If you have missing teeth or you lost a tooth in an accident, dental implants can provide a permanent solution.
Restoring a lost tooth is the primary function of dental implants. An implant is an artificial root made of titanium that can be fixed in the jaw bone. This root will integrate with the bone structure, and will become stable enough to support a crown and thus replace the missing tooth structure.
Dental implants are very durable and provide a long-lasting solution to missing teeth. With implants, you get a natural looking tooth replacement
Dental Implant procedure
After a preliminary dental examination, our dentist will discuss with you if an implant is suitable and how the implant will be placed. Implants can be considered for the replacement of a single tooth, several teeth, or even a full arch of teeth. Suitability of implant placement depends on how strong the other teeth are, the health of your gums and volume of bone and density of your jaw bone.
The procedure involves placement of the implant into the jawbone which is the equivalent to replacement of the tooth root. This is the foundation for the tooth “crown “which screws onto the implant. A connector can be used to allow replacement of multiple tooth crowns, this is called an implant bridge. Crowns are custom made to precisely match the adjacent natural teeth. The bone in which the implant will be placed and the surrounding teeth need to be healthy to ensure the best healing and long-term outcomes for the implant
If you have gum disease, we will treat that first before starting the implant procedure. The time for healing, and to complete the implant process will depend on each person – the site of the tooth requiring replacement, whether there is an existing tooth and the health and volume of the bone at the site.
Our clinic uses the latest state of the art techniques to ensure the most time efficient, aesthetical and predictable long-term outcomes. Our implant crowns are always screwed onto the implant rather than cemented. This allows replacement of the crown without destroying the implant if replacement is required for any reason,
After the procedure
After the procedure, you may experience some mild pain and swelling, but this is usually for only 3-4 days and controllable with simple pain relief, e.g. Panadol or ibuprofen. In general, the sight of the implant needs time to heal and rest so chewing needs to be restricted to the opposite side of the mouth for about three months. The implant takes about 3 months to ‘integrate’ or fuse to the surrounding bone, so that it becomes a stable foundation for the implant crown.
Caring for Dental Implants
Caring for implants should be no different than how you care for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss once a day. As with natural teeth, you should take care to clean the artificial teeth as well.
There are interdental brushes that can help get rid of food between the teeth. Do not use a pin or other sharp material to clear away food debris from between the teeth. After getting an implant, also make sure that you go in for a dental visit at least once every six months to assess the state of your oral health.
Do you think you might be a good candidate for dental implants? Call us and arrange an appointment with us to discuss your suitability and specific needs.
Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified practitioner.
