Dental implants are a popular way to replace missing teeth. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that feel, look, and work like natural teeth. This blog post will discuss the dental implant procedure in detail and more.

What are dental implants?

Teeth implants are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts that are surgically inserted in the jawbone beneath the gums in order to hold a replacement tooth or dental bridge. Implants are an ideal option to provide a permanent solution for tooth replacement, whether you need one, several, or all teeth replaced.

Types of tooth implants

Endosteal implants

These are the most common types of tooth implants. They are made of metal, and they are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Once the dental implant has bonded with the jawbone, a small connector post—called an abutment—is placed on top of the implant. The abutment is used to support the replacement tooth. Endosteal implants are typically used for patients who are missing one or more teeth due to disease or injury.

Subperiosteal implants

Subperiosteal implants are made of metal frames that are surgically implanted under the gum tissue but above the jawbone. And as the gums regain their strength, they envelop the metal frame, securing it firmly in place. These types of dental implants are typically used for individuals who have lost all their teeth due to injury or disease and who cannot wear dentures because they do not have enough bone height in their jaw for traditional endosteal implants.

Zygomatic implants

Zygomatic implants are made of titanium screws that are surgically implanted into the cheekbone. They are typically used for people who have lost all of their teeth on the upper jaw due to injury or illness and who cannot wear dentures because they have inadequate bone height in their jaw for endosteal implants. Zygomatic implants provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth and can often be placed in a single surgery.

What is the procedure for placing dental implants?

The procedure for placing dental implants is relatively simple and straightforward. Here is a brief overview of the dental implant process.

The first step is to consult with a dentist to find out if you are a candidate for dental implants. This will involve a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth to make sure that you have enough bone to support the implant. Once it is determined that you are a good candidate, the next step is to have the implant placed.

The actual procedure for placing the implant is relatively simple and can be done in a dentist’s office. First, the dentist will create an incision in the gums to expose the bone. A small hole will then be drilled into the bone where the tooth implant will be placed. The implant itself is a small titanium screw that acts as a replacement for the tooth’s root.

Once the implant is in place, the gums will be sutured and allowed to heal. It can take several months for the gums to heal fully. During this time, the implant will fuse with the patient’s bone and become permanent. Once the gums have healed, the patient will return to their dentist’s office to have a crown placed on top of the implant.

Post-procedure care and maintenance of dental implants

Keep your mouth clean

It’s important to brush and floss regularly, even if you have dental implants. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush; do not scrub very hard, as this can damage your implants. You should also use an alcohol-free mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria.

Avoid smoking

Smoking can damage your dental implants and cause them to fail. If you smoke, it’s important to quit so that you can protect your investment. Several resources are available to help you quit smoking, so talk to your doctor or dentist about what might work best for you.

Avoid excess alcohol consumption

Excess alcohol consumption can lead to implant instability and bone loss. If you do drink alcohol, it is vital to practise good oral hygiene habits to help offset the effects of these activities on your implants.

Eat healthy foods

Eating healthy foods helps keep your teeth and gums healthy, which in turn helps keep your dental implants healthy. Avoid acidic and sugary foods, as these can damage your teeth and lead to implant failure. Stick with fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains to keep your smile looking its best.

Take care of your gums

Be sure to brush and floss gently around the implant site. You may also want to use an interdental brush to get rid of any food particles that may be stuck between the implant and your gum line.

See your dentist regularly

Even if you have dental implants, it’s still important to see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Your dentist will be able to spot any problems early on and help you keep your implants in top shape.

Be aware of the signs of infection

These include pain, swelling, redness, and discharge from the implant site. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your dentist immediately.

Benefits of dental implants

Let’s explore the bountiful benefits of dental implants.

Dental implants are the strongest and most durable tooth replacement option available. They are made to last a lifetime with proper care.
Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth. They will match the colour and shape of your existing teeth, so nobody will even know you have them!
Dental implants will not decay or get cavities like your natural teeth can. This is because the implant itself is made of titanium, which is a very strong and durable material.
Dental implants do not require special care or maintenance beyond what you would normally do for your natural teeth. Just brush and floss twice a day and see your dentist regularly!
Dental implants can help to preserve your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, the bone around that tooth begins to deteriorate over time. However, dental implants fuse to your jawbone, helping to preserve it.
Dental implants can improve your speech. When you have missing teeth, it can affect the way you speak because the teeth play a role in proper pronunciation. With dental implants, you won’t have to worry about that anymore!
Dental implants can help you to eat better. When you have missing teeth, it can be difficult to eat certain foods because you don’t have all of the chewing surface you need. With dental implants, you’ll be able to eat whatever you want!
Dental implants can improve your self-esteem and confidence levels. Having missing teeth can make some people feel self-conscious about their smile. But with dental implants, nobody will even know they’re there!
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth, so you don’t have to worry about them coming out or falling out like dentures can.
Dental implants are comfortable and allow you to live your life without worrying about your teeth!

