Do you want a tough, lasting, and durable tooth replacement option? If the answer is yes, then dental implants are the perfect solution for you. Furthermore, they can help restore your smile and confidence. But what actually are tooth implants, and how do they function? Let’s dive in and discover the answers!
What are dental implants?
Dental implants, crafted from titanium, are designed to fuse with your jaw bone and serve as a solid foundation for artificial teeth. Not only do they blend in seamlessly with the colour of your existing teeth, but if you take proper care of them – they can last longer!
What are the different types of implants?
Endosteal implants – To restore a tooth or multiple teeth, endosteal implants are routinely implemented. This procedure involves inserting specialised cylinders or screws into the jawbone for support in order to provide secure integration with the bone tissue and create a successful restoration of your smile. As long as there is adequate strength within your jawbone, you may be an ideal candidate for this reliable technique!
Subperiosteal implants – For those who have been informed that there is not enough bone in their jaw to support an endosteal dental implant, a subperiosteal dental implant may be the solution for them. This type of dental prosthetic utilises a metal frame moulded over your jawbone and underneath your gums. This framework provides secure anchoring points to which dentures or bridges can be connected with posts.
What type of materials are employed to manufacture dental implants?
Titanium is the ideal material for dental implants due to its lightweight and impressive strength. For patients who are concerned about their body’s reaction to metal or have an intolerance or autoimmune disorder, zirconium may be the best choice. This composite is just as effective at providing sturdy anchors in implant posts while avoiding potential adverse reactions from metallic substances.
Titanium and zirconium are common choices for dental implants because they offer a combination of durability and the ability to integrate with the jawbone.
For the most natural-looking results with your implant, your dentist will take precise photos and use colour guides for reference to create artificial teeth that perfectly match the hue and shape of your real teeth.
Crafted from porcelain and acrylic resin, these fabricated pearly whites allow you to enjoy a full set of beautiful, functional smiles once again!
How is the dental implant procedure carried out?
The dental implant process involves three primary steps, each of which is essential to a successful and long-lasting restoration. Now let’s delve deeper into the details of this procedure.
Consultation
Once a patient schedules an appointment with the oral surgeon, they will assess the condition of their mouth to determine if dental implants are a feasible solution. To move forward in this process, the patient should be ready to answer questions regarding previous medical history as well as desired outcomes from implant treatment.
To determine the ideal spot for placement, the dentist will take a 3D scan and X-rays.
Dental implant placement
Dental implant surgery is a relatively straightforward process that takes place in the dentist’s clinic while a patient is under local anaesthetic. The titanium implants are carefully placed below the gum tissue into the jawbone, and each procedure generally requires 1-2 hours to complete.
An imperative procedure in dental implant restoration is osseointegration, a process that allows the implants to merge with the jawbone. Within several months, these implants will be capable of firmly anchoring an artificial tooth in place.
Attaching the artificial tooth
To complete the process, the dentist will attach the artificial tooth to the implant; this process is carried out in the clinic. It typically requires about an hour and is performed with a local anaesthetic for comfort.
Am I the right candidate for dental implants?
1. You should have a healthy mouth
To receive successful dental implants, it is important to have a healthy mouth. This means that your teeth must be free of cavities or gum disease, and you should discuss any other health concerns with your dentist. Taking these steps will ensure that the implant surgery runs smoothly and safely for you! To move forward with dental implants, it is necessary for your dentist to approve that there is sufficient jawbone density as well as healthy teeth and gums.
2. You should stay away from smoking and chewing tobacco
Those who abstain from smoking or tobacco consumption are the ideal candidates for dental implants, as there is a greater risk of implant failure among smokers due to the chemicals in smoke that impede proper healing. Even if you smoke, implants can still be a viable option. It’s paramount, however, that smoking ceases before, during, and after the tooth implant procedure to ensure successful healing.
3. Your jaw should possess an adequate bone density
The density of your jawbone is a crucial element in determining whether dental implants will be suitable for you. This is because the implant needs to be securely positioned into your jaw, meaning that there must be enough bone mass to support it. If the required level of bone density isn’t present, then, unfortunately, an implant cannot be placed.
If dental implants have been on your mind, but you worry that there isn’t enough bone in the area to support them, a bone graft could be the solution for you. The bone grafting technique consists of supplementing an insufficient area with either natural or artificial bone material in order to construct and fortify the existing bone structure so it can accommodate the dental implant. After your jaw recovers and heals properly from this procedure, implants can safely be added without any complications.
How to keep your tooth implants in top condition?
Wondering how to keep your tooth implants in top condition? Follow these simple steps for proper care and maintenance of your dental implants.
