If you are considering getting teeth implants, you probably have a lot of questions. What are teeth implants? How do they work? Are they safe? And, most importantly, will they improve your oral health?
In this blog post, we’ll answer all of your questions about teeth implants so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not they’re right for you.
What Are Teeth Implants, and How do They Work
Dental implant treatment is a permanent dental restoration option to replace your damaged natural teeth. They are artificial teeth typically made of titanium that are surgically embedded into the jawbone to replace missing or severely decayed teeth.
This artificial tooth looks and feels just like the natural tooth, so it provides a comfortable and highly aesthetically pleasing way to restore the beauty of your smile. Teeth implants help to evenly distribute bite forces across the jaw, reducing wear and tear caused by traditional dentures or bridges.
Bone loss is also drastically reduced due to the implant’s direct integration with the surrounding bone tissue. Teeth implants are typically custom-sculpted for each individual, making them an appealing long-term solution for many dental issues.
Are the most ubiquitous type of implant. A dental specialist places them into the jawbone, and they can support one or several artificial teeth.
Subperiosteal implants
When a patient has an inadequate jawbone to support traditional implants, dentists opt for subperiosteal implants by affixing them on the upper portion of the bone. This approach is far more preferable than other alternatives and provides an efficient solution for those with limited jaw height.
Who is Eligible for Dental Implants?
Most people are eligible for teeth implants, but there are certain factors that may affect whether or not you can have the procedure.
The most important factor is the amount of jawbone density present in your mouth; if there isn’t enough healthy bone tissue to support an implant, you may need to undergo a bone grafting procedure before having dental implant treatment.
Your overall health is also an important factor in determining whether or not you are a good candidate for teeth implants. People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders, may need to be carefully evaluated before undergoing the procedure.
You’re not smoking tobacco products, as smoking may affect the implant process and can cause infections.
It’s important to speak with your dentist about any medical issues you have before considering dental implants.
Firstly, they are a permanent solution to tooth loss, unlike dentures which can slip or become uncomfortable over time. Teeth implants look and feel completely natural, meaning that people can chew, speak and smile with confidence again.
Furthermore, teeth implants help to maintain the structure and integrity of the mouth, as missing or damaged teeth can cause surrounding teeth to weaken over time.
Finally, unlike some treatments such as bridges or veneers – where there may be restrictions in terms of what foods you can eat – with teeth implants, there are no dietary constraints, and people can enjoy all kinds of food without concerns about their replacement teeth coming loose.
Therefore, it is clear that teeth implants offer numerous benefits for oral health that should not be overlooked.
The risks and drawbacks of teeth implants
Teeth implants have become increasingly popular, with many people opting for them to replace missing teeth or teeth that are damaged beyond saving. While teeth implants come with many benefits, there are some drawbacks and risks associated with them as well.
Getting teeth implants involves costly surgery, which may not be covered by dental insurance plans.
There is also the chance of infection at the implant site, including damage to soft tissue or adjacent teeth.
It can take an extended period of time for the teeth implants to get established properly in the jawbone and settle correctly.
Some people can experience pain or an uncomfortable sensation while they adjust to their teeth implants.
Infection injury or damage to surrounding teeth or blood vessels, nerve damage, sinus problems.
Ultimately, teeth implants are a great way to enhance someone’s smile and overall oral health, but they should only be considered in consultation with a dental professional.
Dental Implant Procedure
Teeth implants are a popular dental restoration option that can help return the form, function and beauty to a person’s smile.
The dental implant surgery process involves several important steps in the preparations, during the surgery and after the surgery.
Preparation
In preparation for teeth implant surgery, diagnostic testing is done to ensure that there’s no gum disease and your candidacy for teeth implants.
Before any procedure, be sure to update your doctor with the most up-to-date information regarding any medical conditions and medications you are taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines as well as supplements. If you suffer from certain heart illnesses or orthopedic implants in particular, then your dentist may want to prescript antibiotics ahead of surgery for extra precaution against potential infection.
