Losing a tooth (or multiple teeth) can be a traumatic experience, both emotionally and aesthetically. If you are missing teeth and are dissatisfied with your smile, dental implants are the perfect solution for you as they are designed to provide a lifetime of support for your natural teeth and are a life-changing investment.
Adental implant is a prosthetic tooth that replaces a natural tooth damaged or lost due to trauma or disease. It comprises three components fitted into your mouth to replace the missing tooth fully. It not only feels and functions like a real tooth, but it also reduces the growth of bacteria in your mouth and supports the remaining teeth, so they stay anchored in their place.
Dental implants integrate with the jawbone, becoming a part of your body, making them a permanent treatment for tooth loss. Unlike dentures or bridges, which may require periodic adjustments and replacements, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime.
Who Needs Dental Implants?
There are several reasons a person could require dental implants, ranging from tooth decay to traumatic injury. Here is a comprehensive list with detailed explanations of why an individual might need dental implants:
Tooth decay
Severe dental cavities can result in the loss of the affected tooth, necessitating an implant to restore function and aesthetics.
Poor oral hygiene, high sugar consumption, or lack of dental check-ups often lead to tooth decay.
Periodontal disease
Inflammatory diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth may cause teeth to loosen or fall out. Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, are typically due to bacterial infections or the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
Traumatic injury
Accidents, sports injuries, or falls may result in broken or knocked-out teeth. These situations require dental implants to replace the damaged teeth and maintain the structural integrity of the jawbone.
Congenital defects
Some individuals are born with congenitally missing teeth, which can affect both function and appearance. Dental implants serve as an ideal solution to restore their dental arch and enhance their smile.
Tooth wear
Excessive grinding (bruxism) or dental erosion from acidic foods and beverages can lead to the loss of tooth structure. Dental implants may be necessary to prevent further damage and provide a resilient replacement.
Root canal failure
Endodontic treatments may not always successfully save the damaged tooth, leading to extraction and a subsequent need for an implant.
Bone loss and resorption
When a tooth is missing or extracted, the bone underneath starts to deteriorate, losing its density and mass. This can create an irregular dental ridge that may not support traditional dentures. Dental implants, through a process called osseointegration, stimulate bone growth and prevent further resorption.
Incompatibility with dentures
Some individuals may have difficulty tolerating or speaking and eating with removable dentures. Dental implants are a fixed, long-lasting alternative that offers improved comfort and usability.
Aesthetic concerns
In the case of front teeth that are highly visible, dental implants provide a natural appearance, matching the colour and shape of surrounding teeth. This can significantly improve an individual’s confidence and self-esteem.
Improved oral health
Gaps left by missing teeth can trap food particles and breed bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay in adjacent teeth. Dental implants help maintain oral health by filling these gaps and providing support to neighbouring teeth.
Once it has been established that dental implants are the best solution to restore a damaged smile, you and our qualified dentists will have a discussion about the way forward, which starts with deciding which dental implant to use.
Types of dental implants
There are two types of dental implants that are used for tooth replacement. They are chosen based on the location and number of teeth that need replacement, the strength of your jaw bone and the health of your remaining teeth.
Single dental implant
A single dental implant is a single post that is surgically fitted into the jawbone. It acts as an artificial root structure to support one dental crown.
This treatment typically takes several months to complete but provides a durable, natural-looking replacement for the lost tooth.
All-On-4 dental implants
All-On-4 is an innovative dental procedure that involves placing four dental implants into the jaw bone, allowing for a full set of prosthetic teeth to be placed onto the implants.
The All-On-4 procedure offers several advantages over traditional teeth replacement options, including a faster recovery time and less invasive treatment compared to other forms of dental reconstruction.
They also make it possible for those who have suffered from bone loss due to severe periodontal disease or other conditions to still receive prosthetic teeth without undergoing grafting or sinus lifts.
The Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant treatment usually comprises four steps.
Step One
If you live or work in Campbelltown and its surrounding suburbs, your first step in getting implant dentistry is to book an appointment with your dentist. In this initial consultation, your dentist will examine you in detail, will assess if you are a good candidate for dental implants, and will also discuss your goals.
Once your dentist has determined that you are a good candidate, the next step is to have a CT scan or 3D X-ray taken of your mouth so that they can create a customised treatment plan to restore your smile.
After your dentist has created a detailed treatment plan tailored for you, they will treat any pre-existing conditions, such as tooth decay or gum disease, as perfect oral health reduces the risk of dental implant failure.
Step 2
The next step in implant treatment is the actual dental implant surgery. This is typically done under local anaesthesia, although sedation may be used if you experience anxiety or have complex medical needs. During the surgery, small incisions will be made in your gums to place titanium posts into your jawbone.
