Dental Implants and How They Work
Tooth loss is a nightmare for everyone, especially those who have lost their front teeth. Apart from making it difficult to chew, the loss of the front teeth can significantly affect the capacity of people to smile and bring down their self-esteem.
Research conducted by the Australian Dental Association in early 2018 showed that almost 90 per cent of adults face some form of dental decay. It means that most people experience tooth loss multiple times in their life.
Tooth decay and periodontal diseases are two significant reasons for tooth loss. Apart from that, injuries and accidents also lead to tooth loss for many people. Age can influence the dental health of a person. As people get older, they become more vulnerable to teeth loss. Having diabetes and high blood pressure are two other important risk factors for teeth loss.
While proper dental care can better safeguard you from periodontal diseases and tooth decay, proactive measures such as mouthguards – recommended for sports people – can limit the risks of accidents and injuries.
Despite the best efforts, tooth loss is a reality for many people. For such people, dental implants become the primary solution for their worries. Compared to other options, dental implants are a popular and highly accepted dental replacement procedure across the globe. This is because dental implants closely replicate the functions of actual teeth and look similar to natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
It is a metal or ceramic screw implanted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. The dental implant works like a tooth root and supports the dentures and individual crowns fixed on it. The implants fuse to the patient’s jawbone and work as a permanent solution to their dental worries.
Dentists perform minor surgery on the jawbone to fix the implants on it. Dental implants became one of the most preferred tooth replacement options with consistent results.
Dentists have developed advanced dental implant techniques and procedures in recent decades to help patients with substantial teeth loss. For instance, All-on-4 is an amazing advancement in dental science for replacing an entire row of teeth with just four implants. It is a great solution for people who have lost many teeth or are struggling with edentulism.
Who Should Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most recommended option for missing teeth – single or multiple teeth. However, the patients should also fulfil oral conditions to achieve optimal results. It includes the following:
- Should have a fully-grown jawbone.
- Sufficient bone density to secure the implants.
- Have healthy oral tissue.
- Do not have any health issues that can affect bone healing.
Note that dental specialists perform bone grafting for patients who do not have sufficient bone density. Dentists also offer mini dental implants for people who cannot go for bone grafting. Mini dental implants are small-diameter implants that can be fixed into smaller jawbones. Dental implants are an excellent choice for people unwilling or unable to wear dentures.
Types Of Dental Implants
Dentists provide two types of dental implants based on the procedure: endosteal and subperiosteal implants. While endosteal implants are directly fixed into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are metal frames fitted onto the jawbone below the gum tissue.
Compared to subperiosteal implants, endosteal implants are most commonly used and provide more durable results.
Patients can choose metal or non-metal implants based on the material used. While titanium is the obvious choice for patients who want metal implants, zirconia is the option for people who wish for non-metal or ceramic implants.
Metal implants showcase excellent durability and strength compared to ceramic implants. However, it can experience corrosion; some patients may struggle with allergies. Studies show that titanium implants showcase a success rate of over 98 per cent after a decade of the surgery.
Zirconium implants do not show corrosion or any other oral issues once implanted. Since the implant comes in a creamy white colour that is aesthetically appealing, it becomes the most natural choice for a tooth replacement. However, it is less durable compared to titanium implants.
Dental Implant Process
The dental implant is a multi-step, lengthy process that can only be performed by dentists specialising in implant surgery. If you plan to choose dental implants, it is great to know the step-by-step procedure.
Analysing The Implant Site
Your dentists will examine the jawbone of the implant site to see whether it has sufficient density and strength to hold the implant. Before confirming the implants, they use X-rays, 3D imaging, and computed tomography scans to ensure bone density and structure.
The dentists will also check the nearby nerves and blood vessels to ensure no or minimal damage to them during the surgical process. As mentioned earlier, dentists will advise bone grafting or mini implants for patients with insufficient bone density.
Preparing The Implant Site and Positioning the Implant
On the treatment day, your dentist will cut and open your gum to expose the bone. The dentist will anesthetise the site before opening the gum tissue for the surgery. They will use a scalpel to access your jawbone for the surgery.
Once the jawbone is accessed, the dentist will drill a hole. Initially, dentists will drill halfway and insert an alignment pin to ensure the implant’s hole is at the right depth and angle. Once your dentists have aligned correctly, they will drill the site further to fit the implant perfectly.
The dentists will drill slowly and flush the implant site with saline or water. It avoids the overheating of bones during the drilling as it can slow the fusion of the implant to the bone.
Fixing The Implant
Some dental implants have “self-threading” capabilities and can create a thread in the jawbone while fixing. For other implants, dentists should use special instruments to create threads in the bone to screw the implant.
After the implant is fixed into the jawbone, dentists will place the gum flaps back and put sutures for healing. They will also put a special “implant cap” to protect the implant site and ensure quick gum recovery.
