Before you get dental implant surgery, you will likely ask yourself, ‘what do dental implants look like’? Dental implants are permanent, easy to clean, and look natural compared to dental bridges and dentures.
What are Dental Implants, and How Do They Work?
Dental implant surgery is an increasingly popular solution for missing teeth. The surgery involves placing a metal post into the jawbone, which acts as a replacement for the tooth root. A dental prosthetic, such as a crown or bridge, is then attached to the post.
Unlike other tooth replacement options, which can slip and cause discomfort, dental implants are anchored in the jawbone securely. In addition, dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss. As a result, dental implants offer a durable and natural-looking solution for missing teeth.
What is the Implant Procedure Like?
The surgery is performed by placing a small titanium screw into the jawbone to act as the new tooth root. Once the screw has bonded with the jawbone, a connector (abutment) is attached to the post to support the dental prosthetic (artificial tooth). The dental implant procedure usually takes place over several months and requires multiple dental visits.
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Safety and hygiene
Although dental implants are a major surgical procedure, they are generally safe and well-tolerated by patients. Complications from dental implant surgery are rare, but they can include infection, nerve damage, and sinus problems.
Cleanliness is a priority. Unsanitary work environments can cause disease transmission and increase the risk of infection, adversely impacting your dental implant success rate.
To maintain a sterile work environment, your No Gaps Dental professional ensures that the practice and instruments used in the procedure are hygienic and sterilised.
In addition to washing their hands thoroughly, they will clean their hands with hand sanitiser before the procedure, when they replace gloves, and after the procedure.
All waiting areas and exam rooms are equipped with hand sanitiser for patients to minimise pathogen transmission and ensure a hygienic practice.
Why Should I Get a Dental Implant?
Dental implant surgery is a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. They provide many benefits, including improved oral health and an attractive appearance that can’t be matched by other methods of prosthetic treatment like dentures.
Dental implants are the only permanent way to replace your missing teeth. The implant posts are designed to last a lifetime, while the restoration can last up to 20 years with the right care.
Dental implants look and function like your natural teeth. This allows you to eat, chew, and speak normally without worrying your prosthesis will slip around in your mouth.
Because the implant is embedded in your jaw, it stimulates new tissue growth so that you won’t experience bone resorption or gum tissue deterioration. This ensures your natural teeth won’t shift, and your facial shape won’t change.
What Do Dental Implants Look Like?
One of the primary concerns patients have when choosing a tooth replacement option is appearance. If you have asked what do dental implants look like, visit your local No Gaps Dental practice to discuss the procedure with a dentist. Learning about the parts of a dental implant can help you understand what to expect. A dental implant is composed of three separate parts: the post, the abutment, and the restoration.
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The implant post
The implant post is made of titanium metal and appears silvery grey. The post is slightly tapered and features screw-like threads that provide stability and allow for more surface area for the bone tissue to fuse with during osseointegration.
Although there are several placement methods, the implant post typically sits below the gumline. So while the implant post isn’t tooth-coloured, it isn’t noticeable.
You can also get implant posts made from zirconia. This hardened ceramic alloy offers similar durability, stability, and biocompatibility to titanium but won’t cause an allergic reaction in patients with metal sensitivities.
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The abutment
The abutment is a connecting piece that features a rounded design with two protrusions at either end. One end screws into the implant post, and the other end supports the restoration.
The abutment protrudes above the gum line. The abutment may be noticeable if your gums recede due to gum disease or poor oral hygiene. However, modern abutments are typically made from tooth-coloured zirconia because it has better antibacterial properties than other abutment materials like titanium or polyether ether ketone. This means that the abutment blends in easily with your remaining teeth.
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The restoration
Restorations for dental implants are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your smile. Depending on the number of teeth you need replaced, your dentist may prescribe a single dental crown, an implant-supported bridge, or All-on-4 implants to replace an entire dental arch.
The restoration is colour-matched to your remaining teeth, and the dentist takes precise digital scans and impressions to create a mould to send to the dental lab.
A technician uses the mould to craft your restoration to your exact specifications.
If you opt for CEREC crowns to restore your smile, the dentist at No Gaps Dental will digitally scan your mouth and use CAD/CAM technology to send the data to the on-site milling machine.
The machine then carves your dental crown from a solid block of zirconia, and your dentist cements it onto the implant the same day.
Receive More Information
If you are considering dental implants and wonder what do dental implants look like, schedule a consultation with a No Gaps Dental dentist to discuss the procedure in-depth.
These procedures have minimal risk, and your dentist does everything to ensure cleanliness. Hand sanitiser, consistently using new gloves, and sterilised equipment are pivotal to this process. This ensures that your implants have the highest chance of success.
If you have questions about the dental implant procedure and what do dental implants look like, call No Gaps Dental at (02) 8007 6727 to book a consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental Implants: What You Should Know
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/dental-devices/dental-implants-what-you-should-know
Zirconia versus titanium in dentistry: A review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31666488/
Zirconia vs. Titanium Dental Implants: Primary Stability In-Vitro Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34947480/