The posts will act as roots for the artificial teeth or bridge and will help anchor the restoration to the jawbone. Once this post is in place, the gum tissue is stitched up and given time to heal around it. In some cases, additional minor surgery may be needed to shape and contour nearby bone tissue.
Once placed, the implant takes several months to fully integrate with the bone and form a strong bond. This integration process ensures that your new restoration is secure and stable, preventing any shifting or movement that could lead to further discomfort down the road.
Once this process is complete, you will return to your dentist so that they place abutments on the posts.
Step 3
After your jaw and gum have healed, an abutment (also made of titanium) is screwed onto the implant above the gum. This will connect the implant with your artificial tooth or bridge replacement. The abutment also serves as an anchor for your gum line so that it remains at its natural level surrounding your new restoration for a beautiful, seamless smile.
Step 4
Finally, an impression of your mouth will be made so that a customised crown or bridge can be created off-site by a dental lab technician using specialised materials such as porcelain or ceramic.
This replica restoration will fit securely over your abutment and blend perfectly with your existing teeth for a flawless look.
What to expect after dental implant treatment
Once your dental implant treatment is complete and your mouth has healed, you can look forward to the following:
Prosthetic Teeth That Look & Function Like Natural Teeth
Implants look and feel like natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to other tooth replacement options. Since the crown is customised to fit your dental arch and is coloured to match your natural teeth, it blends in completely and is indistinguishable from your real teeth.
Improved Jawbone Health
Implants help improve and preserve the patient’s jawbone health by mimicking real dental roots that stimulate the bone tissue and promote healthy bone growth, unlike dentures and bridges that are not connected to the bone at all. This helps prevent further tooth loss due to deteriorating jawbone health and associated conditions such as periodontal disease or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
An Unrestricted Diet
Patients can maintain their normal diet without restriction after dental implant treatment, as they will not slip from the place as traditional dentures often do when eating certain foods. Whether eating crunchy fruits and vegetables or enjoying nuts, dental implants make it possible and free of discomfort.
Easy to Care For Tooth Replacement
A dental implant does not require special cleaning treatments; it can be cared for just like a regular tooth would be brushed twice daily with regular toothpaste. Flossing once a day and a mouthwash rinse will help maintain the implant. This is a huge benefit compared to other options like removable dentures, which require special care.
Anchored Natural Teeth
Dental implants can prevent your natural teeth from drifting into the space left by missing teeth which is possible if you leave it unfilled or opt for other forms of tooth replacement, such as dentures or bridges.
Improved Speech
Dental implants can significantly improve speech as your ability to articulate words improves because the gaps are filled in, which helps the patient speak and pronounce words properly. A full arch of teeth can help you control your tongue movements better and enunciate words clearly.
Increased Self-Confidence
A full set of teeth is proven to positively impactyour social interactions, whether personal or professional. Having an attractive smile and being able to speak clearly will do wonders for your self-confidence, helping you shine.
Healthier Lifestyle
Before and after dental implants, it is imperative you modify your lifestyle choices. If you smoke or consume excessive alcohol, you will be advised to quit completely, as these habits can hinder your body’s natural response to healing and will greatly increase the chance of complications or even outright dental implant failure.
Transform Your Smile with Dental Implants Today!
Are you hiding your smile because of missing teeth? Don’t let dental issues affect your confidence and quality of life any longer! Imagine being able to eat your favourite foods, speak with confidence, and smile without any hesitation. Dental implant treatment can give you just that and more.
But time is of the essence. The longer you wait to address your dental concerns, the more they can worsen and potentially lead to serious health problems. Don’t let this happen to you.
Revitalise Your Smile Now: Life-changing Dental Implant Treatment at Available Dental Care
At Available Dental Care in Campbelltown, we offer a state-of-the-art dental clinic that delivers a comfortable and relaxing patient experience. Our highly-rated, caring, and compassionate dentist, Dr Shaun Lajevardi, has over 15 years of experience providing dental care to patients from all around Sydney. We use the latest Australian-made AstraTech implants to ensure natural-looking and long-lasting results. We understand that dental implant treatment can be a significant investment, which is why we offer a variety of payment plans to make treatment more affordable.
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back any longer. Make the decision to take control of your dental health now. Call Available Dental Care, your local dental clinic, on (02) 4601 3828 or book your appointment for a life-changing dental implant treatment. Your smile will thank you!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Dental implant surgery – Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
Types of Implants & Techniques – The Dental Implant Experts https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/types-of-implants-and-techniques/
