If you have recently lost teeth due to illness or injury and aren’t too keen on having dentures or fitted bridges to replace them you may be an ideal candidate for oral implants.
Similar to dentures in their design, oral implants are designed to fill the spaces left by missing teeth and are shaped to match any surrounding natural teeth you have in size, shape and colour. A long-term solution, with proper aftercare, oral implants can last up to 40 years and can change your oral health and confidence for the better.
Is there a catch? Not really; when you ask your dentist about dental implants in Melbourne, they will need to check that your oral health is in good shape, and ensure you do not have periodontal disease or decay. Then, once X-rays and CT scans are performed to check the density of your jawbone, you can begin your oral implant journey.
Let’s go back a bit and start at the beginning. What exactly is an oral implant? Do they always work? Is the fitting process painful? This brief guide will shed light on this popular and impressive cosmetic dental treatment.
What are oral implants?
Dental implants from your dentist are composed of 2 parts; the implant and the crown.
The implant itself resembles a small, titanium screw in appearance, and is placed into your jawbone prior to the crown being fitted.
The crown is the part of the implant that shows once the surgery is completed, also known as the prosthetic tooth or teeth. It is screwed onto the exposed part of the implant, holding the prosthetic tooth firmly in place.
Does the fitting hurt?
When you have dental implants fitted by the dental professional, the process is not painful.
Your dentist will numb the gum line and gently make incisions into predetermined places in your gum tissue. Gently exposing the bone, small holes will be drilled into your jaw and then the implant(s) are placed.
Once your dentist is happy with the placement, your gum will be sewn up using disposable stitches and you will need to see your dental team in 2 weeks time to check progress.
What about the prosthetics?
Depending on how many teeth you have lost, your dental team may decide you only require 1 implant and 1 crown, or, in extreme cases, you can have a complete set of overdentures fitted, which will require about 6-8 implants to support.
The crowns are usually fitted about 3-6 months after the implants, as your jaw has to grow around the implants to anchor them in place.
Are they successful?
Provided you take care of your oral implants and do not engage in lifestyle choices like excessive drinking or smoking, your implants will last several years.
The success rate of oral implants is over 95% and so, they are a worthwhile investment in both your cosmetic and oral health.
Where can I get them fitted?
Most dental surgeries offer implants, so ask your dental team about them today!
DISCLAIMER
All dental treatments carry potential risks. Contact your local dental team for more information about the procedures mentioned in this article.
