Dental implants Sydney are designed to replace missing teeth or teeth that have been irreversibly damaged and extracted. Tooth decay and gum disease are the main causes of missing teeth here in Australia, but tooth loss can also occur due to facial trauma as well. Dental implants are the most popular method of replacing missing teeth amongst dentists and patients alike because they provide an excellent long-term solution that not only restores the appearance of your smile but also improves the function of your mouth. A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is strong, non-corrosive and biocompatible and is designed to replace the roots of missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace individual teeth, multiple teeth or even all your teeth. Patients who have been using dentures to replace their missing teeth can upgrade to implants.
Advantages of dental implants
Dental implants can be inserted directly into your jaw and are designed to become fixed in place so that they look and feel like natural dentition, allowing you to smile happily and confidently. They also help you bite, chew and enjoy your food much better in comparison to removable tooth replacement options where you may have to resort to a softer diet. If you are missing teeth from different positions in your mouth, you may also find that your speech is affected. Dental implants can help you speak properly and pronounce all your words as you did before losing your teeth.
Another advantage of dental implants is that they can support your remaining teeth, promote healthy gums and improve the strength of your jawbone, which may have been lost as a result of missing teeth. Bone decay is a natural part of tooth loss, and by having a dental implant, you can strengthen your jaw bone and improve your dental health once more.
You must speak to your dentist sooner rather than later about replacing your missing teeth with dental implants. But as mentioned earlier, tooth loss can result in bone decay and affect your gum health. Healthy gums and a strong jawbone are very important for successful implantation. If you do not have a sufficient healthy jawbone, you will need a bone graft before you undergo dental implant surgery. Bone grafting can be performed at the time of the dental implant surgery or beforehand if you require extensive grafting. Some patients may require sinus lifts before their surgery; otherwise, the implant may be too close to their sinuses.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants act as sturdy and reliable foundations for your choice of replacement. The implantation procedure can take a few hours, depending on how many implants you need. A small hole will be drilled into the bone socket of your missing tooth, the implant is then inserted directly into the hole, and your gum will be stitched over the implant allowing it to naturally integrate into the jawbone. The integration process can take several months, with an average of four months. After this, the replacement tooth can be fixed onto the implant. In some cases, your dentist may give you a temporary crown, bridge or set of dentures so that you can restore some of the function of your mouth until you permanently replace your missing teeth.
You may have a single crown, a set of partial dentures or full dentures to replace your missing teeth, depending on how many teeth you are missing. The number of implants you need also depends on the number of teeth you are missing and the position of the teeth. A single implant can support up to three missing teeth. If your missing teeth are located in different places in your mouth, you may need an implant for each. To replace all your teeth, you need a minimum of eight dental implants. Your dentist will create a customised treatment plan for you.
You should maintain a good dental hygiene routine, visit your dentist regularly and undergo professional cleaning so that your dental implants can last for the rest of your life.
Disclaimer
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
