A dental implant is a perfect way to restore your smile and replace missing or damaged teeth. They are long-lasting, and best of all, they look and function just like natural teeth.
If you are considering dental implants to repair your smile, you might wonder what is the procedure for dental implants. Discover the dental implant procedure steps and why No Gaps Dental is the best choice for your dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only permanent tooth replacement option. A dental implant is a titanium screw-shaped rod that is inserted into your jawbone through your gum.
The dental implant connects to a small metal piece called an abutment. The abutment holds your new artificial tooth just like a natural tooth root. The result is a tooth-coloured restoration that functions like a natural tooth.
Dental implants can last decades if taken care of properly and require no more upkeep than regular teeth. They allow you to chew and talk normally and do not have to be taken out and specially cleaned like dentures. Dental implants can be used to replace one, many, or several teeth in a consecutive row.
Who Should Consider Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a suitable tooth replacement option for most people. However, some illnesses or structural issues may need to be addressed before you can receive dental implants. To determine if you are a good fit for dental implants, your dentist will assess you and look for the following elements:
- You are in good general health
- You have good oral health
- Your gum tissue is healthy and abundant
- Your jaw is strong, fully grown, and has enough density to hold the implants
- You cannot or prefer not to wear dentures
- You abstain from using tobacco products
In some cases, your dentist may recommend treatment for advanced gum disease before getting dental implants. Additionally, you may require a bone graft, sinus augmentation, or tooth extraction before you can have a dental implant placed in your gum.
What is the Procedure for Dental Implants?
The dental implant procedure is a long multi-stage process. First, you meet with your dentist for an initial assessment. During this consultation, your dentist discusses your dental health and history, as well as medical history. You will have X-rays taken, and your dentist determines what type of dental implant is right for you.
Next, you will have dental implant surgery. The surgery takes about 20 minutes per implant, during which you are given a local anaesthetic. Your dentist cuts a flap in your gum, drills a small hole in the jaw, and inserts the implant before closing the incision.
After the surgery, you return home to heal. The healing process is also known as osseointegration; your jawbone and dental implant fuse and create a solid base for your artificial tooth. This process takes four to six months, depending on your immune system.
The last step in the dental implant procedure is the placement of the abutment and dental crown. This can be done during the initial dental implant surgery or in a stand-alone appointment, depending on the type of implant you require. Finally, your crown is made using CEREC technology and attached to the abutment. Altogether the process takes about four to nine months.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
When determining what is the procedure for dental implants, it also depends on what type of dental implants you are receiving. An alternative to a traditional dental implant is the All-on-4 implant.
All-on-4 implants use four dental implant posts to hold a full set of dentures in your mouth. This removes the need for individual dental implants and allows you to replace all the teeth in a single arch with just four dental implant rods.
The surgery for this procedure takes place over a few hours, after which you are free to go home and recover. This process takes significantly less time than the standard dental implant procedure. It is a good option for those looking to replace an entire arch without extensive grafting and jawbone preparation.
Dental Implants at No Gaps Dental
Getting dental implants is a big commitment. There are several reasons that choosing No Gaps Dental is the best option for your dental implant procedure.
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Available Hours
No Gaps Dental is open six days a week, so you can always find a time to come in for your dental cleanings, exams, and other procedures. We are most busy during weekends, after school, and on school holidays. It is a good idea to make an appointment ahead if you plan to come during these times.
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High Hygiene Standards
We adhere to the Australian Department of Heath’s handwashing guidelines.
We also follow the recommendations for using hand sanitiser to prevent the spread of germs.
Our dental professionals use hand sanitiser throughout the day, and we encourage patients to use hand sanitiser when in the waiting area and filling out dental forms.
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Convenient Locations
No Gaps Dental has 15 dental centres in the Sydney metro area. We can easily send your dental files to another location in our network. We have locations near public transit in Brookvale, Chatswood, Blacktown, and more.
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Payment Options
For dental procedures with a higher cost, we offer payment options for our patients. Our plans are funded through MacCredit and allow you to pay a small amount per week towards your total amount. We also accept most major credit cards as payment methods.
Talk to Your Dentist About Dental Implants
The staff at No Gaps Dental is happy to speak with you about our dental implant options. Book an appointment online, or call us at (02) 8806 0227 to set up a consultation with our knowledgeable dental staff, who can answer all your questions about the cost of dental implants and what the procedure entails.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.