A common type of dental treatment used to replace a lost tooth is a dental implant since it has a success rate of 98%. Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. If you have lost your teeth or have been knocked out and want the best dental prosthetic solution for yourself, then a tooth implant might be right for you.
They are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone where there is room to grow and heal over time. This type of replacement tooth will allow patients who have had their real teeth removed for various reasons to regain function and live healthier lives without needing dentures or other forms of oral treatment.
However, not everyone is eligible to get them. Find out if you’re a candidate in this blog post!
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Benefits of Dental Implants
Acts Like Natural Teeth:
A Dental implant is an excellent way to restore your natural chewing power, without any noticeable difference between a natural tooth and the implant. You can eat like you have never lost teeth at all! In addition, brushing and flossing are no problem either.
It Can Last a Lifetime:
As dental implants can last a lifetime, they’re more sustainable than other tooth replacement options like bridges, which only have an average lifespan of 10 years. Dental implants are made from titanium, and they integrate with the jawbone. It does not cause any harm since it is non-toxic and is not rejected by the body. Therefore, they make powerful tooth replacements.
Prevents Bone Loss:
When you lose even a single tooth, the jaw bone in that space deteriorates due to a lack of stimulation for bone growth. Without an implant within one year of losing your tooth, the jawbone loses 25% of its volume and continues to shrink over time.
It Can Help Keep You Free of Gum Disease:
Missing teeth are more than just an aesthetic problem; they can trap food and bacteria between the gaps. It will cause discomfort in your mouth as well as gum disease.
Check Out: Dental Implants: Costs, Procedures, Types & Benefits
Who Can Get Dental Implants
There are no age limits for getting dental implant surgery. Dentists can perform the surgery on healthy adults who can undergo dental procedures such as tooth extraction. The patient should have good oral hygiene and not have any tooth decay or gum disease; otherwise, the dentist must treat it first before doing the implant. Moreover, you must have healthy gums with sufficient bone mass to anchor the implant. It would be helpful if you didn’t smoke, since it has a greater risk and higher possibility of failure.
Those under the age of 18 must wait because their jaw and bone tissue are still growing and have not yet completely developed. In addition, those who have medical conditions such as blood clotting disorder, uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and drug abuse are not good candidates for the dental implant procedure.
Also, it would be best to have enough time allotted for dental appointments throughout the process, since the treatment involves several lengthy procedures.
How Do I Know if I’m Suitable for Dental Implants?
Suppose you wish to have a dental implant. In that case, it is advisable to consult your dentist first for a dental examination and diagnosis. Typically, the dentist will x-ray your mouth to determine if the naked eye does not see any dental problems. The dentist will also see if an additional procedure has to be done before the implant placement.
Through consultation, the dentist will inform you if you are suitable for dental implants. If so, he will lay out a treatment plan for your specific needs.
What Makes a Patient Eligible for Dental Implants
For many, it isn’t easy to go through the process of multiple oral surgeries. A cosmetic dentist may recommend this treatment to the following people:
A Patient with One or More Missing Teeth
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. These small titanium screws go into the jawbone, where they take over the roots’ role and fill any gaps left by missing teeth with an artificial tooth, all while allowing your mouth’s natural bone structure to keep growing strong.
A Patient Who Is Healthy Enough to Undergo Minor Oral Surgery
The procedure of getting implants involves several steps and surgeries. There may be some who need to undergo a bone graft before placing the implant.
Only someone healthy enough to go through this without any risk of complications can get dental implants. However, people who have the following health conditions may have to choose other options to replace their missing teeth:
- Hemophilia
- Uses blood-thinning medications
- Autoimmune disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
A patient who has good oral health
Someone who has a medical history of dental problems is at risk of implant failure. In most cases, a dentist will recommend an alternative tooth replacement process. The oral surgeon would also not recommend this treatment for smokers and those who use prohibited drugs.
A Patient Who Has Sufficient Bone Mass to Anchor an Implant
The titanium implant is designed to be immovable, but it needs a stable foundation of bone to support it. It means that people with less than adequate bone tissue in the jaw will not qualify as candidates unless they undergo bone augmentation.
A Patient Who Is Willing to Spend Their Time and Emotional Energy on the Process
Dental implants are not a quick fix. The decision to have dental implants should not be made lightly. Patients must understand the long and arduous process, including multiple procedures with lengthy recovery time in between each one. The patient has to invest emotionally and financially for it to work. It is also crucial that the patient follow their dentist’s instructions strictly to avoid any complications.
Check Out: Cost of Dental Implants in Australia
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Dental Implant Pros
- Appearance: Having a stunning smile has never been easier. With the convenience of implants, you can have teeth that are just like your own, and they’ll look natural too!
- Bone health: You don’t need to worry about bone loss when you get a dental implant. They are much safer than other types of dental surgery, and the risk is almost nonexistent!
- Durability: They are the perfect choice for anyone who is looking for a long-term solution. Unlike dentures, which usually only last five to eight years, implants can remain in place as long or longer than your natural teeth with proper care. The implant fuses into your jaw bone, and if you take good care of it, there won’t be any problems like that.
- Practical benefits: The titanium posts fuse with your jawbone, so they never slip. Despite the force applied by speech or eating, they won’t come loose and slide around in your mouth as other dentures would.
Dental Implant Cons
- Time: If you want a quick fix, dental implant surgery is not the answer. The surgery is a massive investment of time, money, and energy since several steps are involved throughout the process. This invasive dental procedure typically takes six months to heal properly, and that’s if everything goes well.
- Infections: Gum tissue can become infected after getting implants, which is very rare. If the infection becomes severe enough, it could lead to bone loss and periodontal disease.
- Additional procedures: Some people may lack the necessary bone mass to support a dental implant, requiring bone graft surgery. In some cases, the sinuses are too close to the jawbone, requiring a sinus lift before receiving implants. These procedures increase the waiting time and cost.
- Cost: Dental implants are more expensive than other dental treatments, but they last for decades with proper care. You still need to pay a portion on your own even if your insurance plan covers some costs; the specifics depend on what type of plan you choose. Be sure that this fits in with all aspects of life, so it does not cause any problems later down the road.
Check Out: What You Need To Know About Different Types Of Dental Implants
Alternative to Dental Implants
If you are not qualified to have a dental implant, your other options are dentures and dental bridges. Most of the time, people would first choose dentures since it’s the cheaper option, but it’s better to look into each one to see which one suits you best.
Dentures-Dentures are removable artificial teeth designed to replace lost ones. Depending on the situation, it may be partial dentures or complete replacements. They may not feel exactly like your natural teeth, but they are undoubtedly more comfortable than before.
Dentures have come a long way from the days of brittle, uncomfortable pieces that were an embarrassment to wear. Today’s dentures have a colour that matches your teeth.
Dental Bridges-They can be made with one to three prosthetic teeth or crowns that will perfectly match the other teeth in your mouth, so they blend seamlessly into place. One of the advantages of dental bridges is that they are permanently cemented into your mouth, so you don’t have to take them out to clean them.
These are attached and fitted as a dental crown at both ends of the gap. It is a great option to close the space left by the lost tooth and bring back the smile.
Final Thoughts
If you are unsure whether or not a dental implant is right for your needs, get in touch with our team at Burwood Dental Care. We can answer any questions and help determine if this procedure is the best option for you. With years of experience and knowledge of dental implants, we will work hard to ensure that you have as pleasant an experience as possible. Contact us today at 03 7034 0333, and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to talk through it with you.