Everything You Need To Know About Dental Implants

No one wants to lose their teeth, but it is a reality for many people. For many decades, dentures have been the default choice for those who want to replace one or more missing teeth. Although advancements have been made in the appearance and function of these types of prosthetics, they never really seem to closely resemble the real thing. Natural teeth cannot be replaced, but dental implants are the next best thing.

What is a dental implant?

An implant is simply an artificial tooth that is inserted surgically into the jawbone of the patient. The implanted component, a titanium metal post, allows for the attachment of the remaining two components: an abutment and a dental crown.

Titanium is the metal of choice because of its durability and non-reactivity to organic tissue.

What makes dental implants better than dentures?

Almost everything. Implants allow you to restore both the look and function of your missing tooth. In contrast to dentures, implants are firmly placed within your jawbone. They will not slip or fall out and embarrass you, or lead to feelings of self-consciousness whenever you smile.

Some other advantages of dental implants include:

• Permanent replacement for natural teeth
• Allow you to chew your food and bite with normal force
• Preserve underlying bone mass

Permanent Replacement

Properly cared for, your new implant can be expected to last for the rest of your life. And no special care is needed when it comes to a dental implant; however, you must brush and floss as you normally do to prevent gum disease that could undermine your implant or surrounding teeth.

Chewing and Biting

Getting dentures involves a definite adjustment in the way that you chew and bite your food. When it comes to eating, an implant is just like a natural tooth. It is anchored into your jawbone, allowing you to use the force that you are accustomed to when chewing and biting your food.

Preserves Bone

One unpleasant aspect of having a missing tooth is that a process of resorption occurs. This is a fancy way of saying that your jawbone will begin melting away without the presence of a tooth root – artificial or not. Your new implant will prevent this bone loss from occurring. It will also help prevent teeth on either side of the gap from shifting into the empty space left by your missing tooth.

What is the process like for getting a dental implant?

Your dentist would begin by numbing the area using a local anesthetic. Next, your dentist will drill into your jawbone to make room for your new implant. This stage of the process should only take an hour or two.

The next step is simply waiting. It will take several months for your jawbone to naturally fuse around your new implant. After this process is complete, you will be scheduled for another appointment for the placement of the abutment component. This is the part that connects the implanted metal post with a dental crown to be placed on top of the entire structure. Your crown will serve as an aesthetic and functional tooth surface to allow you to bite down and chew your food normally.

After Receiving Your Dental Implant

During the next day or two, you should stick to eating soft foods that are easy to chew. Give it a few weeks before you begin eating very hard foods.

Free Dental Implant Consultation to the value of $120

For a limited time we are offering free dental implant consultations to the value of $120.  So if you are wondering if dental implants are the correct approach for your broken or missing tooth, please book a free consultation with us by calling 07 5591 3620.