Dental Implants 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring Your Smile
Are missing or damaged teeth making you self-conscious? Is it harder to maintain your dental health and hygiene? Dental implants are seamless additions to your smile. They help to fill the gaps in your teeth so you can feel confident. But what do dental implants involve?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll detail everything you need to know. We’ll explain exactly what you can expect from implants, their costs, benefits and more.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Boroondara Family Dentist today.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are used when teeth are lost, leaving a gap in our smiles. The implant itself is an artificial tooth root, similar to a screw, which is placed within the jawbone through surgery. This root then acts as an attachment for a replacement tooth, providing a secure hold.
During the surgery, a hole is carefully drilled into the jaw and the implant is then secured into place. Over time, the implant naturally fuses with the jaw ensuring it becomes a permanent addition to your mouth.
Likewise, the attached artificial tooth is designed to look as natural as possible. Once your implant has successfully fused with your jaw the tooth, or crown, can be attached to complete your smile.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants all have the same purpose, to act as natural replacements for missing teeth. The different types of dental implants are generally determined by how many teeth they replace.
For instance, a single implant is the same as the process we’ve detailed above. A missing tooth is replaced with a single implant secured into place.
Multiple implants are a process where multiple replacements are required. The implants, rather than holding individual crowns, hold bridges or dentures. A dental bridge is a row of artificial teeth, each attached to the other, to fill a larger gap. An implant retained denture can be used to replace multiple teeth, often where previous traditional dentures have been uncomfortable or rubbing.
Implant Materials
Regardless of their purpose dental implants can also come in different materials. The most common material is titanium as it blends well with your jaw and is incredibly durable.
Another option many people choose is ceramic implants. These are much more natural in appearance, though they can be more brittle than the titanium option.
These implants are restored with a metal-ceramic crown or a purely ceramic crown.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a very popular choice when it comes to replacing missing teeth. One of the main benefits is that they look and feel like natural additions to your smile. They seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth, covering unsightly gaps.
They can also act as additional protection. Without intervention, missing teeth can cause a lot of concerns. The gap could push your remaining teeth out of alignment. It can cause your jawbone health to deteriorate and expose you to potential tooth decay. A dental implant can help to prevent this.
Likewise, they are also a long-term investment. With the right care, they can last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime. This makes them an incredibly convenient choice.
Things to Consider
There are several important factors to consider before getting an implant. For instance, your jaw and gum health both play an important role in securing an implant. If your jawbone is too weak, or your gums are not healthy, your implant may not fuse correctly.
Additional factors to consider involve the impact of the surgery. Though it is minimally invasive, your jaw will require between three to six months to recover and completely fuse with the implant. Depending on your schedule and expectations, this time frame may be too long for some people.
Likewise, the placing of the implant has the potential to cause nerve and tissue damage in some instances. This can cause discomfort, pain or even loss of sensation around the jaw.
At Boroondara Family Dentist we usually recommend a surgeon to place the implant and once it is integrated into your bone we can place the crown for you.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
While dental implants are mostly permanent, they still require care just like your regular teeth. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly can go a long way to preserving your implants for longer. It can also help to protect against harmful bacteria and infections.
Likewise, in the first few months, you will likely need to undergo regular dental checkups. This is to ensure the implant is fusing correctly. Without these checkups, issues with your implant could go unnoticed. This could mean your implant does not fuse properly, meaning it remains loose in the jaw.
Read related article: How Often Should You Visit The Dentist
Secure Your Smile With Dental Implants
Are dental implants right for you? Dental implants offer a lot, securing and protecting your dental health while revitalising your smile. While it’s important to balance the pros and cons, a dentist can help you fully understand your options and support your dental journey.
Reach out to our team at Boroondara Family Dentist today to get the tailored, dental support you need. From assessments to implants and more, we’ll put your dental health first every time.
