Dental implants are a dental procedure to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. The dental implant method is used by specially trained Oxenford dentists for a number of reasons.
If you have a missing tooth and are on the fence about getting it replaced, it’s important to begin at the beginning and to ask the following question.
Why is it important to replace missing teeth?
- Missing teeth affect a person’s confidence, particularly if the missing teeth are visible when you smile or affect the way you chew.
- Missing teeth allow surrounding teeth to become crooked and to change positions. This has an impact on appearance.
- Now that the teeth aren’t close up against each other, there is an increased chance of tooth decay establishing itself in hard to reach areas and pockets.
- The exposed gum can become sensitive and develop gum disease.
Your face may change appearance as the bone structure in your jaw shrinks because it is missing a root. - You may develop jaw pain if the way that you chew food or close your teeth together in your bite is affected. This pain is often in the temporomandibular joint.
- All of the above factors combined make it harder to replace a missing tooth as time goes on. Replacing teeth is most effective and more guaranteed as a possibility if the missing tooth is addressed early with the help of your dentist Oxenford.
What are dental implants and how do they work?
A dental implant has two parts to it. The first part is a screw, commonly made out of titanium. This screw is the ‘implant’ and for most dental implants (known as endosteal implants). It implants into your gum and your jawbone during a surgical procedure, under anaesthetic, at your Oxenford cosmetic dentist.
Because of the involvement of your bones and gums, your Helensvale dentist will first assess whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. Those who smoke, have diabetes, or have compromised immune systems may not be able to have dental implants.
The second part is an artificial tooth, also known as a crown, that is fixed onto this implant. This crown looks life-like, and it makes it possible for you to chew and bite comfortably again.
Before a permanent crown is placed on the implant, it is important that the implant is first given time to fuse properly with the jawbone. Therefore, a temporary crown is often placed, for purposes of getting used to the crown and to maintain the appearance of the tooth in the meantime.
The process of bone fusing can take between two and six months, meaning that dental implants are a solution for people who are willing to invest time for the greater good in the long term.
Are you wondering how long dental implants last? It will depend on a few factors, but dental implants can last up to 20 or even 40 years, and sometimes even a lifetime, if properly cared for.
Are there alternatives to a dental implant to replace my missing teeth?
Alternative methods of replacing your missing teeth are indeed available at dentist near me. The most common methods include dental bridges and dentures.
Dental bridges are a series of crowns which are joined together to form a bridge that covers the gap between your remaining natural teeth. This process requires that the surrounding teeth are prepared so that a crown can be fitted over them. While this process does not involve the gums or jawbone in any way. It does require the surrounding teeth be modified such that they require a crown from that point onwards.
Dentures are a method of replacing missing teeth that is most commonly utilised among elder individuals whose loss of teeth relates to the natural ageing process. Dentures are removable false teeth that are made to fit a person’s mouth comfortably and with precision. They can be partial, if a person still has remaining teeth, or full if all natural teeth are missing. Dentures are generally not suitable if only one or two teeth are missing.
Where can I get dental implants in Oxenford?
JJ smiles dental is a family-oriented dentist near me with strong community-centred values. Our dental clinic Helensvale advocates for preventative dentistry. If your teeth are already damaged and need restoration, our bulk billing dentist in Maudsland also has a range of solutions available.
Finally, Contact JJ Smiles on (07) 5529 7567 or reception@jjsmilesdental.com.au, or book an appointment online. We can also assist with your Oxenford check up and clean, Oxenford braces, and children’s dentistry Gold Coast.
