As you age, it’s not uncommon to lose teeth. This can be due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. When this happens, it can affect your ability to eat and speak properly. Failing teeth can also affect your appearance and self-confidence. Dental implants can be life-changing and give you a natural-looking smile makeover because, unlike other teeth replacement options, dental implants tend to be a long-term solution. So, let’s take a look at what dental implants look like before and after the procedure.
Challenges Before Your Tooth Replacement
Gaps in your teeth can cause a number of everyday challenges, besides making you self-conscious about the way you look. Especially if the gaps are in visible areas of your mouth, like your front teeth. These challenges may include the following:
Difficulty eating
When teeth are missing, it can be difficult to chew properly. This can make it hard to eat the foods you love and could also lead to indigestion and other digestive problems.
Trouble speaking
Teeth play an important role in speech. When you have missing teeth, it can be difficult to enunciate words correctly, making you self-conscious about speaking in front of others.
A change in appearance
A change in appearanceMissing teeth can cause your face to sag and make you look older than you actually are.
In addition, it can be difficult to find dentures or other tooth replacements that match your natural teeth in colour and shape.
Your Options For Tooth Replacement
There are a few different options available for replacing missing teeth, but the most popular one is dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth roots that are placed in the jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. They’re a solution for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, or for any other reasons.
Types of Implants
There are two main types of implants: endosteal and subperiosteal;
Endosteal implants
They are the most common type. They’re placed in the jawbone and are made of metal, ceramic, or both.
Subperiosteal implants
They are placed under the gum but on or above the jawbone. They’re often used for patients who can’t have endosteal implants because they don’t have enough bone height or density in their jaw.
Dental Implant Procedure
If you’re considering dental implants, you may wonder what they look like and how they work. Here’s a look at teeth implants before and after surgery, as well as what you can expect during the procedure. Dental implant treatment is usually done in three stages;
Before surgery
You’ll have a consultation with your dentist or dental surgeon to discuss whether dental implants are right for you. They’ll also develop a treatment plan. This will include a customised dental implant placement surgery. During this visit, your dentist will take x-rays and 3D images to look at the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. They may also order other tests, such as a CT scan, to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
Bone grafting is required before dental implant surgery if you don’t have enough bone density in your jaw. This is a procedure that’s done to add bone to the jawbone so that it gives volume and density to the jaw where the missing tooth is.
During surgery
During surgeryThe first step in dental implant surgery is to place the titanium root device into your jawbone. This is done under local anaesthesia and sedation. The next step is to allow the implant to fuse with the bone, which can take several months. Once the implant has fused with the bone, you’ll return to your dentist to choose your artificial tooth type that is fixed, removable or a combination of both:
Fixed
A fixed tooth is one that’s attached to an implant with a screw or abutment. It can’t be removed from your mouth. Fixed teeth may be bridges, crowns, or implants.
Removable
Removable teeth, also called dentures, are artificial teeth that are attached to a metal or plastic frame. This frame is held in place by clasps that attach to natural teeth or implants. Dentures can be taken out of your mouth for cleaning.
Combination
A combination tooth is one that’s both removable and fixed. The removable part attaches to the implant with a clasp. The fixed part is attached to the implant with a screw or abutment. Combination teeth are also called implant-supported dentures or bridges.
After surgery
It can take several months for the implants to fuse to your jawbone. During this time, you may be fitted with a temporary denture or bridge. Once the implants have fused to your jawbone, your dentist will take new X-rays and impressions of your mouth. They’ll then use these to create your new teeth. The new teeth are attached to the implants and will look and feel just like your natural teeth.
How long does the implant procedure take?
Dental implant surgery entails several procedures. It can take several months for the implants to fuse to your jawbone and heal tightly and for your new teeth to be made. So, the entire process can take up to 18 months, depending on the complexities of the case.
After dental implants
Dental implants offer many benefits, including:
Improved appearance
Dental implants look and feel exactly like your natural teeth. This can give you a boost of confidence.
Improved speech
Unlike dentures, implants don’t slip or make clicking sounds. This can help you feel more confident when speaking.
Improved chewing
Improved chewingImplants allow you to chew food like you would with natural teeth. This can improve your overall nutrition and health.
Improved oral health
Dental implants don’t require special care. You can brush and floss them just like you would your natural teeth.
Durability
As long as you take care of your teeth implants just like you would your natural teeth, they can last a lifetime.
What are the dental implant aftercare instructions?
Dental implant surgery is a major procedure. It’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure a successful outcome. These instructions may include the following:
Resting
You’ll need to take it easy for a few days after surgery. Avoid strenuous activity and refrain from drinking through a straw.
Eating
Stick to soft foods for a few days after surgery. Gradually add solid foods back into your diet as you heal.
Brushing and flossing
Be sure to brush and floss your teeth carefully. Avoid the implant site when brushing.
Dental appointments
You’ll need to see your dentist regularly to ensure the implants are healing properly.
Risks and Complications
Dental implant surgery is considered safe. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks and complications associated with the procedure. These include:
Infection at the implant site
There is a small risk of infection at the site where the implant is placed. This can usually be treated with antibiotics.
Implant failure
There is a small risk that the implant may not fuse to the jawbone. This can be treated by removing the implant and placing a new one.
Nerve damage
There is a risk of nerve damage if the dental implant placement procedure is not done correctly. This can cause numbness or tingle in your teeth, gums, lips, or chin.
Sinus problems
If dental implants are placed in the upper jaw, there is a risk of damage to the sinuses. This can cause pain and pressure in the sinuses.
Rejection of the implant
In rare cases, your body may reject the dental implant. This can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Damage to surrounding teeth
If dental implants are not placed correctly, there is a risk of damage to the surrounding teeth.
Dental Implant Surgery Risks treatment and symptoms
There’s no doubt that dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth.
Make sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to ensure a successful outcome. However, if you experience any pain, swelling, or bleeding at the implant site, be sure to contact your dentist right away. These may be signs of an infection, and if you ever experience any complications after dental implant surgery, your dentist will work to treat the problem.
Treatment may include:
Antibiotics
If you develop an infection, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to help clear it.
Surgery
In some cases, additional surgery may be necessary to correct a problem.
Implants
If your implants fail, your dentist may need to replace them.
How much do dental implants cost?
Implant dentistry costs in Australia can vary depending on a number of factors. These include:
The number of implants you need
The more implants you need, the higher the cost will be.
The type of implant you choose
There are different types of dental implants available. Some are made from titanium, while others are made from zirconia. The type of implant you choose will affect the cost.
The location of the implant
Implants placed in the front of the mouth may be more expensive than those placed in the back.
Your dental insurance coverage
Some dental insurance plans may cover dental implants. However, only some plans do. Be sure to check with your insurer to see if dental implants are covered.
The average cost of dental implants in Australia starts at $3,000 per implant. However, the total cost will depend on the factors mentioned above.
Contact No Gaps Dental on (02) 8007 6727 today to book an appointment for a dental implant consultation from our expert dentists and start the journey of getting your flawless smile back!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Success, survival and failure rates of dental implants: a cross-sectional study
https://www.dtscience.com/success-survival-and-failure-rates-of-dental-implants-a-cross-sectional-study
Comparison of Long-term Survival of Implants and Endodontically Treated Teeth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872851/
Dental implant surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
The use of dental implants in combination with removable partial dentures: a case report
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19120779/
Combined Implant and Tooth Support: An Up-to-Date Comprehensive Overview
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5382302/
The Dental Implant
https://www.teeth4all.org/all-about-dental-implants/dental-implant/