If you have one or more missing teeth or need teeth removed for health reasons, dental implants may be the right tooth replacement option for you. For many adults, getting a tooth implant offers a permanent solution with several advantages over conventional dentures and bridges. A dental implant procedure provides natural-looking replacement teeth that are surgically fused into the jawbone. This restoration gives you functioning teeth and a more confident, lasting smile.
Considering getting a tooth implant? Here are some things to contemplate before seeking dental implant surgery.
Eligibility
The ideal dental implant candidate should have good overall health and oral health. To be eligible for dental implants, patients need to have healthy gums, a fully-developed jawbone, substantial bone density and practise good oral care. Because dental implants fuse to your jawbone and weak gums may cause implants to shift or even fall out, you must have healthy bones and gums to support and withstand your new teeth.
Benefits
There are many benefits patients enjoy from getting a tooth implant that other smile restoration procedures don’t offer. Before opting for dental implants, consider what type of benefits you’re looking for in your implants and whether this procedure aligns with your expectations.
Here are some of the most enjoyed benefits from a dental implant procedure:
- Boosted confidence when smiling, laughing and talking
- Natural-looking teeth that provide the same form and function as regular teeth
- Security—won’t come loose when talking or eating
- Can replace a single tooth or several teeth
- Can act as a support for other removable or fixed dental appliances
- Does not require any special cleaning beyond routine brushing and flossing
- Helps retain a natural face shape and prevent premature aging by halting jawbone deterioration or resorption
- Lasts decades longer and is easier to maintain than other dental implants, such as dentures and bridges
- Is more comfortable than other teeth replacements
- Restimulates bone tissue instead of causing it to reabsorb
Limitations
Of course, every procedure has its limitations and may not be the right fit for some individuals.
If you are a smoker, dental implants have a higher risk of implant failure, and in some cases, you may be ineligible for a dental implant procedure. Many dentists require that patients quit smoking both during and after the procedure to ensure proper healing. Smoking not only inhibits the healing process but adversely affects oral hygiene.
Similarly, a dental implant procedure may fail if you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, autoimmune disease, or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or uncontrolled diabetes that cause the body to heal more slowly. These medical conditions and certain medications may keep the implant from fully fusing with your jaw bone and lead to implant failure.
To determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, you must schedule a consultation and provide your full health profile and any medications you take.
Cost
Like most dental procedures, it’s important to understand the cost associated with dental implant surgery. There are many factors when it comes to the cost of dental implants, including pre-existing conditions that may compromise the process, the type of restoration needed, and the implant type you’ll be receiving. These things and more can impact the cost of getting a tooth implant and vary depending on the patient.
While the initial cost may seem high, the long-term benefits and ease of care are often worth it for many patients. Unlike other implant options such as dentures or bridges, dental implants don’t require replacements five years down the road or paying for ongoing maintenance like adhesives and sterilisers.
Here at No Gaps Dental, we understand that dental treatments such as implant-based rehabilitation aren’t affordable for everyone. That’s why we offer payment plans—to get you the dental implant surgery you need while allowing you to pay for it on the timeline that works best for you.
Understand the Process
Your dental implants journey should begin with a consultation. During this initial consultation, your dentist will perform a thorough exam, including X-rays or 3D images, to assess your bone density and ensure you’re a good candidate for the dental implant procedure. If you’re eligible, you can expect a customised treatment plan for your new implants.
Next, your dentist will schedule an appointment with you to place the dental implants. How the dental implant surgery is performed depends on the type of implant and your jawbone’s condition, and factors such as whether you need damaged teeth extracted or bone grafting before placement.
Once it’s time for implant placement, your dentist inserts the implant or implants into your jawbone. Following this surgery, it may take 3-6 months for the osseointegration process, or the bone fusing with the titanium implant, to be completed. Like any dental procedure, patients should expect some mild discomfort. This can usually be treated with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medications. Patients should also expect to be on a soft food diet for the first few weeks to ensure proper healing.
Once the dental implants have fused with your bone, the next step in your treatment is to place the abutment on top of the implant. During this stage, your dentist will place a small connector plate onto the implant above the gum line. In some instances, the abutment is placed at the same time as the implant.
Finally, once your gums are healed, your dentist takes mouth impressions to create custom, permanent replacement teeth. Once they have been made, you’ll receive a final fitting to ensure your bite functions properly, and you are happy with your new and improved smile.
The Importance of Routine Care
In the months following your dental implant surgery, ranging anywhere from 3-9 months after treatment began, you’ll need to see your dentist for regular check-ups. These follow-up appointments help ensure your implants are functioning correctly.
Along with seeing your dentist regularly, you must practice good oral hygiene to keep your new artificial teeth and gum tissue clean, as well as avoid tooth-staining or other harmful habits to preserve your bright new smile.
If you are considering getting a tooth implant, call us on (02) 8806 0227 to book a consultation with our team of skilled dentists.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.