Floss regularly
Cleaning your dental implants is easy and simple with specially created flosses! To maintain optimal oral health, be sure to consistently floss around your implant sites so you can prevent any problems such as plaque accumulation.
Use gentle cleaning products
To ensure your dental implants remain healthy, you must use gentle cleaning products. Harsh abrasives are incredibly painful and should be avoided.
Additionally, steer clear of oral hygiene items with excessive flavours, such as mint or cinnamon; they can often induce an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Use a nylon brush
If you’ve recently gotten dental implants, it is recommended to switch your toothbrush to one with nylon bristles. Such a brush can be gentler and more pliable in order to avoid any harm coming to the implants. You need to brush twice daily as well as abstain from utilising metal objects when cleaning your mouth – both are crucial if you want the best chance at preserving the longevity of implants!
Make sure to visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups
If you want a smile that will sparkle and shine, dental implants may be an excellent option for you. But keep in mind that they are not the only solution; it is just as important to prioritise regular checkups with your dentist every six months or according to your particular oral health needs. With proper care, these implants can last you many decades – if not your entire life! Hence, make sure to stay on top of maintenance appointments in order to maintain the longevity of this investment.
Avoid consuming hard and sticky foods
If you have dental implants, ensure that your diet does not include foods like hard candies, potato chips, crunchy dried fruit, and caramel which could prove to be very damaging. Not only could these sticky and hard items damage the implant itself, but they can also hurt any teeth opposite it. Be mindful of what types of snacks may cause harm!
Why should you get implants?
1. Tooth implants protect the positioning of your remaining natural teeth
Don’t let a missing tooth dent your confidence! When you don’t replace it, the surrounding teeth start to move — and not in a good way. Not only will this affect your smile, but also make it harder to get dental implants down the road to prevent more shifting of healthy teeth. Dental implants can help enhance your radiance while keeping other pearly whites stable. Get ready for that beautiful new grin!
2. Tooth implants allow you to enjoy your meals and communicate naturally
If you have a missing tooth, your speech and biting may be off balance. This is because when you’re trying to make certain sounds or putting pressure on your teeth with biting, they don’t line up properly like before. Thankfully, dental implants act as natural replacements for teeth which makes it easier to converse and dine without any complications.
3. Tooth implants are easy to take care of
Taking care of your dental implants is simple – treat them as you would any other tooth in your mouth. That means brushing and flossing just like normal; no need to invest in additional products or tools!
4. Tooth implants are natural-looking
Dental implants are designed to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, allowing you to maintain a flawless smile without anyone ever knowing that you’ve had dental work done. Their colour and shape replicate that of natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from real ones!
5. Tooth implants are made to last for several years
An excellent choice for your long-term dental health, tooth implants can last a lifetime with the appropriate maintenance. Different from other alternatives out there in terms of durability and longevity, tooth implants are an ideal solution!
6. Tooth implants are not affected by cavities
Unlike living teeth, dental implants are immune to tooth decay due to their non-organic construction. An implant is radically different from a natural tooth, as it does not have any parts that may lack blood flow or trap food particles that corrode the enamel.
Instead, this dental device consists of plastic, porcelain, resin, and metal to ensure longevity and optimum performance.
When can you safely begin eating again following a tooth implant surgery?
After dental surgery, it’s generally safe to consume liquids while being aware of the tenderness in your mouth and gums. To decrease any irritation, focus on liquid foods instead of solid ones. It is essential that you stay hydrated; however, please drink by using a straw in order to avoid aggravating your incision sites.
As you prepare for your surgery, it is key to have pre-prepared liquid meals on hand or ask someone else to take care of this task. Your digestive system will require liquids only for the first day up until two days after surgery. Therefore, having drinks that are packed with nutrients and easy to consume postoperatively makes all the difference in a fast recovery process!
What should you eat after dental implant surgery?
After your surgery, it’s recommended that you consume soft foods and try to limit the amount of chewing for several weeks. To make this easier, here are a few nutritious options of food that will require no munching at all! Not only do these meals provide convenience during recovery, but they are also packed with vital minerals and vitamins that can speed up your healing process.
- Oatmeal
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Meal replacement shakes
- Smoothies
- Cooked vegetables
Get quality and affordable implants at Oakleigh Smiles
Has tooth loss left you wondering how to achieve your perfect smile? Consider dental implants! At Oakleigh Smiles, we offer the highest quality implant services that fit all budgets. We provide full sets or individual implants tailored to fulfil each and every one of your needs – so don’t let missing teeth limit the possibilities for a radiant grin. Get back that winning smile with our unbeatable implant solutions today! Contact us on (03) 9007 2258 to book your consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental Implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants
Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure
