Want to know more about dental implants and how they can upgrade your smile? Let’s walk through each part of this life-enhancing process. We’ll cover everything, from the first meeting to the final check-up, making sure you are fully informed and have the right expectations for your treatment.
Dental implants are artificial teeth that are surgically placed into the gum where teeth are missing. This is done with a titanium post in the jawbone. This post becomes a strong base for your new tooth. The whole process takes a few months. It begins with discussing your options, then making a plan, inserting the post, waiting for it to fuse with your jaw and finally, adding the new tooth on top. Understanding how it all works helps you decide if implants are right for you. Dental Implants can help you achieve a smile that’s not just good-looking but also works exceptionally well.
Understanding Dental Implants
A dental implant is like a metal root placed in your jaw. It takes the place of a missing tooth’s root. Once placed, the titanium post bonds with the jaw through “”osseointegration””. This creates a stable base for the new tooth (crown) to sit on. These implants look and function just like natural teeth.
The entire process can take from three to nine months, from the first appointment to the surgery and placement of the crown. The specific timeline depends on the type of implant needed. This can be endosteal, zygomatic or mini implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have quite a few advantages over bridges or dentures. They don’t move, unlike dentures, helping preserve the jawbone and keeping the surrounding teeth healthy. They also look natural, restoring your smile and confidence. Not to mention, they feel and function like natural teeth, making eating and speaking easier. Plus, with good care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
To have successful dental implants, your oral health matters a lot. Factors like the state of your remaining teeth and any gum disease should be considered. Following your dentist’s advice after the surgery is crucial for your implants to do well long-term.
Consultation and Preparation
The first step in the process is talking with a skilled implant dentist. They will examine your mouth closely, using X-rays and scans. These checks help This enables your dentist to see if your jawbone is suitable for implants. The dentist then plans where the implants should go and prepares a treatment plan just for you.
Initial Dental Exam and Scans
After the first consultation, your dentist will make a full treatment plan for your implants. This includes the steps, the time it takes and how much it will cost. They might suggest extra steps like bone grafting if needed. Careful planning ensures your implants work well for a long time.
Treatment Planning
Dental implants cost between $5,000 and $7,500 for each tooth. The final price varies depending on the number of teeth, type of implant, and how complex your treatment is. You might need 6-8 months for the whole process, maybe longer if extra steps like bone grafting are required.
Surgical Placement of Dental Implants
Your dentist will start the dental implant surgery by making a small cut in your gum. This shows the bone underneath. Then, they will drill a hole into the jawbone with care and place the titanium implant. This is a minor operation and is performed using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The implant will bond with the bone over several months.
Implant Insertion
The dental implant process requires more than one visit to the dentist. It occurs over several months in different stages. Dental implants can hold a bridge, crown or denture and are mainly made of titanium. The most commonly used dental implants are endosteal. They go through only one layer of bone in the jaw.
Healing and Osseointegration
After placing the implant, the bone needs to grow around it to hold it in place. This bone growth process is called ‘osseointegration’ and takes about 3 months. The whole dental implant procedure may take several months due to the time needed to heal between each step. During healing, you might have a temporary tooth or a healing cap attached to keep your smile looking good. Do not skip your regular dentist check-ups! They are crucial in making sure everything is healing just right.
Attaching the Dental Prosthetic
After the dental implant fuses with the jawbone, your dentist will fix an abutment. This is a small piece that holds the final dental crown or prosthetic. The placement of the abutment usually requires only local numbing and once the gum has healed for about two weeks. The last part, the dental crown, can be added.
Crafting the Dental Crown
The end of the dental implant journey is here. The dental crown or prosthetic is fitted. Your dentist will make a mould of your mouth and teeth. This mould helps create a custom -made crown that looks like your natural teeth. It’s fitted firmly onto the abutment. Now, the restoration is complete and you have a great, new smile.
Aftercare and Maintenance for Dental Implants
Post-Operative Care
After having dental implants, it’s vital to follow your dentists instructions for aftercare. You might need to use pain medications, ice the area and eat stick to soft foods for a while. It’s crucial to keep your mouth clean by softly brushing and flossing. This avoids infections and helps the implant heal well. Your dentist will give you advice and maybe a special toothbrush to use.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Caring for dental implants in the long term is much like caring for your natural teeth. You need to brush, floss and visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Even though the implant can’t get cavities, you must take good care of your gums and their surrounding bone. Otherwise, you may develop a gum disease-like problem called peri-implantitis. By taking care of your mouth at home and seeing your dentist regularly often, your dental implants will continue providing you with great functionality for a many years.
Looking for Premium Dental Implants? Contact Ashton Avenue Dental Today!
At Ashton Avenue Dental, we believe dental implants are a great option for replacing lost teeth. We carefully guide our patients through the whole process. From your first visit to your new smile, we’re with you all the way.
Our team is ready to help you get the beautiful smile you desire using the most innovative innovative dental implant technology.
If you’re thinking about getting considering dental implants, call contact us. for a free talk. You can reach us at (08) 6120 1822 to book a consultation. We look forward to helping you enjoy life with the full smile you deserve. We can’t wait to plan the best treatment for you, one that fits your goals and needs.
