Sometimes, you can’t help but lose a tooth by accident, no matter how careful you try to be. It could happen on a completely average day, such as by eating hard food or getting hit in the mouth while playing a sport. In many cases, though, most people lose their teeth because they’ve neglected to maintain good oral hygiene. If the thought of using dentures makes you cringe, fear not. You can replace your missing tooth with affordable and painless dental implant procedures in Queensland. Are you still unsure if this is a good option for you? Read on to find out exactly what this procedure is like and what you should expect going in.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are used as replacements for missing tooth roots. They act as a strong foundation or anchor that can bond with your jawbone, enabling the dentist to give you a permanent replacement tooth. Implants are usually made of titanium because it is a biocompatible material that the body easily accepts. The crowns placed on the implant are made of ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys, or base metal alloys, depending on the patient’s needs.
What Should I Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure?
First, you’ll need to consult a general dentist or prosthodontist to get a comprehensive exam. Your dentist will review your entire dental and medical history to determine how to best treat you. In order to make a model for your replacement tooth, the dentist will take X-rays and make impressions of your teeth and gums. Your dentist may also ask for a CT scan to figure out how much of your jawbone is available for holding implants in place. Should you not have enough available bone in your jaws, your dentist will work out a treatment plan to help you build up the bone. In cases like these, you may either have to go for bone grafting or bone distraction. The former procedure requires getting some bone from a different part of the body and adding it to the jaw. The latter procedure involves pulling apart existing bone with screws and pins in order to force the body to grow more bone.
Then, your dentist will make an opening in your jawbone to make room for the implant. Next, the implant will be placed in that newly created space. Afterwards, your dentist will use a screw to attach an abutment to the implant. Abutments are usually made of porcelain, titanium, or even gold, and will connect the crown to the implant. To finish the process, your dentist will screw or cement a crown onto the abutment. Your dentist will also cover up the screw hole using a composite that matches the colour of your teeth.
How Long Will the Entire Dental Implant Process Take?
The length of time will differ from patient to patient, as the severity of the problem is not the same for everyone. Generally speaking, the entire process (including surgery and putting in the crown) takes around five months for dental implants placed in the lower jaw. Meanwhile, it could take around six months for any implants installed in the upper jaw. If the patient needs to build up more bone, however, he or she may need at least twelve months or more.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
The biggest advantage is the fact that they look and feel almost exactly like your natural teeth. This means that won’t have to worry about people taking awkward glances at your replacement tooth. Dental implants are also permanent, and thus, your replacement tooth will not slide within your mouth, unlike dentures. Your speech will also be unimpaired since your replacement tooth won’t slip around and make you slur or mumble by accident. You’ll also be able to eat more easily since your replacement tooth won’t move around as you chew. Dental implants are also perfect for those who want to keep most of their teeth intact. This is because there is no need to reduce any of the teeth near the implant site. The best part is that dental implants are incredibly durable. They may cost quite a bit up front, but they will last you a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
Are Implants the Replacement Solution for You?
Still on the fence about getting dental implants? It all depends on how comfortable you are with the idea of it. Of course, there are other options, such as bridges and dentures. However, if you want the best replacements money can buy, dental implants are your best bet. Though implants may sound rather intimidating at first, they are a great way to get that perfect smile back. Should you be interested in getting some dental implants, make sure that you find a dentist that you are comfortable with. This will make the entire process much less stressful and increase your rate of success at the same time.