An Ideal Solution to replace a missing tooth
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a specialist places into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. A strong titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone to give firm support for the artificial replacement. After the bone and gum tissue have healed, the new tooth or teeth can be attached. Dental implants can eliminate gaps and allow you to chew and speak with improved confidence.
Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support. Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Since dentures sit on top of the jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage of the jaw bone alters the fit of the denture resulting in slipping or rocking of the dentures. Implant supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone.
Advantages:
Although dental implant treatment may initially be more expensive than other treatment methods it often turns out to be the best investment from a long term perspective since most patients can expect them to last a life time. Other treatment methods like bridges and dentures often require regular alterations and adjustments over time.
There are several situations where dental implants may be considered.
The first step is the placement of the titanium implant. The implant will remain covered underneath the gum for approximately 3 to 6 months. During this time, the implant should fuse to the bone. The second step of procedure involves uncovering the implant and attaching a post. This completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. In some instances, the implant dentist may decide to place the post at the time of the initial surgery. The final step is the placement of your new tooth by your dentist. With techniques that ensure optimal size, shape, color and fit, this replacement tooth should blend with your remaining teeth.
A series of scans are taken by your dentist to aid in positioning the implant and to ensure you have plenty of healthy bone structure. If the bone is diseased or missing, there is still a possibility of a bone graft in order to make an implant viable.
The titanium implant is surgically placed in the bone of your jaw where a tooth once was. It is then left for between two and six months so the bone can grow around the implant. During this time you may wear a temporary crown.
Once the implant is securely fused to the bone, the temporary crown is removed and a permanent crown is either cemented or screwed into place.
If more extensive treatment is needed, for example bone grafts or many implants, then the post-operative course may require more time and medication.
Anaesthesia during the surgery should make the placement procedure pain-free.
Whether or not the dental implant can be placed immediately after extraction depends on the amount of available bone in the area and presence or absence of active infection.
Placing the implant at the same visit helps preserve both width and height of bone and may prevent the need for placing bone grafts when bone naturally shrinks back after teeth are extracted.
During the first year after teeth have been removed, as much as 40% of jawbone width can be lost.
Sometimes, infection from a tooth or periodontal disease has destroyed the bone to such an extent that it becomes necessary to do a bone grafting procedure prior to implant placement.
If it is possible to place the implant at the same visit as the teeth are extracted, this can save at least three months in healing time compared to waiting for an extraction site to heal before the implants can be placed.
The only requirements to have a dental implant fitted is that you are in good health, possess a healthy jawbone and have no gum disease. The success rate of dental implants is very high.
A factor that can impact on the success of the procedure is the presence of gum disease or tooth decay. These need to be fully treated before even thinking about implants. Smoking needs to be stopped well before treatment and ideally after the implants are fitted. Smoking reduces healing capacity and can cause complications at the integration point of the implant, not to mention its other effects on general health.
Some medical conditions and the medication required to treat them can also have an adverse effect on implants. These include diabetes, cancer and gastric reflux.
It’s important to fully discuss your medical history with your dentist in the planning stages of the implant procedure.
Maintaining dental implants: One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is that they require no special after-care; simply brush, floss and visit your dentist as normal. Good oral hygiene, healthy gums and a twice yearly check-up are your implant’s best friends.
Electric toothbrushes have been shown to disrupt biofilm better than a manual brush
Interproximal cleaners are ideal for the disruption of slimy biofilm
Occlusal guards and Retainers can also be fabricated for patients that have a dental implant
- No Gap (For Private Dental Health Insurance Patients)
- Not With Health Fund, Just pay $179
