Dental Implants: 10 Things You Should Know
Many individuals have heard about dental implants but do not understand why they are necessary. If you’d like to learn more about dental implants, here are 10 things you should know about dental implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are tooth replacements that appear and feel like real teeth.
There are two basic parts to your tooth:
- The crown, which part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line,
- and the root, which is coated in bone and lies below the gum line.
The dental implant, often constructed of titanium metal, is surgically implanted into your jawbone.
When a tooth falls out, a dental implant serves as an artificial root to which the new artificial crown or tooth is attached. The new replacement tooth seems and feels natural.
Do I need dental implants?
Whether you’re missing a tooth, you might be thinking if you need a dental implant or if you can live with the gap. But, when your teeth are extracted, your jawbone begins to shrink due to a lack of stimulation.
Dental implants are helpful for a variety of non-cosmetic reasons such as:
- keep your teeth from moving
- prevent bone loss
- prevent plaque from accumulating in unwanted gaps in your teeth, which can lead to damage and illness in the future
- prevent additional stress from being applied to teeth surrounding the hole, which can result in fractured, cracked, or shattered teeth
Do Dental Implants Cause Pain?
Many people are concerned about the discomfort of dental implants. Implants need drilling into the jawbone, which can be painful.
Depending on your pain tolerance and how concerned you are about the dental operation, we offer local anaesthetic and sedation dentistry.
The following are examples of common post-surgery symptoms:
- Gum and facial swelling
- Bruising of the gums and skin
- Pain around the implant
- Minor bleeding
As gums heal, many patients need to consume soft foods 10-14 days after surgery.
What issues do dental implants cause?
Dental implant surgery can have a few uncommon problems, such as:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Muscle numbness or damage to the sinus cavity
The implant may fail to connect to the bone in extremely rare circumstances, and the implant will not function.
What are the advantages of having dental implants?
- Enhancement of appearance
- Improved speech
- Increased self-confidence
- Improved oral health
- Long-lasting and durable
Dental Implants vs Dentures and Bridges
Bridges and dentures are the most common implant options.
However, neither of these options is as comprehensive or long-lasting as implants. Also, compared to bridges and dentures, the long-term expenses of implants are lower.
Is dental treatment appropriate for everyone?
Dental implants are excellent for people of all ages who want to replace missing teeth as long as there is adequate bone to hold the implant in place.
We do bone grafting treatments when the appropriate jaw bone is not present, such as in situations of long-term tooth loss.
Can any regular dentist do dental implants?
Dental implants are not performed by all dentists because this is a specialty procedure. Many dentists will refer you to an oral surgeon who has completed further training and courses.
We have highly qualified staff at Warrnambool Dental who will look after your health and well-being, especially when it comes to dental implants.
What is the expected lifespan of dental implants?
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. However, the longevity of dental implants is determined by several factors, including how well they are cared for.
How successful are dental implants?
The implant’s success rate is determined by where it is inserted in the jaw. Over 5 years, the lower jaw has a substantial likelihood of success (98 %).
The prognosis is worse the further back in the mouth you go, but it’s still over 90% after 5 years. But smoking reduces your chances of succeeding by at least 30%.
If you want to understand more about dental implants, we’ll be happy to assist you.
You can call us anytime on (03) 5562 4433.