Dental implants are an excellent long-term solution for patients with missing teeth. A high-tech solution made from pure titanium; dental implants offer a complete restoration of a tooth. Before you invest in tailored dental implants, it’s important to understand what you’re paying for by doing your own research, starting with the big question of: What are dental implants?
Casey Dentists are here to provide a professional explanation on what are dental implants, who needs them, what’s involved in dental implant surgery, the benefits and limitations of dental implants and ongoing maintenance of the implants.
At Casey dentists, we pride ourselves in our custom-made, high-quality dental implants. The experts in dental implants in Townsville, we’re more than qualified to provide your guide to what the process of dental implant surgery involves. Let’s start by outlining what are dental implants, and who needs them.
What Are Dental Implants?
So, what are dental implants? A dental implant is a metal post that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. An artificial tooth, commonly known as a crown, is placed on an extension of the post, which gives the appearance of a real tooth.
Who Needs Dental Implants?
Dental implants were created for people who don’t want to wear dentures, bridges, or crowns. If you need to have one or more teeth replaced, you might be wondering, “can everyone get dental implants?”. Not everyone can get dental implants, but most adults are suitable candidates. There are numerous conditions dental patients are typically required to meet before surgery. Failure to meet these conditions can result in implant failure and complications, so we always recommend speaking to your local dental professional first and foremost.
Dental Implant Surgery
The process of dental implant surgery involves implanting a new metal post to act as the tooth root and replacing the old tooth with a crown. The steps involved in dental implant surgery include:
- Remove the damaged tooth.
- Implant the titanium screw inside the root canal of the jaw.
- Fusing the titanium screw with your jawline.
- Attaching the abutment, or post extension.
- Attaching a crown, or artificial replacement tooth to the post extension.
It’s important to note that depending on the condition of the jawbone and the type of implant required, dental implant surgery can involve numerous procedures. One of these conditions is bone grafting, which is necessary when the jawbone isn’t thick or hard enough. Bone may be grafted from elsewhere in the body, or a synthetic bone graft can be implanted. Your dentist will be able to talk you through the options in more detail if this were to occur.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
If you’re wondering, “how long do dental implants last?”, you’ve got valid reason to be curious! It’s no secret that dental implants can be a big investment of your time and money. However, the good news is that the lifespan of successful dental implants is a lifetime; whilst the crown attached to the implant typically lasts around 10 to 15 years.
What Are Dental Implants Benefits?
Wondering what to expect with dental implants? We’ll list some of the benefits of dental implant surgery below:
- Dental implants offer a complete restoration of the missing tooth space.
- Dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Crowns are a long-term solution, lasting from 10 to 15 years.
- As a result of the titanium fusing with the jaw, the implants don’t slip, make noise or cause bone damage the same way that an alternate method of tooth replacement might.
- It is an extremely solid solution which required bone to heal around the implant.
- Dental implants will improve your smile.
- Implants preserve the jawline.
- Replacing the tooth will prevent a number of ongoing health issues in the future.
What Are Dental Implants Limitations?
Now that we know what to expect with dental implants, we can outline some of the limitations that come with this method of tooth replacement.
- The cost of dental implants in Australia is expensive. Per tooth, the price can range from $3,000 to $6,500, depending on where the procedure is performed.
- There are risks involved in dental implant procedures, including infection at the implant site, injury to the jaw or other teeth, nerve damage and sinus problems.
How to Maintain Healthy Dental Implants
There are a number of ways in which you can maintain healthy dental implants, including:
- Maintain oral hygiene: there are specific interdental toothbrushes that will help you to maintain the oral hygiene and cleanliness around the affected area. It’s important to focus on this area when going about your normal dental routine.
- Attend the dentist regularly: going to regular dental check-ups will allow early detection and prevention of any damaging infections or restorations that are required.
- Avoid damaging habits: habits that can hinder the healing of the dental implants include biting on hard surface foods like lollies, consumption of tobacco and teeth grinding.
Ready for A Long-Term Solution to Missing Teeth?
If you’re ready to finally put an end to the problem of missing teeth, visit the Casey Dentists Clinic in Townsville, for a dental implant consultation. Otherwise, check out our dental implants service offering to learn more about who is eligible for dental implants and why someone may choose to have dental implants. If you’d like to learn more, Casey Dentists are always happy to answer your questions – call us today on 07 4725 3324.