Have you ever considered getting dental implants to fill in gaps in your teeth or to recreate an attractive smile? If so, you’re not alone. Dental implants are a popular option to improve oral health and appearance. Here’s an overview of the tooth implant process from planning to after-care.
What are tooth implants?
A tooth implant is a name for three components that make up a prosthetic tooth.
The actual implant is a titanium screw-like post that acts like an artificial tooth root and is surgically implanted into the jawbone to provide a secure, long-lasting foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth.
The abutment is a connector between the implant and the replacement tooth or teeth, placed in your gum to provide a secure connection between the titanium root and the artificial tooth.
The crown (or bridge) is the visible part that looks like a natural tooth, restoring both form and function to your smile.
Why are tooth implants necessary?
Tooth implants are necessary for various reasons, ranging from restoring the aesthetic appearance of your smile to improving oral function.
People may get dental implants when they have lost one or more teeth due to decay, trauma, or gum disease. Tooth loss can impact an individual’s self-esteem and confidence, and tooth implants can help restore a person’s smile and improve oral health.
Another reason to get tooth implants is to provide a secure base for dentures or bridges, which often become loose or uncomfortable over time. Dental implants offer a permanent solution that won’t shift around when you chew or speak.
What should I know before getting dental implants?
Going through the dental implant procedure can be a positive experience for many people. It replaces lost or missing teeth, allowing them to have the function and look of natural teeth again.
Before embarking on this journey, it’s important to understand that a few factors can affect whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
First and foremost, whether you require a single dental implant or an All-On-4, you must have healthy gums and adequate bone support in your jaw to ensure the implant is securely attached.
Gum disease, smoking, and diabetes can all cause complications during the tooth implant process. It’s also important to have realistic expectations regarding the results of the implant.
Your dentist will evaluate your situation and talk to you about any additional procedures that may be needed, such as bone grafting or gum tissue regeneration.
The dental implant process
The process of dental implants begins with a preliminary consultation with our experienced and highly-qualified dentists. During this appointment, you will discuss your dental history and the goals of your treatment plan.
The first step
The dentist will then perform a physical examination and put you through different diagnostic tests (like x-rays and CT scans) to assess your gums and jawbone structure to determine if dental implants are viable for you.
If our dentists decide that tooth implants are the best solution for you, they will take a 3D scan of your mouth and create a customized treatment plan outlining the steps to implantation.
The second step
Once the customised plan to replace your missing tooth or teeth is approved, the next step will be performing pre-treatment procedures, including dental cleaning, treating dental decay and periodontitis or even a bone graft.
We will move to the next step once you completely recover from these.
The third step
This is the first step in the actual dental implant surgery.
Before the surgical procedure, an anaesthetic will be administered to ensure comfort or put you under if you are especially nervous about it.
During the surgery, your dentist will prepare the implant site by drilling a hole in your jawbone. The titanium post is then surgically implanted into the drilled hole. This post will act as the anchor point for the prosthetic tooth or teeth.
Once the implant is in place, our skilled dentist will use sutures to close your gum, and you will be sent home.
Implant placement can take a couple of hours, depending on the complexity of the case, after which it will take 3 – 6 months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This fusing of the implant with your bone is what gives it gives dental implants strength and durability.
The fourth step
The next step in dental implant treatment is the placement of the abutment. During this stage, our experienced dentist will uncover the implant already placed in your jawbone and attach the abutment to it.
They will then arrange the gum tissue so it heals around the abutment, leaving the top portion exposed.
Your body will then be allowed to heal; it can take anywhere from 4 – 6 weeks for the gum tissue to heal fully.
This is also when our highly-rated dentist will take an impression of your mouth to have artificial teeth made that will fit precisely.
The last step
The last step in replacing your missing tooth is the dental crown placement, which is the actual tooth.
This takes place when your gum has healed fully and the custom-created artificial tooth is ready. Your dentist will attach it to the abutment by using strong dental cement.
This is where you can benefit from having our experienced and knowledgeable dentists involved in this process, as they can make sure the crown fits perfectly in place and looks natural.
Benefits of getting a tooth implant
A tooth implant is a great solution for missing teeth as it has many benefits.
Permanent dental solution
Once you get a dental implant, it’s there forever. The titanium post is embedded into your jawbone and will not get displaced unless there is major trauma or loss of bone matter.
You will no longer require dental bridges or fiddly dentures that are difficult to fit and remove or slip and slide when talking or eating.
Mimics natural teeth exactly
Dental implants are custom designed to mimic your natural teeth exactly, so no one will be able to tell the difference, not even you!
They look and feel like your natural teeth, and you need not worry about them being uncomfortable or misshapen.
Less expensive option in the long run
Dental implants are a cost-effective solution when compared with other tooth replacement options.
While the initial cost may be higher, they are not as expensive in the long run because you don’t have to keep replacing them like dentures or bridges.
This makes them a great option if you want a permanent solution without breaking the bank.
