When replacing missing teeth, you may have options beyond crowns, traditional bridges, or dentures. Dental implants provide greater stability as they bond with your jawbone, allowing your replacement teeth to feel more natural. Many people also discover that the secure fit of implants is more comfortable than conventional alternatives.
Dental implants and how they work
What is a Dental Implant
Dental implants were first introduced in Australia in 1988. Dental implant systems are broadly classified as endosteal, subperiosteal, and zygomatic, with endosteal being the most common type we see at Tea Tree Dental.
An endosteal dental implant system is comprised of several components: the crown (artificial tooth), abutment (the connecting piece), and titanium implant (artificial root). It begins with a surgical procedure involving cutting the gum and using precision drills to create a properly fitting hole. The titanium implant, which functions as an artificial tooth root, is then inserted into the jawbone at the original tooth location. Over several months, the jawbone integrates with the implant to hold it securely. This integration process typically takes around three months.
An artificial tooth, or implant crown, is attached to the dental implant titanium screw. The artificial tooth fills the space inside the mouth left by the missing tooth and is made to match the appearance of your surrounding teeth.
Reasons for Considering a Dental Implant
There are two main reasons people consider dental implants. Aesthetics is a significant factor for patients who want to look good while maintaining function. For those missing teeth or about to have teeth removed, it’s not just about losing a tooth; it’s actually about losing function in that area, so replacing the tooth is a wise choice.
Is a Dental Implant Suitable for Me?
Not all people can get a dental implant, and your dentist will assess whether this treatment is right for you. While many factors must be considered, biologically speaking, it is not suitable to place an implant in someone younger than 22 years old. Candidates for implants need healthy gums and, most importantly, have adequate bone to support the implant. Dental X-rays will be taken to help your dentist or dental specialist assess this. This will commonly include a 3D X-ray.
Some medical conditions and medications can impact your suitability. Therefore, it is important to let your dentist know your full medical history, including any vitamins and supplements bought from pharmacies and supermarkets. You may not be a good candidate for a dental implant if you have severe gum disease, called periodontitis, or smoke cigarettes.
Bone Grafts and Dental Implants
If you have insufficient bone volume or density in the jaw, a bone graft is commonly used in dental implant procedures to significantly improve the stability and longevity of dental implants. It helps prevent further bone loss, restores oral function and appearance, and can make implants a viable option for patients who previously lacked sufficient bone structure.
Purpose of Bone Grafts
- Stabilising the Implant: Bone grafting increases the density and volume of the jawbone, providing a solid base for the implant to integrate securely through osseointegration (the fusion of the implant with the bone).
- Preventing Implant Failure: Without adequate bone, implants may not anchor properly, leading to instability and potential failure.
- Restoring Facial Aesthetics: Bone loss can cause changes in facial structure, such as a sunken appearance. Grafting helps maintain facial contours and aesthetics.
When Bone Grafts Are Needed
- Bone Loss Due to Tooth Loss: When teeth are missing for an extended period, the surrounding bone may resorb due to lack of stimulation
- Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): Advanced gum disease can cause significant bone deterioration, necessitating grafting before implants can be placed
- Trauma or Injury: Jaw injuries that result in bone loss or deformities often require grafting to rebuild the structure
- Sinus Expansion: For implants in the upper jaw near the sinus cavity, a sinus lift combined with bone grafting may be required if the sinus has expanded into the area where bone is needed.
- Ridge Augmentation: When significant bone resorption alters the shape of the jaw ridge, grafting can restore its structure for better implant placement.
Types of Bone Grafts
Several types of bone grafts are used in implant procedures. Autografts use bone from another part of the patient’s body, offering high compatibility. Allografts use donor bone from another person, while xenografts source bone from animals, typically bovine. Synthetic materials are also available, designed to mimic natural bone and stimulate new growth.
Can Dental Implants Replace Multiple Teeth?
Yes, dental implants can replace multiple teeth at once. This is done using an implant bridge or a denture held in place by implants.
Implant Bridge
Dental implants can replace multiple teeth simultaneously. This is achieved through a bridge where two or more implant screws are inserted into the bone. The implants are connected by an artificial bridge made of crowns that are fused together side by side.
Implant-supported Denture
A full denture, which replaces all the teeth in a single jaw, can be secured by dental implants. This is known as an “implant-supported denture”.
Healing
From the patient’s perspective, initial healing takes about 10 days. During this period, soft tissue grows, and everything begins to settle down, as some swelling and bruising are typical following these procedures. Generally, there is no pain, which is effectively managed with the medications we provide.
For final healing, when one can consider placing teeth – the main purpose of the implant – you can expect a timeframe of three to six months for the bone to heal adequately and for the implant to stabilise.
If your implant is done properly, there are not many disadvantages, nor should you encounter any problems during healing. However, if it isn’t done correctly by untrained professionals, it can become an issue.
How to Care for your Dental Implants
Looking after your new implant is important, just like taking care of your natural teeth. Dental implants lack the ligaments that surround natural teeth, which means they don’t have the same protection against bacteria in the mouth. While implants cannot develop tooth decay, they can be affected by gum disease just like natural teeth.
Inflammation of the gums and bone loss around a dental implant is known as peri-implantitis. It is vitally important to have this condition treated because if left untreated, it can cause the implant to loosen and potentially fail.
Brush twice daily, going down to your gums so that your brush cleans the areas where your implant and gums meet. Clean between your implant and the teeth beside the implant every day. This can be done with floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser. Your treating dentist or dental hygienist will show you the best way to care for your implant. The method can change if you have one implant compared to an implant bridge.
Attend regular checkups and professional dental cleans with your dentist or dental hygienist, who will help you to care for your implant. In the right circumstances, dental implants should last at least as long as your own teeth when well looked after.
Dental Implants with Tea Tree Dental
At Tea Tree Dental, we do not perform dental implant procedures at the practice and prefer to collaborate with specialists to ensure optimal patient care. Dental specialists, such as a periodontist, prosthodontist, or oral surgeon will handle the initial phases of your dental implant.
However, we can assist in the final phase of your dental implant in Modbury process by properly fitting your new artificial tooth or fixed dentures onto the titanium implants. We work with all major implant systems, including Nobel BioCare, Straumann, MIS, All-on-4, and Southern implants.
