Losing a tooth can be a distressing experience, adversely impacting your confidence and affecting your ability to speak and eat. Whether your tooth loss is caused by gum disease, cavities, or an accident, it’s essential to explore replacement solutions as soon as possible. Without treatment, missing teeth can lead to a host of dental issues. Gaps can cause your remaining teeth to move around, disrupting your jaw’s alignment and altering your facial structure.
Dental implants are one of the most effective tooth loss solutions. They closely resemble natural teeth in appearance and functionality. At No Gaps Dental, we offer different types of implants for teeth, helping you restore your confidence and improve your quality of life. Our CEREC technology ensures your implants leave you smiling, eating, and speaking with confidence.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small post that acts as an artificial tooth root, usually made from titanium. However, as a complete tooth replacement solution, a dental implant consists of three key components:
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The implant
The implant is a titanium rod that’s surgically fitted into the jawbone.
It serves as the replacement root and forms the foundations for the prosthesis.
Titanium is biocompatible and treated to give it properties that allow it to fuse with human bone.
This allows the dental implants to bond securely to the jaw.
Dental implants can last a lifetime, giving you a permanent solution for tooth loss.
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The abutment
An abutment is a ball-shaped connecting piece that screws into the implant. This is to provide support for the replacement teeth or dentures. The abutment is usually installed several weeks after the dental implants.
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The crown, bridge, or denture
The final part of a dental implant is the restoration. Depending on your oral health and the number of teeth you are missing, your dentist may recommend one of three options: a crown, bridge, or denture.
We custom fabricate dental prostheses using the latest dental technology. Whether you require custom dentures or dental crowns, we work directly with you to ensure you are delighted with the appearance of your new teeth, from the colour to the shape.
Different Types of Implants for Teeth
Several types of dental implants are available depending on how many teeth need to be replaced. At No Gaps Dental, we offer three different types of implants for teeth:
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Dental implant for a single crown
A dental implant is an effective single tooth replacement option. The titanium implant is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the surrounding bone creating a strong anchor for the false tooth. Once the site heals, the wound is reopened to attach the abutment, also known as the connector. Once it heals, we craft a custom crown to match the rest of your natural teeth.
A single implant blends seamlessly with existing teeth and is undetectable when you open your mouth to smile.
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Dental implants for an implant-supported bridge
A bridge for a dental implant differs from traditional dental bridges. Conventional bridges are a practical solution if you’re missing multiple teeth. However, they rely on healthy teeth for support on either end of a gap. In cases where your existing teeth aren’t healthy enough to house a conventional bridge, dental implants can be fitted to support the bridge and crown.
The bridge screws directly into the implants, providing a comfortable and functional fit. A key advantage of implant-supported bridges is that they can house multiple teeth. A dental crown with three crowns may only need two implants.
Implant-supported bridges are an excellent permanent solution for multiple tooth loss. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, they help prevent bone loss and degeneration. As they don’t rely on other teeth for support, you also avoid the continuous wear and replacement costs associated with conventional bridges.
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Dental implants for dentures
If you require a complete restorative procedure for a full dental arch, dental implants for dentures are an effective long-term solution. Using four to six dental implants placed in a strategic location along the dental arch, we can fit a full set of fixed dentures. Implants for dentures are more secure than removable ones, eliminating the slipping sensation and inconvenience of removing and maintaining them.
We also offer implant-supported overdentures. They are removable. They snap into your mouth using the supporting implants, providing a secure fit and a firm bite.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure takes several months to complete. We use high-quality materials and the latest technology to ensure the process is as fast and comfortable as possible. The dental implant procedure involves five important steps:
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Initial consultation
The first step is a consultation with your dentist to check on your oral health and the condition of your jawbone. If you have active gum disease or other dental issues, they need to be addressed before your procedure. If your jawbone is not thick or dense enough, you may require bone grafting to prepare for dental implants.
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Fitting the dental implant
Dental implants must be surgically placed deep into the gum and jawbone. Following this procedure, your dental surgeon closes the implant site with sutures and disinfects the area. You’ll then need several weeks to recover and undergo the osseointegration process.
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Dental implant osseointegration
Osseointegration is the fusion process where the jawbone and implant integrate.
Depending on the patient, this can take between two and six months, after which the implant may be fitted with the abutment.
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Fitting the abutment
Fitting the abutment is relatively straightforward, but it requires a small incision to remove the healing cap. The gum tissue is then closed around but not over the abutment. Your gums will then need two to three weeks to heal.
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Completing the dental implant
The final step is to complete the implant with a dental crown, bridge, and crown, or set of dentures. At No Gaps Dental, we use CEREC technology to create precision custom crowns on-site. We produce natural-looking, durable, custom ceramic crowns designed to meet your specific smile goals using computer-aided design and manufacturing machinery.
Transform Your Smile Today
Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life. Contact No Gaps Dental to discuss transforming your smile with dental implants. We have 15 modern facilities located around Sydney for your convenience.
For more information, call us on (02) 8806 0227 to book an appointment with one of our experienced dentists today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental bridge procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-bridge-procedure
Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure