What You Should Know About Dental Implants

• July 25, 2023
• Dr. Catherine-Anne Walsh

Understanding Dental Implants

In the realm of modern dentistry, dental implants have transformed how we approach missing teeth. By understanding their structure and function, you can appreciate why they are often hailed as the gold standard for tooth replacement options.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are designed to function like your natural teeth. They are a solution for replacing a missing tooth or teeth and are made of an artificial tooth root inserted into the jawbone during a surgical procedure. Upon this, replacement teeth or a single tooth implant is fixed to restore your dental health.

How Dental Implants Mimic Natural Teeth

Dental implants are unique in their ability to mimic natural teeth. They are securely anchored into the jaw, just like your natural tooth roots, providing a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants don’t slip or click when you talk, laugh or eat, offering comfort and confidence.

The Need for Dental Implants

Dental implants have emerged as a necessity in implant dentistry due to the common problem of tooth loss and its consequences.

Tooth Loss: A Common Problem

Tooth loss is more common than you might think, and it’s not always due to poor oral health. Ageing, accidents, gum disease, and decay can all lead to losing a tooth or teeth. This loss can significantly impact your oral health, overall health, and quality of life.

Consequences of Missing Teeth

Beyond the obvious aesthetic issue, missing teeth can lead to more severe complications over time. These can include difficulty chewing and speaking, changes in facial structure, jawbone deterioration, and even higher risk of gum disease and further tooth loss.

Dental implants are securely anchored into the jaw providing a strong foundation for artificial teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

From enhancing your appearance to improving your oral health, the benefits of dental implants are many.

Improved Appearance and Self-Esteem

Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They help to maintain facial structure, preventing the sagging that occurs over time with missing teeth. This can dramatically improve your self-esteem and confidence.

Better Oral Health

Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants don’t require altering other teeth, contributing to improved dental health. They also help prevent bone loss in the jaw and reduce the risk of issues such as gum disease.

Comfort and Convenience

Dental implants are comfortable and convenient. They eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures and the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

Longevity of Dental Implants

With proper care and regular check-ups, dental implants can last for many years, and often for a lifetime. They offer a more permanent solution compared to other tooth replacement options.

Dental implants can be used to replace a missing tooth or several adjacent missing teeth.

The Dental Implant Process

The dental implant process involves careful planning, the implant surgery itself, a healing period, and the placement of the abutment and crown. This multi-step procedure ensures the best results for oral health and aesthetics.

Initial Consultation and Planning

The first step in the dental implant procedure is a consultation with your oral surgeon or dentist. During this visit, they will evaluate your oral and overall health, discuss your options, and plan the dental surgery.

The Implant Surgery

During the implant surgery, the dental professional will place the dental implant into the jawbone at the implant site. This process involves precision and expertise to ensure the implant is positioned correctly for optimal results.

Healing and Osseointegration

After the surgery, the healing process begins, and the implant starts to fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. This integration is critical for providing a secure base for the new artificial tooth root.

Placing the Abutment and Crown

Once the implant has integrated fully with the jawbone, the next step is to place the abutment and the dental crown. This final part of the process completes the dental implant, providing you with fully functional and aesthetically pleasing teeth implants.

Post-Procedure Care for Dental Implants

Taking care of your dental implants post-procedure is crucial for their longevity and your ongoing oral health.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Implants

Even though dental implants are artificial tooth roots, they require as much care as your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are crucial to prevent gum disease and ensure the longevity of your implants.

Regular Check-ups and Implant Health

Just like your natural teeth, dental implants require regular check-ups. These visits allow your dental professional to ensure the implants are functioning correctly and to monitor your overall oral health.

Potential Issues and How to Address Them

Though rare, potential issues such as implant failure can occur. Early detection and intervention are key to addressing these problems, reinforcing the need for regular check-ups after your dental implant surgery.

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FAQs

Below you can find our FAQs about dental implants. Contact us for more information about the procedure, or use the online form above to book an appointment.

What is the success rate of dental implant surgery?

The success rate of dental implants varies depending on the dental health of the individual and the location of the missing teeth. However, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%.

Does the dental implant procedure hurt?

As with any surgical procedure, some discomfort is to be expected during the healing process. However, anaesthesia or sedation is used during the procedure itself to minimise any pain. Most patients report that the discomfort is less than they expected and is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.

How long does the dental implant process take?

The entire process, from initial consultation to the placement of the final crown, can take several months. The implant requires time to properly fuse with the jawbone before the final crown can be placed.

Can anyone get dental implants?

While most people who are in good general health are suitable candidates for dental implants, certain conditions may affect the success of the implant. Factors like uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, smoking, alcoholism, or uncontrolled periodontal (gum) disease may affect your ability to get dental implants. A thorough evaluation by your dentist will determine if dental implants are a good option for you.

How do I care for my dental implants after surgery?

Immediately after the procedure, you will need to eat soft foods and avoid disturbing the implant site. Over time, you can resume your normal diet. Good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, will keep your implant and surrounding teeth healthy.

Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Contact us for more information.

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