Improved jaw bone density
The implant fused to the jawbone helps to stimulate bone growth and prevent further bone loss. This is an especially important benefit for those who are missing many teeth or have had bone grafts before the implant surgery.
Better speech
Another great benefit of dental implants is that they improve your speech.
Gaps in your smile and ill-fitting or loose dentures do not regulate airflow or give your tongue the support required to form words correctly.
No dietary restrictions
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants do not come with dietary restrictions.
You can eat whatever you want without fearing your restorations will slip or crack, as may be the case with dentures.
This makes them a great solution for those looking to maintain their lifestyle and diet without any changes.
Restored chewing action
Dental implants help restore the chewing action of your teeth.
The implant provides a secure base to hold the crown in place, allowing you to chew and bite with more confidence, which can lead to enjoyment of the meal itself and better nutrition since the food is ground up and can be absorbed properly in the digestive tract.
Improved facial structure
Missing teeth can cause a sunken or collapsed look to the face, and dental implants help to restore and maintain your facial structure.
The implant fused to the jawbone provides support for your lips and cheeks, which helps prevent further sagging of the skin after tooth loss.
This will help you retain a youthful appearance and increase your self-confidence.
Increased self-confidence
For many, tooth loss can cause embarrassment and lead to decreased self-confidence. This is especially true for more visible teeth such as your front ones. Dental implants help you regain that lost confidence by restoring your smile and creating a natural look.
This will also help boost your overall morale and improve your quality of life.
Anchor for remaining teeth
Dental implants help to anchor the remaining teeth in the jaw.
If you have a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth can drift into the space and cause misalignment of your bite.
Having an implant in place will help keep your existing teeth stable and prevent them from shifting out of alignment.
Lowered chance of dental decay
Getting a dental implant also reduces your chances of getting cavities or other forms of dental decay, as the material used for the implant is not susceptible to decay. There are also no difficult-to-reach gaps and nooks that prevent proper cleaning and possibly lead to dental decay.
Cost of dental implant surgery
The cost of the dental implant procedure depends upon various factors, such as:
The complexity of your case
The complexity of a dental implant case can significantly impact the overall cost.
This is due to several factors, including additional procedures, materials and time needed to complete the implant procedure.
However, the extra steps involved only strengthen the implants and ensure your investment will be paying rewards for decades to come.
The type of implant used
The type of implant used in dental implant treatment can impact the cost of the procedure.
For instance, implants made from titanium are usually more expensive than those made from plastic or ceramic because of their superior durability and strength.
It is important to remember that while cheaper components may have a lower cost up-front, you may need to pay to have them repaired or replaced a few years down the road, raising the final price to the initial premium one or even higher.
The number of implants needed
The number of implants needed for dental implant treatment can significantly affect the price.
It stands to reason that the more implants a person needs to replace missing teeth, the more expensive the treatment is likely to be.
Your geographical location
The cost of dental implants differs, depending on your geographical location. Dental implants could be more expensive in cities than in rural areas due to the higher cost of living in urban areas, affecting dental implant treatment costs.
The experience and qualifications of the dental professional
The dental professional’s experience and qualifications can affect the dental implant treatment price. More experienced and qualified professionals may charge higher fees for their services. However, these professionals may also be able to provide better quality care, which can lead to better results and fewer complications.
Why choose Toothsome for top-class dental implant treatment in Sydney?
We believe that when it comes to choosing quality dental implant treatments in Sydney, there is no better option than Toothsome.
Caring, patient-centric treatment
Our experienced and dedicated team of experts is committed to providing our patients with professional, friendly, and personally tailored care.
We understand that the process can be quite daunting and strive to ensure that your experience is as comfortable as possible before, during, and after treatment.
Experienced dentists
As experts in dental implants, our experience is second to none; we have the expertise and knowledge necessary to ensure your dental restoration procedure is as efficient, safe, and painless as possible.
Our team has treated everything from simple to more complex cases!
Latest technology and techniques
Using the latest methods in both conventional and computer-guided surgery, we specialize in expertly placing dental implants with precision. We employ cutting-edge technology to make sure our results are nothing short of perfection.
Best quality materials
At Toothsome, we only use the best quality implants and materials available on the market. We believe in providing our patients with the best, so when you come to us for dental implants, we will make sure they are of the highest quality possible.
Competitive prices
We strive to provide our services at competitive and affordable rates, which is why we offer payment plan options to suit all budgets.
This ensures that our patients can get the treatment they need, no matter their budget.
Get your confidence back with Toothsome’s expert dental implant treatment – book now!
Top-class, 5* rated restorative dentistry has an address! Book an appointment to discuss your dental implant treatment with our expert dentists in our Chatswood and Baulkham Hills clinics.
- Sydney CBD on (02) 9159 3728
- Baulkham Hills on (02) 9158 6637
- Chatswood on (02) 8203 8786
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental implant surgery – Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622/ Why Choose Dental Implants? Calperio.org
https://www.calperio.org/public-resources/dental-implants/why-choose-dental-implants/
