If you have missing or damaged teeth, there are many tooth restoration options available to you. When deciding on getting dental implants, a bridge, or dentures, it is essential that you consult with a skilled and experienced dental professional. Of all tooth restorations, dental implants are the only option that offers a permanent replacement for missing teeth and can help you regain full dental function and improve your appearance.
If you are curious about how is a dental implant done, here is some vital information to help demystify dental implant surgery and let you make an informed decision about your oral health.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants, also known as tooth implants, are an excellent option when it comes to a fully-functioning, natural-looking tooth replacement. The dental implant itself is a piece of metal, usually titanium, that looks like a screw and acts as a root for the artificial tooth.
The implant is embedded directly into the jawbone via dental implant surgery. Over time, as the bone fuses to it, the implant forms a sturdy base which can support an artificial tooth or crown.
The replacement tooth is made to blend with the other teeth, taking colour, shape, and size into account.
What materials are used to make dental implants?
Dental implants comprise of three parts:
- A titanium post with a screw end that is inserted into the jawbone.
- The abutment which is a structure which connects the crown to the implant, usually made of titanium, gold, or zirconia.
- The replacement tooth which is typically a custom-made crown.
Dental implants are usually made from titanium because it is highly biocompatible, meaning it is safer than other materials; ideal for dental implant surgery as it is less likely to be rejected by the body and lead to implant failure.
When are dental implants suitable?
If you have one or more missing teeth and wish to replace these teeth with an artificial solution, getting dental implants may be a suitable option for you. Many people opt for implants over dentures or bridges due to their convenience and longevity. To be a good candidate for dental implant surgery, generally, you should comply with the following requirements:
- Your jawbone has reached full growth and has enough tissue density
- You don’t have advanced gum disease
- You don’t have an existing condition that affects bone healing such as an autoimmune disease, or some types of cancer
Before you commit to dental implant surgery, your dentist will talk you through the procedure and assess if it is a good choice for you.
How is a dental implant done?
So, now you know what dental implants are, you are probably wondering “how is a dental implant done?” Getting dental implants can take up to several months and multiple trips to the dentist. The process includes:
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X-rays and scans
It’s imperative that your dentist has a clear picture of your missing or damaged tooth and the site where an implant will be fitted. At No Gaps Dental, we offer intra- and extra-oral X-rays, as well as digital dental X-rays that provide us with an accurate view of your oral health.
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Tooth removal
If your dentist is replacing a damaged tooth for an implant, the tooth will be extracted.
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Dental implant insertion
This is the first part of the dental plant surgery. The dentist makes a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone. A tiny hole is drilled in the bone, and the implant will be screwed into place.
Once inserted, the implant is left for several months, during which the jawbone will fuse to it, creating a solid base for your new artificial tooth. You will have a gap where your tooth is missing; however, you will be fitted with a temporary denture if needed.
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Fitting the abutment
Once the bone has fused, and the implant is stable, your dentist will fit the abutment in a minor surgical procedure by reopening the gum tissue.
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Preparing your artificial tooth
When your gums heal, your dentist will take an impression of the area. They will use this impression to make a realistic-looking tooth replacement which is fabricated off-site.
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Fitting the artificial tooth
The crown is fitted, providing you with a robust and long-lasting tooth replacement that looks and feels like a real tooth.
The exact procedure and number of visits to the dentist may vary from person to person. Some patients, for instance, may need further treatment to prepare their jawbone for the implant, such as a bone graft or a sinus lift. Although it may seem intimidating, dental implant surgery is a standard procedure that our skilled dentists at No Gaps Dental have many years of experience carrying out.
After dental implant surgery
After dental implant surgery, you might experience discomfort, bruising, swelling, and minor bleeding. It is usually advised to eat soft foods for a few days after the surgeries, to allow the implant site to heal. You may be prescribed pain relief or antibiotics, which should be discussed with your dentist.
Dental implants don’t require any special care; however, you can purchase specially designed dental floss and interdental brushes to help keep implants clean. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, visiting your dentist regularly, and avoiding damaging habits such as smoking and chewing hard foods like toffees, can help protect both your natural and artificial teeth.
In conclusion
For many patients, dental implants provide a visually appealing, long-term tooth replacement solution. Although you may be concerned about the cost of getting dental implants, at No Gaps Dental, your oral health is our priority, so we offer payment plans for patients looking to undergo dental implant treatment in Sydney.
At No Gaps Dental, our highly qualified dental professions are here to answer your questions and provide you with skilled and compassionate dental care. Contact us today at (02) 8806 0227 to arrange a consultation at a No Gaps Dental location near you, and take your first steps on your journey to a new smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.