During the consultation appointment, your dentist will discuss your treatment plan and explain all the details of the dental implant procedure. This includes how many implants are required, how long it will take for each step in the process to be completed and what type of anaesthetic is necessary.
Your dentist will also provide you with instructions on pre-surgery care and post-surgery care for your implants.
The tooth implant procedure is an individual and unique experience for each person. Factors that may influence this include:
The number of teeth requiring replacement
The location of the implants within the jaw
The quality and quantity of bone at the implant site
The person’s underlying oral and systemic health
Depending on the situation, additional steps might be required to ensure success. These can include:
Sinus augmentation
Placing an implant in the upper jawbone can be a complex process due to its vicinity to the sinuses. To ensure successful implantation, your surgeon might need to conduct a sinus augmentation procedure that will lift the floor of your sinuses and create more bone material for secure placement.
Bone Grafting
If your jawbone is too soft or lacks sufficient thickness, you may need to undergo bone grafting prior to dental implant surgery. This is necessary because the forceful chewing action of your mouth exerts a great amount of pressure on the bone, and if it isn’t strong enough, then most likely, the procedure won’t be successful. A bone graft can construct an abundantly stronger base for the implant in order for it to adhere properly into place.
Fused jawbones can be reconstructed using a variety of graft materials. Your dentist will help you determine the best option for your needs, whether it’s taking bone from another area in your body or utilising synthetic substitutes to provide support structures that promote new growth. Let them know if either route seems particularly appealing to you so they can create an individualised treatment plan tailored just for you!
The Surgery
Managing discomfort during surgery can be achieved through multiple anaesthesia options, including local or sedation.
Consult with your dentist to determine which option is most suitable for you, and follow their instructions about eating and drinking accordingly.
If sedation or general anaesthesia will be used, arrange for a person to drive you home after the procedure and take it easy afterwards -henceforth dedicating the rest of the day towards recuperating from surgery.
During the teeth implants surgical procedure, your dentist will make a small cut in your gum tissue to expose the bone. Holes will be drilled into the jaw bone where the implant post is placed in your gum line, which will act as the tooth’s root. After the artificial root is securely placed in your jaw, your dentist will apply the abutment as a final step of the surgery, and then the gum tissue is closed around the abutment.
After the Surgery
After the teeth implant surgery, recovery time is necessary to allow proper healing of your gums and implant integration into your jawbone.
Once fully healed, impressions are taken of the teeth implant area in order to create a highly realistic teeth implant prosthetic which is then secured atop your teeth implant with an abutment.
Teeth implants are widely considered to be one of the most effective restorative options available today and can restore a person’s smile back to its natural-looking state.
How to care for teeth implants after surgery
Dental implant aftercare is essential to maintaining the integrity of your dental implants and ensuring their longevity. Dental implants are artificial grafts that become permanent fixtures in the jawbone, and proper hygiene is necessary for successful integration into your jawbone.
After surgery, it is important to practice excellent oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing around the implant twice daily. You may want to use a water flosser as well to help remove bacteria from hard-to-reach areas near the gum line.
Additionally, it’s important to see your dentist every six months or more often if needed for check-ups, professional cleanings, and X-rays so that any issues with bone loss or infection can be avoided.
Taking proactive steps during your dental implant aftercare will result in healthier teeth and gums, happy smiles, and an overall healthier lifestyle.
Dental implants are an excellent way to replace missing teeth and provide a more permanent solution than bridges or dentures. While the initial investment may be higher, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, making them a worthwhile investment for your oral health.
If you’re considering dental implants, be sure to contact us on (07) 3113 9789. At Balmoral Dental Centre, our friendly dental team will give you all the information you need and help you identify what’s best course of action for your condition.
Sources
Dental Implant surgery https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
Dental Implant: What you should know https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know
This helps give our patients who are undergoing treatment at our clinic peace of mind knowing that we have demonstrated evidence-based quality standards of care.
If you have an urgent problem, call us on (07) 3113 9789. We will almost always be available to help out as times are reserved every day for emergencies, including Saturdays and Sundays.
