Having a full set of teeth is crucial to maintaining the health and structure of your bite, facial volume, and your self-confidence. So what are your options if you are missing teeth?
At No Gaps Dental, we offer several effective tooth replacement options, such as dental implants that enable your mouth to remain healthy, structurally sound, and allow you to enjoy all your favourite foods as well as laugh and talk with confidence.
Causes of Tooth Loss
Teeth can be lost due to injury and blunt force. Falls and impacts that produce enough force can result in teeth becoming dislodged from the gums and fall out. Athletes are particularly susceptible to facial trauma, resulting in tooth loss.
Teeth can also become infected from decay or damage, resulting in the need to extract the tooth before the infection spreads to other areas of the mouth. Teeth commonly become infected if a tooth is chipped or cracked, allowing bacteria to seep inside the tooth infecting the sensitive nerve tissue inside the tooth called the dental pulp.
In some cases, infected teeth can be saved with root canal treatment. In extreme infections or trauma, the tooth needs to be extracted.
What Is A Dental Implant?
Dental implants are one of the most common tooth replacement options and the most desirable type of tooth replacement. They look indistinguishable from real teeth, and they feel the same as well. They are structurally sound and stable, allowing them to function exactly like your original teeth.
A dental implant consists of three components, the implant, which is a small titanium screw, the crown and an abutment that connects the implant and the prosthetic tooth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
The dental implant is made of titanium alloy because the jawbone bonds with the titanium, ensuring a secure tooth root replacement. This process is known as osseointegration.
The implant mimics the tooth root and prevents further bone loss.
The visible part of the dental implant, the prosthetic tooth, is typically made out of porcelain, so it feels and looks natural. Your dentist custom designs the crown to match your natural teeth. Because you no longer have a gap in your smile, and the dental implant in your jawbone, the pressure of chewing food ensures your jaw and bite remain healthy.
Dentures and Bridges
The alternatives for replacing missing teeth are dentures and bridges. Dentures are removable teeth prosthetics that fill the gaps where your original teeth resided. They can be full or partial.
A dental bridge is another type of fixed solution that secures new artificial teeth by connecting them to existing healthy teeth.
Unlike the other two tooth replacement options dentures and bridges, dental implants are a permanent solution. Sometimes, dentures slip around in the mouth, and many wearers are limited to the kinds of foods they can eat. With dental implants, there is no slippage and no dietary restrictions.
Dental bridges and dentures require additional attention when cleaning and eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear. Dental implants don’t require any special cleaning solutions, equipment or adhesives, and with proper care and good oral health can last 25 years or more.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are the most popular of all tooth replacement options. Your dentist begins the process by giving you a comprehensive dental exam to ensure you are a suitable candidate for implant surgery. X-rays and imaging are captured so that your dentist can make models of your teeth and jaw.
If you have multiple missing teeth, need additional teeth extracted, or if you have sustained some bone loss in your jaw, this can increase the timeframe for the dental implants procedure. You will need time to heal between each procedure.
Some patients need bone grafting to provide a solid base for the implant to take root. Bone grafts also restore the facial contours of the face that may be degenerated from tooth loss.
Once you are ready for the dental implant procedure, your dentist inserts the tiny titanium screw into your jawbone to provide the necessary support for your dental crown. After this stage of the surgery, you will have to wait for osseointegration to take place, which can take between 4-6 months.
An additional round of surgery is then required for the placement of the abutment after osseointegration is complete. The abutment attaches to the top of the implant and keeps the gum tissue from growing over the implant. In some cases, the abutment can be attached at the same time as the implant surgery. Typically, it takes about 2 weeks for your gums to heal with the abutment.
Once your gums are healed, you will return to have your permanent crown affixed to your dental implants.
After Your Surgery
Simply brush, floss and use mouthwash as normal. Also, book regular dental cleanings and dental exams so your dentist can monitor your implant. Although your dental implant will never require a filling, if you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene, you can still get gingivitis which may compromise your oral health and jeopardise the lifespan of your dental implant.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The initial outlay for dental implants is typically more than other missing teeth replacement solutions. However, given the longevity of the treatment, it can be a more cost-effective option.
At No Gaps Dental, we firmly believe that every patient deserves a healthy and attractive smile and that is why we accept MacCredit payment plans. These plans offer up to $70,000 for dental procedures, and their payments can be as low as $30 per week so you can get the dental treatment you need.
Conclusion
Dental implants are the most natural solution for restoring your smile and your self-confidence. Call our Sydney clinic on (02) 8007 6727 to book a consultation to discuss your tooth replacement options.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.