If you have a missing tooth, you may feel self-conscious socially and professionally. Missing teeth can also cause health issues, including tooth misalignment, bone resorption, and infection. There are several options for people who would like to complete their smiles, both permanent and removable.
Many Australians are familiar with dentures, a removable solution that restores missing teeth. However, dentures need to be replaced every five to seven years and often require a change in diet and specialised cleaning techniques.
Another more permanent option is dental implants. They last a lifetime, actively encourage bone regrowth, and function like your natural teeth. However, many patients are hesitant to schedule dental implant surgery because of its higher initial costs. They often wonder, how successful are dental implants?
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant consists of three parts, which work together to create a realistic, permanent replacement for your missing tooth.
The dental implant is a tiny titanium screw-shaped rod that your dentist embeds into your jawbone. It serves the same purpose as a natural tooth root, and over time, your jawbone fuses with the dental implant through a process known as osseointegration.
In addition to the titanium screw, your dental implants also have abutments and a crown. The abutment acts as an attachment point for your artificial tooth, and the crown is your artificial tooth, which is often made of durable porcelain or zirconia.
Dental Implant Surgery
To receive your dental implants, you’ll need to schedule several dental implant surgery procedures. Since the dental implant lasts a lifetime, the procedure is more complicated than fitting dentures.
First, you’ll have a consultation with your dentist to learn more about dental implants and determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. They will check to see if your jaw has enough bone density to support the dental implant and take digital images of your mouth.
After your examination, your dentist will schedule the first of two surgeries. In the first dental implant surgery, they surgically insert one or more dental implants into your jawbone and cleanse and close the wound.
Before you can receive your abutment, you’ll need to wait for the osseointegration process to complete. This can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months. Even before the process completes, the dental implant stimulates bone growth, helping to increase your jawbone density and improving overall oral health.
After your bone has completely healed, your dentist will schedule a second dental surgery to insert the abutment. This surgery will likely take less time and require significantly less recovery time than your first surgery. However, be sure to follow your dentist’s recovery instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Once you’ve healed from the abutment surgery, you’ll have another appointment with your dentist to design your artificial tooth or crown. At No Gaps Dental, we offer the latest in CEREC technology which allows us to create custom porcelain crowns chairside at our dental practice. Using a 3D camera, we scan your implant site and input the data into the CEREC mill, which uses CAD/CAM technology to carve your new tooth.
Finally, your dentist attaches your artificial tooth to the abutment, completing your smile.
The Dental Implant Success Rate
Compared with other tooth restoration options, dental implants have a high success rate when placed by an experienced dentist and cared for properly. Studies have shown that dental implants have a success rate of up to 95% after 10 years.
In fact, the titanium dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, but you may need to replace the artificial crown after around 25 years.
However, there are complications which can reduce the chances of a successful dental implant surgery, including inadequate jawbone density, autoimmune disease, and lifestyle habits such as smoking.
The success of your implant also depends on its position on the jaw arch, the angle or placement, the quality and dimensions of the dental implant relative to the jawbone structure, and the skill of the dentist.
No Gaps Dental dental professionals have extensive experience successfully placing implants and use high-quality implant materials to give you the best chance of a long-lasting dental implant.
Long-Term Effects of Dental Implants
How successful are dental implants? The best way to answer this question is to look at the long-term effects of dental implants on oral health.
After dental implant surgery, most people experience multiple health benefits and an improvement in their mental health. Because the dental implant acts like a natural tooth root, it also solves many of the health problems associated with missing teeth. The osseointegration process increases bone density and promotes bone regrowth, and the artificial crown limits the places bacteria can grow.
The natural look of a dental implant allows people to smile without self-consciousness. Instead of having to change your diet or remember to remove your dentures when eating certain foods, you can live your life as though you never had any missing teeth.
How Successful are Dental Implants?
Although every person is different, dental implants generally result in long-term, positive effects on a patient’s oral health. If you are concerned about your missing teeth, dental implant surgery could be the answer.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits and long-term effects of dental implants, contact the No Gaps Dental team on (02) 8806 0227 to schedule your initial consultation.
Our team is happy to show you the research behind dental implants, their success rate, and help you determine if dental implants are right for you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.