You may feel embarrassed to smile when you have a missing teeth. Dental implants can be a good solution. They are less painful and more affordable than you might think.
Want to know more about this revolutionary dental treatment? Our handy A-Z Guide will cover all the information you need.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is the procedure whereby the dentist inserts titanium implants into your jawbone. The surgery is carried out in stages over several months.
Dental implants are different from false teeth because they are permanently attached via surgery to the jawbone.
Why get a dental implant?
A tooth loss (or multiple teeth) caused by an accident, gum infection, tooth decay, or gum disease is a traumatizing experience. The gap left by a missing tooth will not only make it difficult to eat the foods you love, but will also affect your confidence and self-esteem.
Dental implants are more convenient for patients who previously used false teeth to improve their smile. They don’t fall out and they’re not removed to clean. Even though it is painful and expensive, thousands of Australians undergo surgery every year to restore a smile that has been lost for years.
Who can have a dental implants?
There are some exceptions, but most people who have at least one tooth missing can get a dental implant.
The jaw and teeth of children are still growing. The jaw development of each person is different, but dentists usually refuse to perform the procedure on children under 18.
Adults with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, auto-immune deficiencies, or drug addiction may not be eligible for dental implants. The recovery process is made more difficult and dangerous by these conditions. Smokers are also prohibited from surgery because the habit slows down the healing process.
How should I prepare myself for a dental implants?
Depending on the type anesthesia, the dentist may recommend that you avoid eating and drinking on the day of surgery. Patients may be told to take antibiotics and mouthwash chlorhexidine in the days before the surgery.
What happens during the dental implant procedure?
The process is divided into phases that take place over several months.
In the first stage, the dentist will provide a consultation in order to determine if the patient is a good candidate for surgery and to discuss other options such as dentures or dental bridges. The dentist will give the patient a list to help them prepare for the next step.
The dentist will first numb the gums using anesthesia so that the patient is not aware of any pain. The dentist will then make an incision into the gums to insert a root implant in the jawbone at the location of the missing teeth. The dentist will then seal the gums over the top to cover the implant.
After a few weeks, the patient rests to allow the bone to fuse with the implant. This will make it strong enough to hold the implant in place. The dentist will confirm that the implant is stable once he is satisfied. The artificial root will be covered with an abutment to secure the new tooth.
After the patient has rested, the gums will heal. The dentist will begin to mold a custom-made tooth, also known as a “crown”. Once the dentist is satisfied that the gums have healed properly, the crown can be placed over the abutment and the patient can enjoy their new tooth.
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
An anaesthetic dose sufficient to stop the patient feeling pain will be administered by a dentist with special training. Once the anaesthesia wears out, the patient may feel some discomfort for a few days.
How closely a patient adheres to the post-surgery instructions of the dentist will determine the severity of discomfort. The recovery period for patients who follow their dentist’s instructions and listen to them is not as bad as they think.
How long will it take for me to recover after a dental implants?
The swelling and discomfort can last for several days or even a week. They will gradually get less intense as time goes on. Avoiding hot and cold foods that are too chewy or abrasive, as well as eating on the opposite side of the mouth can help to minimize discomfort.
One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is an implant that will cover up your missing tooth. You’ll gain more self-confidence and feel better with a set of white pearly teeth.
You won’t find it cheap, but you can’t price a perfect smile. Contact your dentist in Geelong for dental implants today.
