treatment option, except that it’s time to finish and heal. The process could take a long time or be completed quickly, depending entirely on your dental health maintenance.
Periodontal disorders have caused harm to a patient’s bone structure in some cases. In such circumstances, placing dental implants in patients’ mouths becomes quite challenging. As a result, before the dental implants can be placed, another bone grafting surgery must be performed. The bone grafting operation involves the placement of a bone-like material in your damaged areas, which will eventually merge with your actual bone structure and provide a stable foundation for the installation of dental implants. The bone graft operation itself takes three to four months.
If you have a history of periodontal disease for any reason, your dental implant surgery will take substantially longer. If not treated in advance, periodontal disorders can cause dental implants to fail. Depending on the severity of your periodontal disease and the state of your oral health, a unique time frame should be considered for treatment.
Regardless of how long the treatment technique and recovery time would take on average, the effects are beyond words. It may take around one year of your life to entirely allow the dental implants to set and heal, but the effects may last a lifetime. As a result, with such a versatile dental restoration, you wouldn’t want to lose it.
For over thirty years, dental implants have been proven safe and have a successful tooth replacement rate when performed properly. Dental implants are made of materials that work well with the human body. They provide a stable and secure basis for replacement teeth.
Furthermore, dental implants might be a reliable and efficient treatment option for the increasingly growing senior population. Medically stable seniors can benefit from osseointegrated implant surgery, which improves dental hygiene, comfort, and quality of life.
On the other hand, dental implants are not safe for people with systemic diseases, and they are therefore ineligible for the operation. These conditions include uncontrolled diabetes, blood clotting disorders, cancer, and immune system dysfunction. However, when a medical condition is effectively controlled, dental implant surgery can be safe and predictable, with a complication rate comparable to healthy individuals. This is excellent news for those with disorders who require tooth replacement or choose a more permanent alternative to a complete denture.
As a result of technological and research advancements, dental implants can now be created from various materials, each with its own set of unique qualities and advantages. These materials are resistant to corrosion and fracturing, ensuring that the implants will last the patient for a long time. Today, most implants are comprised of titanium and zirconia.
Titanium is the most frequently utilised material for dental implants due to its ability to form a lasting bond with the bone. Due to its durability and capacity to provide long-lasting replacement options at a reasonable price, this material is one of the most sought-after metals for dental implants.
Zirconia: It is a relatively new dental implant material with great potential. This material may be preferable for those who are allergic to metals and cannot utilise titanium. Zirconia may also make the surgical process more manageable due to its one-piece structure instead of titanium’s three pieces.
While researchers continue to investigate numerous other materials, titanium implants are the “gold standard” for implant materials due to their strength and resistance to wear and corrosion, making them the ideal replacement.
The implant screw itself can last a lifetime with proper brushing and flossing, assuming the patient obtains regular dental check-ups every six months. However, the ceramic crown typically only lasts around 10 to 15 years before being replaced due to wear and tear. However, the crown’s life can be extended beyond 15 years with proper dental cleaning and use. The placement of a dental implant in the mouth also plays a role in determining its lifespan. Implants located at the back of the mouth are more actively used when chewing, which means they will likely wear out faster than implants located near the front of the mouth.
To have a beautiful smile and get the most out of your dental implants, you must take appropriate dental care. Your dental implant care starts the moment you leave the dentist’s office. So, how do you care for your implants? Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about caring for your dental implants.
Brush and floss daily.
The maintenance of dental implants is the same as caring for natural teeth. This includes brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing every day. Floss around the base of the implant to remove any accumulated food debris. Daily brushing and flossing eliminate plaque and bacteria from the gums, preventing gum disease and boosting oral hygiene.
Get the right dental supplies.
Having the correct supplies is another approach to proper care for your dental implants. To begin, you’ll need a soft-bristled toothbrush that can reach the back of your mouth. Some dentists recommend an electric toothbrush for dental implants, especially if you have difficulty brushing correctly. Consider obtaining a floss threader or a small interdental brush to clean around the implant. Also, water flossers are easier to use than standard dental floss and perform well for cleaning around dental implants.
Replace your toothbrush.
Replace your toothbrush bristles when they start to fray and fade in colour, which happens roughly every three months. Changing your toothbrush regularly guarantees optimal plaque and bacteria removal. Replacing your toothbrush also avoids bacteria buildup.
Avoid doing things that can damage your implants.
While dental implants are known for their strength and durability, some activities can raise the risk of damage. Using your teeth to open packages or grip items and chew on tough meals can compromise your dental implant and associated prosthetic. Teeth grinding and clenching can also harm dental implants, so contact your dentist about getting one if you don’t already have one.
Drink more water.
Water is good for your overall health as well as your oral health. It stimulates saliva production, which is beneficial for oral health. Saliva is vital to dental implants because it removes extra food and bacteria and neutralises acids. Drinking water after meals is perfect if you can’t brush. Drinking extra water can help relieve thirst and dry mouth.
See your implant dentist at least twice.
Visit your dentist twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist may advise more frequent check-ups if they identify issues with your dental health. Although dental implants have replaced your natural teeth, frequent exams and cleanings are required to maintain your implants. This is crucial if you still have natural teeth and want to keep them.
Although it occurs, a failed dental implant is a rare occurrence. There is no need to panic if this happens since treatment options are available. Sometimes the cause of failure is also preventable. Dental implants are usually a predictable and effective operation, but proper placement necessitates a lot of training and experience.
As with any surgical procedure, dental implant treatment involves some risks. However, problems are rare, and they are typically minor and easily resolved when they do happen. These can include:
- Infection at the location of the implant.
- Injury or deterioration of adjacent tissue structures, such as adjacent teeth or blood vessels.
- Damage to the nerves may result in pain, numbness, or tingling in the natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin.
- When dental implants implanted in the upper jaw intrude into one of your sinus cavities, sinus issues occur.
The cost of dental implants will vary depending on several factors, including the number of teeth that need to be replaced and whether a bone transplant or sinus lift is required. In Western Australia, the total cost of a single dental implant can range from $2000 to $5000.
Dental implants are often not covered by health insurance policies in Australia. You must have a high degree of extras coverage to be insured for implants. Most additional dental coverage policies cover minor dental treatments like check-ups and small fillings but not major dental surgery like root canal treatment or dental implants.
Dental implant restorations of the modern era are practically indistinguishable from natural teeth. This is mainly due to the structural and functional relationship between the implant and the living bone and the modern precision technology that matches the teeth. If properly cared for, all standard dental implants can last a lifetime. Our experienced team can assist you in determining which treatment plan is ideal for you based on your unique circumstances. If you’re looking to get back a fully functioning mouth and want to smile with confidence in the future, give us a call today.
At Prospect Road Dental, we strive for quality care utilising cutting-edge technology. Providing patients with a great dental experience is our dental team’s goal. Let us show you our patient-centred approach to implant dentistry. Furthermore, our highly-trained staff will walk you through the procedure and answer any questions you may have. We can’t wait to help you restore your teeth and let you enjoy your attractive smile once more!
Disclaimer – The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs are strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.
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