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Need Dental Implants? Let us help you restore your smile.

Tooth loss can significantly impact our appearance, oral health, and how we feel about ourselves. If you require a dental implant, it is completely understandable to feel some apprehension about the procedure and have concerns about the surgical process, potential discomfort, and the ultimate outcome of the treatment.

In this article, we’ll guide you through what to expect when getting dental implants at Tea Tree Dental, and we’ll help replace the worry with excitement as you look forward to restoring your smile, regaining normal mouth function, and improving your overall quality of life.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are metal screws used to replace your missing tooth. Usually made of titanium, they are surgically attached to the jawbone in place of the missing tooth to support a replacement tooth or bridge.

Over time, bone grows around the implant, creating a sturdy and long-lasting foundation for prosthetic teeth that helps hold it in place.

Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are well-established and routine procedures performed by experienced dental professionals and are usually highly successful.

Dental implants are designed to closely resemble natural teeth in appearance, shape, and colour. They seamlessly blend with your existing teeth, restoring your smile and allowing you to forget about the missing tooth.

Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to speak, eat, and chew confidently. Because they feel so natural, they eliminate the discomfort or embarrassment often associated with ill-fitting dentures, enabling you to enjoy various foods and engage in social activities without hesitation.

Dental implants also prevent bone loss and gum recession that often occurs with tooth loss. Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support, which means adjacent teeth remain intact and unaffected.

Modbury dental implants titanium screw
dental implants Modbury X-rays

What happens during a dental implant procedure?

Dental implant treatment typically involves multiple stages. The timeline can vary depending on several factors, including your oral health, the number of implants needed, additional treatments, and the success of the healing process. However, it is important to note that not all people can have dental implants. Your dentist will need to check a few factors, such as jawbone strength, gum health and any contraindicated medical conditions or medicines you take.

During the initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and examine jawbone density to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will take scans or x-rays to determine where to place the implant and then develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Implant Placement

The procedure is a minor operation typically performed under local anesthesia so you will be awake and without pain. Your dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the jawbone and carefully insert the implant into the prepared site.

Healing and Integration

Over time, usually several months, the implant will fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. During this period, you may have a temporary tooth placed to maintain aesthetics and functionality.

Restoration

After the implant fuses with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the prosthetic tooth. Finally, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is secured onto the abutment, completing the restoration process.

After the procedure

After the procedure, you might have some bruising, pain, swelling of your gums and possible bleeding from your gums, however, this should not last too long. It’s vital to give the site the best possible chance to heal, and you might need to eat soft foods while the site is healing.

Proper maintenance is also essential to ensure the longevity and success of dental implants.

Here are some key tips:

  1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your gums healthy and prevent infection.
  2. Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist for routine check-ups and professional cleanings. Your dentist will monitor the health of your implants, assess bone density, and address any concerns promptly.
  3. Avoid Habits that Can Damage Implants: Avoid chewing on hard objects. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can also significantly improve implant success rates.
  4. Protect Your Teeth: If you engage in contact sports or activities with a risk of facial injury, wear a mouthguard to protect your natural teeth and implants from trauma.

Losing a tooth doesn’t have to mean the end of your smile. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime and provide you with improved confidence, better oral health, and confidence in how your teeth look.

Results of dental implants Modbury

At Tea Tree Dental, we're here to provide you with the information, comfort and support you need. Don't spend another day feeling unhappy about your tooth loss. Contact us today to schedule your appointment, and let us take care of your dental implants.