The Many Benefits of Dental Implants
Missing teeth aren’t just unsightly, they can also lead to serious health problems. Dental implants are a safe and effective way of enhancing your smile whilst safeguarding against gum disease, further tooth loss and other potential diseases. In this blog post, Sydney Park Dental will shed some light on the importance of dental implants to help you make an informed decision and enjoy a happy, healthy smile for years to come.
Why Dental Implants are A Good Idea
Whether you are missing a single tooth or many, the gaps left behind can significantly compromise your dental health as well as general wellbeing. This is because the craters left behind are prone to infection or periodontal disease, which if left untreated can cause significant damage to your gums and potentially even destroy your jawbone. It may also increase your risk of contracting heart or lung diseases.
Opting for dental implants will safeguard against these problems and restore your beautiful smile. Implants are permanent, and their appearance is almost imperceptible from natural teeth. There is no need for anyone to put up with empty spaces or metal clasps continually rubbing against the gums when implants are an efficient, affordable and safe cosmetic option. Once fitted, all you need to do is brush your teeth twice daily and ensure you visit your dentist regularly.
What are dental implants, and what is the process?
There is no reason to be concerned about having a dental implant fitted. The process is straightforward and safe, and upon completion you can expect your implant to feel, look and function just like natural teeth.
Dental implants are made from medical grade titanium, and they have a screw or cylinder construction upon which removeable or permanent teeth can be placed. There are three main components of any dental implant: the fixture (an artificial root which is embedded within the jawbone), the abutment (lies above the gum line and supports the crown, denture or bridge) and the dental prosthesis (the dental prosthesis which sits on the abutment).
Prior to having implants fitted, a personalised treatment plan will be developed. Our team of specialists have a wealth of experience in oral surgery and restorative dentistry, and our aim is to deliver outstanding results that exceed all expectations. The next stage involves placing the tooth root implant into the bone socket. Over a period of 6-12 weeks, your jawbone will grow around this and secure it in place. Once bonding has occurred, the abutment is then fitted. We will then make an impression of your existing teeth to create a model of your bite, and the replacement tooth to be attached to the abutment will be based off this.
Success rate for dental implants is high, at around 98%. Provided that you look after your implant by brushing/flossing regularly and visiting the dentist regularly, it is not uncommon for implants to last a lifetime.
Who can have implants?
Most people are eligible for dental implants, but you must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. If you are a smoker, you will need to give up for at least one week prior to the procedure – and you will not be able to smoke for at least two months after completion as this may impede the healing process.
Dental implants will:
- Maintain and strengthen bone structure, reduce risk of facial sagging and premature aging
- Enable you to eat/chew your favourite foods with confidence
- Improve self-confidence by restoring your smile
- Help protect existing teeth by preserving bone structure
- Not get cavities
- Last a lifetime if properly cared for
- Be a permanent solution to tooth loss
If you’ve been wondering what to do about your missing teeth, Sydney Park Dental invite you to schedule an appointment with our team to discuss your treatment options. Call us today on (02) 8084 7170, or book an appointment via our website.