At Ashton Avenue Dental Practice, we have considerable experience in offering dental implants in Claremont. With dental implants, they’ll be none the wiser about your new grin! A revolutionary field of dentistry that enhances not just your smile, but also your confidence and quality of life as well. If you’ve ever considered dental implants to be the key to your new, winning smile, you most likely have questions and uncertainties. Your decision to undergo any dental procedure is a significant one! Keep reading for a comprehensive explanation of all the common questions our patients ask us about dental implants!
Ashton Avenue Dental Practice Answers Your Burning Questions
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a prosthetic replacement for a missing tooth. It’s a surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone to support a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants are designed to function and look like natural teeth, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for individuals who have lost one or more teeth due to various reasons, such as tooth decay, injury, or gum disease.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants require a minor surgical procedure involving several steps.
- Evaluation and Planning:
Our Dental Implant Dentist here at Ashton Avenue Dental Practice will conduct a comprehensive dental examination of your mouth to assess your oral health, bone density, and whether or not dental implants are the right fix for your smile.
- Implant Placement:
If you’ve been deemed suitable for dental implants, the treatment begins! This is typically done under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the surgery. Our Implant Dentist will make a small incision in your gum tissue to expose the underlying jawbone. Then, a hole is carefully drilled into the bone, and a titanium implant fixture is inserted into this hole. The gum tissue is sutured back into place and left to heal.
- Osseointegration:
After the implant is placed, a crucial process called “osseointegration” takes place. Over the next few months, the surrounding bone fuses and integrates with the titanium implant, creating a strong and stable bond. This integration is vital as it ensures the dental implant becomes a part of the jawbone, providing a solid foundation for the artificial tooth on top.
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- Abutment Placement:
Once osseointegration is complete, the patient returns to the dentist for the next stage of the procedure. The dentist will make a small incision in the gum to expose the top of the implant and attach a small connector called an“abutment” to it. The abutment acts as a link between the implant fixture and the prosthetic tooth that will be placed on top.
5. Prosthetic Tooth Placement
The final step is the placement of the prosthetic tooth, also known as the “crown”. The dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom-made crown that matches the colour, size, and shape of the surrounding natural teeth. The crown is then securely attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant restoration.
Am I a suitable candidate for dental implants?
Your first step is to schedule a consultation with our Implant Dentist to determine if dental implants are right for you. We will consider various factors to assess your eligibility for dental implant treatment. We’ll review your dental and medical history, to determine whether certain medical conditions will impact your healing process after the surgery, and also give you a thorough examination of your oral health to assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If you have sufficient jawbone density, healthy gums, and a good commitment to hygiene, you’re a suitable candidate!
Are dental implants painful?
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which means you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. Afterward, you may experience some discomfort and mild pain as you begin to heal. However, the level of pain will vary from person to person and depends on several factors, such as your own pain tolerance, the extent of your procedure, and how well you follow post-operative instructions.
Some common post-surgery experiences may include soreness, swelling, and bruising. Don’t fret, however! Pain medication and eating soft foods can help.
It’s important to note that any discomfort experienced after the surgery is usually temporary and should gradually improve within a week or two. If you experience severe or prolonged pain, excessive swelling, or any other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to contact Ashton Avenue Dental Practice right away.
Remember that each person’s experience may vary, and our dentists will provide you with personalised post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery after the dental implant procedure. Following their instructions diligently will help you keep any discomfort at bay.
How long does the dental implant procedure take?
From the initial consultation to the completion of the dental implant restoration, the entire process may take anywhere from 4 to 9 months or more, depending on your individual case. It’s important to remember that dental implant treatment is a carefully planned process to ensure the best results. During your first consultation, you’ll be able to get a more accurate timeline when you chat with our Implant Dentist.
What materials are used in dental implants?
Dental implants are typically made of biocompatible materials that are well-tolerated by the human body and integrate with the surrounding bone tissue. The most commonly used material for dental implants is titanium, owing to its excellent biocompatibility and ability to fuse with the jawbone, in a process called “osseointegration”. It’s important to note that the choice of implant material is determined based on your unique needs, oral health, and your dentist’s judgement.
How long do dental implants last?
The lifespan of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including individual oral health, proper maintenance, and overall oral hygiene. With good care and regular dental check-ups, dental implants have the potential to last for many years, and in some cases, a lifetime. It’s important to keep up with good oral hygiene habits, stay on track with your regular dental check-ups so your dentist can immediately deal with an issue if one pops up.
While dental implants are designed to be a durable and reliable tooth replacement option, they are not indestructible. Like natural teeth, they can be subject to damage over time. In some cases, the prosthetic tooth (crown) attached to the implant may need replacement due to normal wear and tear.
What are dental implants cost in Claremont?
Depending on the complexity of your case, the number of implants you require, and any additional procedures required (such as bone grafting) plus other factors, it’s difficult to provide a definite price for dental implants. In general, dental implants can be more expensive than other tooth replacement options due to their surgical nature and the materials involved. But, the benefits of dental implants far outweigh the cost!
Your Claremont Dentist for Quality Dental Implants
Remember, a beautiful and healthy smile can positively impact your overall well-being, and dental implants may be the key to restoring your confidence and enjoyment of life.
If you’re looking to bring your smile back, contact Ashton Avenue Dental Practice for dental implants in Claremont. We offer comprehensive, high-quality dental care for the whole family. For dentistry that exceeds your expectations, choose Ashton Avenue.
Here’s to a bright, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!
