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Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implants offer many patients an excellent tooth replacement solution. And one of their significant benefits is that they don’t really require any special care after placement beyond how you would take care of your natural teeth.
Once we have placed a dental implant, patients can brush and floss their teeth as they normally would, following their regular oral hygiene routine. Your oral hygiene routine should include brushing your teeth at least twice per day along with daily flossing. You should also book routine cleans and check-ups with Bayview Dental Centre so we can remove any plaque or tartar from your teeth and gum line, checking for signs of gingivitis or gum disease, in addition to other oral health problems.
With appropriate care and attention, your dental implant may last you a lifetime, which is one reason why we love placing dental implants for patients. They can also help many patients achieve better oral health and a complete smile that makes chewing more manageable and allows them to speak more clearly.
Dental implants involve placing a titanium post in the jawbone, allowing it to fuse and become a sturdy foundation for a dental crown or bridge. This provides a natural-looking and long-lasting solution for missing teeth, with many patients experiencing improved oral health and confidence in their smile.
Yes, dental implants are considered a safe and effective option for replacing missing teeth. They have been used for several decades and have a high success rate. Like any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved, such as infection or damage to surrounding teeth or nerves. However, these risks are relatively rare and can be minimised by choosing a qualified and experienced dental professional to perform the procedure as well as following proper aftercare instructions. It’s important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about the safety of dental implants with your dentist or oral surgeon.
Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth, and with proper care, they can last for many years, even a lifetime. The longevity of dental implants depends on several factors, such as the patient’s oral hygiene habits, overall health, and the location of the implant. In general, dental implants have a success rate of 95–98%, meaning that they can last for 20 years or more. However, this can vary depending on factors such as bone density and the patient’s lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking). Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, as well as good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing, can help ensure the longevity of dental implants.
Dental implants are suitable for those with healthy gums, adequate bone density, good oral hygiene, and overall health. Non-smokers and adults with fully developed jawbones are typically better candidates. Children, smokers, or those with certain health conditions may not be ideal candidates. It’s essential to consult a dental professional to determine suitability.
Dental implants offer numerous benefits, including:
- Natural Look and Feel: They mimic natural teeth in appearance and functionality.
- Durability: Implants can last decades with proper care.
- Bone Preservation: They prevent bone loss in the jaw, maintaining facial structure.
- Improved Oral Health: Implants don’t require altering neighbouring teeth, unlike bridges.
- Enhanced Comfort and Speech: They provide a secure fit, improving comfort and speech.
- Better Eating Function: You can eat normally without discomfort.
- Convenience: Unlike dentures, they don’t require adhesives and aren’t removable.
- High Success Rate: Implants have a reliable success rate.
These advantages make dental implants a popular choice for replacing missing teeth.
Dental implants have several disadvantages:
- Cost: They are more expensive than other tooth replacement methods.
- Surgical Risks: The procedure involves surgery, which can lead to infection, inflammation, or pain.
- Time-consuming: The treatment can take several months as the implant needs time to integrate with the bone.
- Bone Grafts: If the jawbone is insufficient, a bone graft may be necessary, increasing the cost and treatment duration.
- Nerve Damage: Incorrect implant placement can cause nerve damage, resulting in pain or numbness.
- Potential Failure: Sometimes the implant may not properly integrate with the bone.
- Maintenance: Implants require regular care and dental visits to maintain their condition.
These issues should be considered when deciding on dental implants.
The process of getting dental implants involves several key steps. First, a comprehensive examination and consultation are conducted to assess your suitability for implants. If deemed suitable, a treatment plan is created, often involving 3D scans and X-rays to plan the implant placement. The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, where the implant is placed into the jawbone. After this, a healing period of several months follows, allowing the implant to fuse with the bone. Once the implant has been integrated, an abutment is placed, and a custom-made crown is attached to the abutment, completing the restoration. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the implant’s success and ensure proper healing.
The dental implant procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the surgery. Some discomfort or soreness after the procedure is common, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The level of discomfort experienced can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the procedure. In general, most people find the discomfort to be manageable and temporary, and the long-term benefits of dental implants often outweigh any temporary discomfort.
While dental implants are a suitable option for many people, not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Factors such as the quality and quantity of the jawbone, overall health, and lifestyle habits (like smoking) can affect eligibility for dental implants. For example, patients with uncontrolled diabetes, certain types of cancer, or heavy smokers may not be suitable candidates for dental implants. Additionally, children and adolescents whose jaws are still growing are generally not considered good candidates for dental implants. It’s best to consult with a dental professional to determine if dental implants are right for you based on your individual circumstances.