Dental Implants

An Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

Dental Implants – An Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

Members of NobleDentist save hundreds and even thousands of dollars at participating dentists throughout Australia. Membership for 24 months is just $99.95. To learn more, click on dental.

If you are self-conscious about missing teeth or wearing dentures, there’s an alternative that may be right for you: dental implants. Dental implants are one option for replacing missing or badly diseased teeth. A dental implant offers comfort and stability and, by virtue of the artificial tooth it supports, is a restoration that is the closest thing to a natural tooth.

What is a dental implant?

Implants are manufactured “anchors” that look like cylinders or screws. They are artificial replacements for natural tooth roots. Implants are used in upper and lower jaws. They are made of titanium and other material that are well suited to the human body. They attach to the jawbone and gum tissue to become a stable base for one or more custom artificial replacement teeth, called dental crowns.

Dental implants have been used for several decades. Patients of all ages have chosen dental implants to replace a single tooth or several teeth or to support partial or full dentures. It’s no surprise. Dental implants and their crowns help restore the ability to chew food. They help fill out a face that otherwise could look sunken because of missing teeth. Unlike dentures, implants and crowns are not removed for overnight soaking and cleaning. No adhesives are needed.

The Dental Implant Process

Treatment generally is a three part process that takes several months.

In the first step, participating dentists surgically place the implant in the jaw with the top of the implant slightly above the top of the bone. A screw is inserted into the implant to prevent gum tissue and other debris from entering. The gum then is secured over the implant. The implant will remain covered for approximately three to six months while it fuses with the bone, a process called “osseointegration”. There may be some swelling, tenderness or both for a few days after the surgery, so pain medication usually is prescribed to alleviate the discomfort. A diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup often is recommended during the healing process.
In the second step, the implant is uncovered and a participating dentist attaches an extension called a post, to the implant. The gum tissue is allowed to heal around the post. Some implants require a second surgical procedure in which a post is attached to connect the replacement teeth. With other implants, the implant and post is a single unit placed in the mouth during the initial surgery. Once healed, the implant and post can serve as the foundation for the new tooth.
In the third and final step, a participating dentist makes a crown which has a size, shape, colour, and fit that will blend with your teeth. Once completed, the crown is attached to the implant post.

Are dental implants right for you?

Who’s a good candidate for implant treatment? You are, if you’re in good health and have healthy gums and adequate bone to support an implant. You must be committed to thorough oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy and to scheduling regular dental visits. Ask a participating dentist if implants are an option for you.

Members of NobleDentist save hundreds and even thousands of dollars at participating dentists throughout Australia. Membership for 24 months is just $99.95. To learn more, click on dentist.

If you enjoyed this article, you can read other similar articles by clicking on Your Oral Health.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants – An Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

What is a dental implant?

The Dental Implant Process

Are dental implants right for you?

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