For many people, the thought of losing a tooth is daunting. Not only does it affect your appearance, but it can also lead to problems with eating and speaking. Fortunately, there is a solution that can give you back your smile and your confidence: dental implants. A dental implant is a safe, effective, and long-lasting way to replace missing teeth. 

The process of dental implants involves surgically placing metal anchors into the jawbone and then attaching artificial teeth. They can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, and they can also be used to support dentures. In most cases, dental implants are considered to be a safe and successful procedure. 

However, some risks are involved; not everyone is a good candidate for a dental implant. Some factors that will be considered when determining whether or not you are a good candidate for a dental implant include your overall health, the health of your gums, and the quality of your jawbone.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement technology. They offer several benefits over traditional tooth replacement options like dentures and bridges, including: 

• Dental implants are permanent. Once they are placed, they fuse with your jawbone and remain in your mouth for the rest of your life. 
• Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth. The restoration is custom-made to match the colour of your remaining teeth. The stability provided by the implant allows the restoration to withstand normal chewing and biting pressure, so they function just like regular teeth. 
• Dental implants improve your overall oral health. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone resorption. This prevents your remaining teeth from shifting and reduces the risks of tooth decay and gum disease.  
• Dental implants are easy to maintain. Unlike dentures which require specialised cleaning solutions, you can clean your dental implants in the same way as your natural teeth. 

The Process of Dental Implants

The process of dental implants occurs over several stages. This allows time for the metal implant post to fuse with the jawbone and ensures the gum tissue heals adequately around the abutment to anchor the crown. The stages of the dental implant process include:

Consultation and Exam

During the consultation, your dentist will assess the quality of your jawbone and overall oral health to determine whether a dental implant is the best option for your smile. 

They will also discuss the potential risks and benefits of the process of dental implants with you so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with treatment.

Preparation

If you are a good candidate for a dental implant, the next step is to prepare for surgery. This typically involves having X-rays and other imaging tests so your dentist can better understand your jawbone’s structure. 

Depending on the results of these tests, you may need to have some preparatory work done before the dental implant can be placed. This might involve bone grafting or sinus lift surgery, which helps ensure enough bone density is available to support the implants.

Dental Implant Surgery

The first step in the process of dental implants is to make an incision in the gum tissue of the empty tooth socket. The dentist then drills a small pilot hole in the jawbone and screws in a small metal rod. The gums are sutured closed over the implant. It takes about 3-6 months for the implants to fuse with your jawbone. 

Abutment Placement

Once your dental implant has healed and is securely integrated with your jawbone, your dentist places the abutment on top. The abutment is a small metal connector that protrudes slightly above the gum line and serves as the base for your new teeth or dental prosthetic. 

Your dentist numbs the area around the implant before making a small incision in the gum tissue. The abutment is placed on top of the implant, and the gum tissue around the connector is closed, exposing the top. This minor surgery takes about two weeks to heal. 

Adding the Restoration

When fully healed, you will be ready to have your new crowns or dental prosthetics added when fully healed. This usually involves one or more appointments with your dentist so they can properly size and shape the restoration to fit your mouth. 

Get High-Quality Dental Implants at Dental Spot

If you have missing teeth, visit Dental Spot for a consultation for dental implants. Our experienced team of dental professionals uses cutting-edge technology to assess your suitability for the procedure and help you make the right decision for your oral health. Contact us on (02) 9158 6115 using our online form today for an appointment. 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Bone grafts in dentistry
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3722694/

Sinus Lift Surgery: Answering Common Questions
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/implants/sinus-lift