Who is a good candidate for teeth implants?

The first factor is the health of your jawbone. In order for tooth implants to be successful, your jawbone must be able to support them. If you have lost bone in your jaw due to periodontal disease or tooth loss, you may still be a candidate for implants.

However, you may need to have a bone graft before getting dental implants. A bone graft involves adding new bone to your jawbone so that it can support the dental implants.

The second factor is the health of your gums. If you have active gum disease, you will need to treat the gum disease before getting dental implants. This is because gum disease can cause implant failure. Once your gum disease is under control, you can move forward with getting dental implants.

The third factor is your overall health. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, may not be good candidates for dental implants. This is because these conditions can affect healing and increase the risk of infection after surgery. Your dentist will evaluate your overall general and oral health before determining if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Are dental implants painful?

The short answer is no; dental implants are not painful. In fact, the majority of patients report that they experience very little pain during and after the procedure. However, it is essential to keep in mind that everyone experiences pain differently. While some people may have little to no pain, others may experience some discomfort.

However, you can do a few things to minimise any potential pain. First and foremost, be sure to choose a reputable implant dentist who has experience performing the procedure. A skilled dentist will be able to minimise any discomfort you may feel. Secondly, be sure to follow all of your dentist’s instructions before and after the procedure. This will help ensure that the implant site heals properly and that you do not experience any unnecessary pain.

Cost of dental implants

The thought of needing to get dental implants can be overwhelming, and the cost associated with them can seem like a considerable expense. However, choosing dental implants is an investment in your smile for many years to come and should be taken seriously. A dentist can accurately go over all aspects related to the cost structure of implants with each patient, taking into consideration the quality of materials used and any additional services that may be needed. Nowadays, various payment options are available, making the cost of dental implants manageable for many patients. Consulting with a dentist early on in the process is important as they can help provide peace of mind when it comes to affordability.

Factors affecting the cost of dental implants

Here are some of the factors influencing teeth implant cost.

Number of implants needed

The first factor that affects the dental implant cost is the number of teeth you need to replace.

If you need to replace just one tooth, then you will only need one implant.

However, if you need to replace multiple teeth, then you will need multiple implants. The more dental implants you need, the higher the overall cost will be.

Bone graft

Another factor that affects the cost of dental implants is whether or not you need a bone graft. Bone grafting is a procedure in which bone is taken from another part of your body and transplanted to your jawbone to provide more support for the implant. If you need a bone graft, it will add to the overall cost of your dental implant surgery.

Insurance coverage

The final factor that affects the cost of dental implants is your insurance coverage. Several insurance firms will cover at least part of the cost of dental implants if they are considered medically necessary. However, every insurance plan is different, so it is important to check with your insurer to see what coverage you have before you undergo implant surgery.

What is the success rate of tooth implants?

The success rate of dental implants is incredibly high and has been proven in numerous studies. Implant dentistry has pushed the boundaries over the past few decades, offering an effective solution for replacing a missing tooth or teeth and reducing recovery times. This can be attributed to advances in science and materials, giving patients the security they need knowing their treatments will last. The overall success rate of dental implant treatment can certainly increase when experienced implant dentists such as ours handle the patient’s needs. If you’re considering having a dental implant, consider seeing us to help ensure your treatment is successful.

Can dental implants be taken out and replaced like dentures?

When getting dental implants, it is important to know that they are not removable like dentures. Implants are permanent fixtures in your mouth and will stay there for the rest of your life. This is because the implants are fused to your jawbone and act like your natural teeth.

Get quality and affordable dental implants at Beyond 32 Dental

At Beyond 32 Dental, we provide comprehensive dental implant services to meet all of your needs. Whether you need one tooth replaced or an entire arch of teeth, we can help. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing excellent care and service so that you can get the smile you’ve always wanted.

If you’re interested in getting dental implants, contact us today at (02) 9158 6334 to schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to evaluate your eligibility so that we can create the best treatment plan for you. Unlock the smile of your dreams with our help! We can’t wait to start this amazing journey with you.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

What You Need To Know About A Dental Bone Graft
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-bone-graft

Dental Implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants

How to Prepare for a Successful Dental Implants Procedure?