If you have missing teeth, you might find day-to-day life a bit of a challenge. You may find yourself avoiding your favorite healthy foods because they are difficult to eat. You might also feel self-conscious about the empty space in your mouth, so you find yourself avoiding social occasions.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement because they are permanently attached to the jawbone. This means they look natural and function very much like your natural tooth.
Patients who have opted for dental implants are pleased with the appearance of their implants because they blend in so seamlessly with their natural teeth. They also appreciate the way they function so close to their natural teeth, meaning they have no food restrictions as they would with dentures.
There is also another benefit to dental implants in that they preserve the jawbone. When a tooth is missing, the body no longer sends nutrients to the area, so the bone begins to deteriorate. This can lead to the remaining teeth shifting to fill in the empty space. Ultimately, this can cause more tooth loss. People may also start to develop a “sunken in” look around the mouth, making them look older.
The dental implant process takes place over a period of several months. Although this might sound daunting, it’s important to remember that your dental implant has the potential to last you for a lifetime.
Step one involves replacing the natural tooth root with a titanium tooth root. This is a digitally guided procedure to ensure the precise placement of the implants. The majority of our patients report a quick recovery from this well-tolerated dental surgery. Afterward, it takes about three or four months for the artificial tooth root to permanently integrate into the jawbone.
After the healing process, the dentist will check to make sure the implant has integrated adequately before attaching the second part of the implant, which is referred to as the abutment. This part of the implant is used to attach the dental restoration.
The good news is that dental implants do not require special maintenance to remain viable. For example, you brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly for exams and teeth cleans to contribute to implant longevity—the same tips we offer for natural teeth.
Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly may lower your risks for infections and gum disease that can lead to implant failure and further tooth loss.
If you have an implant-supported bridge, for example, your dentist may recommend a small cleaning brush and floss threader to keep debris and bacteria away from your gums. This is a simple addition to your at-home routine.
If you’ve found yourself experiencing any dental trouble, we encourage you to get in touch with us at LN Dental. With years of experience in helping our patients restore their smile, we’re just the dental professionals to speak to about anything that is troubling you.
To get in touch, give us a call at (02) 9644 1499 or book an appointment today!
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