What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post planted into the jawbone to take the place of the missing tooth root. As your body heals, bone and tissue form around the post as your body begins to treat it like a natural part of you. Once healed, a dental crown will be placed onto the post, which will look and function like a brand-new tooth.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
If you have a missing tooth, a dental implant is an ideal solution to replace it. Dental implants replace both the tooth and the root of missing teeth. Replacing the tooth root can save you problems like jawbone shrinkage and shifting teeth in the future.
Dental implants offer many benefits, including replacing teeth with a solution that looks, functions, and feels like natural teeth. Some of the main benefits of dental implants are:
- Replacing the entire tooth along with its root
- Osseointegration (the fusing process that occurs while a patient heals from dental implant treatment) keeps the jawbone intact.
- The dental implant stops jawbone shrinkage.
- Maintains facial structure by preventing bone loss
- The titanium post is biocompatible with human tissue.
- Prevents shifting and loss of surrounding teeth
- Brushing dental implants just like your own natural teeth
- Fill in the teeth missing from your smile.
Who is a good candidate for a dental implant?
A dental implant requires minor surgery, and there are some requirements for getting a dental implant, including:
Healthy bone is required for osseointegration (the fusing process that occurs while a patient heals from dental implant treatment). The jawbone where the implant will be placed must be strong enough to hold and heal around it.
There must be sufficient bone density and tissue for this procedure, and we will do a full screening to ensure your bone is healthy.
Healthy gums are important so the tissue can heal with the implant. Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis can affect your suitability for dental implants. However, we can treat gum disease. When your gums have healed, we will evaluate and see if your mouth can hold a dental implant.
Oral hygiene is important to ensure the implant and crown last a long time. It is also essential during healing for the quickest and safest recovery, so a commitment to oral hygiene is necessary.
Bruxism or teeth grinding might interfere with dental implant healing even after recovery. If you grind your teeth, let us know, and we may be able to help. There are treatments for teeth grinding, including mouth guards to keep your teeth safe.
What can I expect from the process of getting a dental implant?
There are two phases of treatment for getting dental implants.
1. Placing the dental implant
During this phase, the titanium post will be placed into your jawbone during minor surgery. You will then be given instructions on caring for your new implant and what you can do to assist the healing process. We will provide you with an idea of how long it will take to heal and return for the placement of your crown.
2. Securing the abutment and crown
On your second visit, the abutment and crown will be placed onto the healed implant. Your gums and bone should be healed by now, which relieves them of sensitivity. First, a small connector post called an abutment will be placed on the implant post. The dentist will then take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create your crown and will schedule the appointment to place it. When you return, we will secure the crown onto the implant and abutment, and your dental implant will be complete.
How long do dental implants last?
The life span of your dental implants will depend on many contributing factors, including your oral hygiene routine and how well you look after your teeth. We recommend regular dental check-ups and cleaning appointments to take the best care of your implants.
Factors that may affect the lifespan of your dental implant are:
- Smoking
- Oral hygiene
- Diet
- Bone mass
Is the dental implant procedure painful?
You shouldn't feel any pain during the dental implant procedure, as you will either be sedated or given a local anaesthetic. At your consultation appointment, your dentist will discuss the procedure and address any concerns you may have. As with other dental procedures, you may experience minor discomfort for a few days following the treatment.