A dental implant procedure involves inserting an artificial tooth into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. These implants can support a crown, bridge, or denture, and are one of the best choices if you have a missing tooth, as the implants are strong and durable.
Let’s take a closer look at dental implants and the procedure to see if it might be right for you.
What Is a Dental Implant?
As mentioned above, a dental implant is an artificial tooth that is inserted into the jawbone. These implants can support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, facial prosthesis, or even act as an orthodontic anchor in bit correction treatments and other orthodontic procedures.
Dental implants are usually made from titanium or titanium alloys, materials that are known for their toughness, durability, and compatibility with body tissues. Unlike dentures, which can be removed, dental implants are permanent fixtures. Because they are fixed into the jawbone, they provide significant benefits in terms of comfort, appearance, and function, closely mimicking the feel and function of natural teeth.
Who Are Dental Implants Right For?
Of course, the first criterion in deciding if you’re right for a dental implant is whether you have a tooth or teeth missing. Let’s look at some specific criteria that could make you a perfect candidate for a dental implant.
Healthy Jawbone
Your jawbone is the foundation for the implant. It must be healthy and dense enough to support the implant. If your jawbone is too thin or weak, you may require a bone graft before proceeding.
Sufficient Bone
Adequate bone density is crucial for implant support. This criterion is closely related to the health of your jawbone but focuses on whether there’s enough bone volume for implant integration.
Healthy Oral Tissues
The health of your gums and surrounding oral tissues is vital. Gum disease or other oral health issues can compromise the success of the implant.
No Compromising Medical Conditions
Certain chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, can affect healing and might complicate the implant process. Your overall health and any medications you take will be assessed.
Non-Smokers
Smoking can hinder healing in the mouth, making the success of an implant less likely. Non-smokers or those who can quit during the implant process and healing are ideal candidates.
Age
Candidates should have a jawbone that’s reached full growth, which typically means dental implants are more suited to adults rather than children or teenagers.
Alternatives to Dentures
If you’re unable or unwilling to wear dentures, implants offer a permanent solution that doesn’t require the maintenance or lifestyle adjustments associated with dentures.
Speech Improvement
Missing teeth can affect speech. Implants can restore natural speech by filling in gaps that may cause lisping or other speech impediments.
Time Commitment
The process of getting an implant can span several months, as it requires time for healing and integration of the implant into the bone. A willingness to commit to this process is necessary.
Lifestyle
Candidates who are willing to maintain good oral hygiene and visit their dentist regularly will see the best long-term results from their implants.
If you meet some of these criteria, dental implants could significantly improve your quality of life by restoring both the function and aesthetics of your natural teeth. It’s important to have a thorough consultation with your dentist or dental specialist to determine your eligibility for this transformative procedure.
Common Risks Associated with Dental Implant Surgery
While a dental implant procedure is generally very safe, there are certain risks associated with it.
Infection at the Implant Site
As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the site of the implant. Strict adherence to post-surgical care instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene can significantly reduce this risk.
Injury or Damage to Surrounding Structures
During the implant procedure, there’s a risk of injury to surrounding teeth or blood vessels. This is why choosing a highly skilled and experienced dental surgeon is critical, as they can minimise the likelihood of such damage.
Nerve Damage
One of the more serious risks involves damage to the nerves in the jaw, which can result in pain, numbness, or tingling in your natural teeth, gums, lips, or chin. This condition can be temporary or permanent and is a consideration especially when implants are placed in the lower jaw.
Sinus Problems
For implants in the upper jaw, there’s a risk that the implant could protrude into one of the sinus cavities, leading to sinus problems. Special techniques and careful planning are used to avoid this risk, including potentially sinus augmentation or choosing an implant size and placement that avoids the sinus cavities.
Despite these risks, dental implants remain a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth for most people. By working closely with your dentist and following their advice, you can enjoy the benefits of dental implants while minimising the potential for complications.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Dental Implants
Ensuring the success of your dental implant involves meticulous oral hygiene and lifestyle choices. Here’s how to safeguard your investment:
Practise Excellent Oral Hygiene
- Use special brushes, like interdental brushes, to clean around implants and gums.
- Maintain a daily routine of brushing twice and flossing, including an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce infection risks.
Regular Dental Checkups
- Visit your dentist regularly for implant check-ups and professional cleanings.
- Follow tailored oral care advice from your dental professional to adjust your hygiene practices as needed.
Avoid Damaging Habits
- Steer clear of hard foods and substances like ice and hard sweets that can damage crowns and natural teeth.
- Quit smoking; it hinders healing and increases failure risks.
- Avoid tooth-staining substances such as tobacco and caffeine.
- Seek treatment for teeth grinding to avoid excessive force on the implant.
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Embrace a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support gum and bone health.
Adopting these measures not only maximises the implant’s success but also promotes overall oral health. Remember, a dental implant is a long-term commitment to your smile and wellbeing; caring for it is paramount.
Choose Granite Belt Dental for Your Dental Implant
If you live in Stanthorpe, Warwick, Inglewood, or surrounds, then choose Granite Belt Dental for your implant dentistry today.
We provide professional dental implant services and we will be happy to help you with yours. Please contact us today to book your appointment.
