Despite their popularity, not everyone understands how dental implants work and what to expect during the procedure. Dental implants are one of the popular options for artificial teeth because they provide a permanent solution to missing teeth.
If you have one or more missing teeth and want to learn more about dental implants, consider the information below about the treatment.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant refers to a small titanium rod that an oral surgeon embeds into your jaw bone in place of a missing tooth root. A resin or porcelain artificial tooth rests on top of the implant. The procedure has a high success rate.
Different Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants fall into two categories. The first, an endosteal implant, resembles a screw the oral surgeon inserts into the jaw bone. Subperiosteal implants are the second option for people with shallow bones that the surgeon places under the gum line but over the jaw bone in patients.
Ideal Dental Implant Candidates
Dentists and oral surgeons are likely to recommend dental implants for someone with at least one missing tooth and healthy gums. The patient would also need to have enough jaw bone support to accommodate the dental implant. However, the surgeon may perform a bone graft to help build enough bone density for someone with mild or moderate bone density loss.
When Are Dental Implants Necessary?
Dental implants do more than replace teeth to improve a person’s smile. Losing a tooth can cause several issues for a person’s dental and oral health. For instance, the neighbouring teeth near a gap will eventually shift toward the space, creating further changes to your smile and bite.Losing a tooth due to dental trauma, tooth decay, or gum disease also affects your jaw bone. A tooth’s root stimulates bone growth, and a dental implant will replace the missing tooth root and reduce the bone’s density loss.
If you receive dental implants to improve your smile and oral health, you won’t need to take them at night, like dentures. They will stay in your mouth for ten to 20 years as long as you practice good oral hygiene.
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure
The implant procedure begins with digital scans and X-rays to determine where the surgeon should place the rod. The oral surgeon will fit the implant into the jaw bone during a minor surgery after applying an anaesthetic to the area.
After a few months, the bone will bond to the titanium rod. When it’s stable, the dentist will create a foundation for the new tooth and take a mould of your mouth to ensure the artificial tooth matches your natural teeth. When the new tooth is ready, the dentist will cement it to the implant’s foundation.
Improve Your Smile with Coast Family Dental
Coast Family Dental transforms the smiles of Currimundi, QLD, residents with dental implants and other affordable cosmetic dentistry services. As a member of the Australian Dental Association, our friendly staff strives to improve the oral health of every patient at our modern dental office. Request an appointment today online or by calling (07) 5437 9000.