The healing and recovery period can vary based on the implant site and the techniques used to fix it. Note that the sutures put on the gums can usually be removed within ten days. The implant may take six months to fuse with the jawbone and be ready for the prosthetic.
Designing And Fixing New Teeth
After the implant fuses with the jawbone, your dentist will remove your implant cap and attach an abutment to the top. Finally, they will fix a crown or bridge – based on the number of missing teeth – on top of the abutment.
Note that the crown or bridge is prepared separately in the dental clinic or a dental lab to match the size, shape, and colour of your missing teeth. Dentists measure your jaws and gums after the implant surgery to prepare a matching crown or bridge.
The dentists will also advise you on the steps and care to ensure complete and quick healing. They will also schedule future examinations to ensure the implants provide you with effective results.
What Should I Do After a Dental Implant?
After dental implant surgery, several things typically happen, and your reactions should align with proper post-operative care. Here’s what you can expect and how you should react:
- Swelling and Discomfort: You might experience swelling and discomfort around the implant site and jaw. This is normal and can be managed with ice packs and prescribed pain medications.
- Bleeding: A small amount of bleeding is common right after surgery. Bite down on a gauze pad your dentist provides to help control bleeding.
- Bruising: This might occur due to the manipulation of tissues during surgery. Bruising typically subsides on its own over a few days. Applying a cold compress to the area during the first 24 hours can help minimise bruising.
- Pain: Some discomfort is expected after surgery, especially in the first few days. Take any prescribed pain medications as directed by your dentist. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage mild pain. Rest and avoiding strenuous activities can minimise discomfort.
How Should I Look After My Dental Implant?
Looking after your dental implant is crucial for its long-term success. Here’s how you must care for your dental implant:
1. Oral Hygiene
Maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue gently Maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue gently twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to keep your natural teeth and the implant clean.
2. Floss Regularly
Floss every day to clean between your teeth and around the implant. You may use a floss threader or interdental brush to reach tight spaces.
3. Avoid Tobacco
If you smoke, consider quitting. Tobacco can increase the risk of complications and hinder the healing process.
4. Choose Mouthwash Wisely
Use an alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash to keep your mouth clean without irritating.
5. Gentle Cleaning Around Implant
Be extra careful when cleaning around the implant area. Avoid putting excessive pressure on the implant to prevent irritation or damage.
6. Regular Dental Visits
Schedule regular dental checkups, typically every six months or as your dentist recommends. These visits let your dentist check your implant’s condition and oral health.
Advantages Of Dental Implants
Apart from being a permanent solution to the dental worries of many people, dental implants provide many other advantages:
- They improve the appearance of your smile as implants are designed to look and feel like your teeth.
- Dental implants help you to speak clearly without any mumbling of words. People who use traditional or poor-fitting dentures often struggle to speak due to teeth slipping into the mouth.
- While removable dentures make chewing difficult, dental implants work like natural teeth, allowing you greater freedom to enjoy your favourite foods without pain and struggle.
- Dental implants can bring back a bright smile on your face and help you to improve your self-esteem.
- Dental implants are long-lasting and provide consistent results compared to other teeth replacement options.
- Studies show that dental implants can enhance the oral health of patients. Compared to tooth-supported dental bridges, dental implants do not need the support of other teeth. This means that the adjacent teeth are not altered to fix the crown. Individual implants provide better access between teeth and ensure improved oral hygiene.
Dental Implants Cost
Dental implants may come with a higher cost. However, their improved appearance, function, and long-term oral well-being make them a valuable and worthwhile choice for many individuals..
Before embarking on the treatment, it’s advisable to understand all the associated costs clearly. This includes the implant itself and any additional procedures, materials, and appointments that might be required. If you’re covered by private health insurance, let’s inquire about the coverage you’ll receive for the dental implant procedure. Being well-informed about the costs and potential insurance coverage can help you decide about proceeding with dental implants.
Final Thoughts
While dental implants provide highly promising results, lack of care and dental hygiene can reduce the effectiveness of the results. For instance, smoking can lead to implant failure – the jawbone fails to fuse.
Regardless of if you decide to get dental implants, oral hygiene can help you to enhance the health of your natural teeth, gums, jaws, and implants. Good oral hygiene and care can increase the lifespan of dental implants. Titanium implants can provide lasting results for over 25 years if you give proper dental care.
You should also consult your dentist regularly to ensure oral health, including the implants.
Dental Implant Services in Melbourne
Dentist Port Melbourne is your destination if you’re seeking expert dental implant services in Melbourne for a lasting solution to your missing tooth. With a team of skilled dental surgeons and modern equipment, we provide exceptional dental implant solutions at competitive rates. Please book an appointment online or call us on (03) 9646 2577 for questions.
