If you have a one or more missing teeth and dread the thought of wearing an uncomfortable denture or about to lose a tooth within your smile line, the dental implants provide the most natural looking restoration option. The dental implants are fixed within your dental bone. This means unlike the dentures, they do not need to be removed for cleaning. You eat, brush and floss the dental implants as you would your natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal or hybrid metal-mineral screws coated with titanium that are implanted into your jawbone and replaces missing teeth roots. Over a span of a few months, jawbone will fuse onto the specially coated titanium surface of the implants. A custom made crown, bridge or denture is then made over the dental implants to match your natural teeth appearance and function, giving you the confidence to smile and enjoy the foods you love.
Are Dental Implants the Right Option For Me?
Although it is the most ideal replacement choice for the missing teeth, the dental implants may not be suitable for everyone. Some medical conditions or treatments which significantly lowers natural immune system can affect the healing process. Or you may not have enough height, space or strength in the dental bone where the replacement tooth is required. Our dentists will help you determine if the dental implants are the best option for you by carefully examining your medical and dental history. We also need a special dental x-ray called Cone-Beam Scan to study the bone density, space and strength in the jaw bone area where you will receive the implant.
Important factors for a successful dental implant integration and maintenance
Healthy Gums
The most important consideration for the dental implants to integrate and stabilise safely in your jaw bone is the health of your gum. Generally, a healthy gum with no ongoing gum disease and adequate blood supply is favoured. If you suffer from mild to moderate gum disease, and/or have ongoing tooth infections, our dentists will help you overcome it and help you restore the gum health prior to embarking on the dental implant surgery.
Adequate Structure and Bone Size
Dental implants are fixtures embedded into the jawbone and generally require a sufficient amount of strong bone to support it. If your x-rays reveal there are issues with the bone where your implant will be placed, there are special procedures that can help rebuild the bone to the point that it will support a dental implant. Our dentists will discuss suitable options with you should you require such procedures to repair the defective bone.
Smoking and Dental Implants
Although smoking alone is no longer contraindicated for the dental implant procedures, it can negatively impact the healing processes after the surgical procedure, therefore if you do smoke it is highly recommended that you quit or at least cease smoking for several week to ensure post care treatments and healing are successful. This includes all activities of active smoking cigarettes, cigars and marijuanas or smoking replacements such as vaporing.
Commitment to Good Dental Health Practices and Regular Check-ups
It is important that you maintain the oral health with daily home clean as well as regular professional care. The dental bone fuses to the dental implant so it lacks one of the most important features associated with a natural tooth, periodontal ligament (PDL). It connects the tooth to the bone and is richly supplied with nerves and circulation. One of its key role is to helps to maintain the health of bone surrounding the natural teeth. Absence of PDL makes implants more susceptible to uncontrolled gum disease. So adequate teeth cleaning regime should be practiced daily to maintain oral health.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Our dentist will administer a local anaesthetic so pain experienced during an implant surgery is minimum to none. For more anxious patients, we can help you to plan the surgery under a general anesthesia with an experienced and trusted specialist team.
How Long is the Recovery Process?
Most patients experience some mild pain and discomfort with small amount of bleeding between 24-48 hours after an implant surgery. It can be managed by over the counter pain relievers and should resolve within 1-2 weeks.
Generally, bone surrounding the implants will take between 3-6 months to heal and stabilise.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Will I Need a Dental Implant to Replace Each Tooth?
No. A single dental implant will hold a single tooth. However, two implants can support a bridge or partial and four to six implants can support a full upper or lower denture.
Are There Any Risk for Dental Implants?
Like any other surgery, complications of post-surgery infection or damage to surrounding area are possible but rare. A careful evaluation and planning can prevent many/all of the complications.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Single dental implants starts from $4,500 including a crown. The cost of the dental implant/s depends on a number of factors including your type of dental coverage, how many implants are needed, and the type of dental implant you choose. Our dentist will discuss all pricing with you before moving forward with the procedure
If you would like to discuss implant dentistry to restore your smile, Call or Contact Us.
