What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a type of restorative dentistry. When a tooth is missing, other teeth might fill in the space, causing them to be misplaced. Missing teeth can also cause gum damage as it is due to exposure during eating and drinking. Luckily, a dental implant will replace the tooth, and is considered a more natural and permanent option than a traditional bridge or dentures.

With a dental implant, a tiny, titanium alloy pole is placed into the jawbone that will serve as a holder for the replacement tooth, called a dental crown. The dental crown is then fixed onto the implant. Over time, the implant will stimulate bone growth, so your jawbone doesn’t deteriorate, which is a common problem when teeth go missing.

What are Dental Implants?

With a dental implant, a tiny, titanium alloy pole is placed into the jawbone that will serve as a holder for the replacement tooth, called a dental crown. The dental crown is then fixed onto the implant. Over time, the implant will stimulate bone growth, so your jawbone doesn’t deteriorate, which is a common problem when teeth go missing.

Benefits of Dental Implants

 
There are many benefits to choosing dental implants to replace missing teeth. From greater self-esteem to easier care, these are superior solutions that last. Many patients love them because they are easier to care for than dentures and they spare the teeth around them, unlike a traditional dental bridge. Here are some of the other benefits of dental implants:

Why Use Dental Implants?

How it’s Done

 
Digital implants are the next best thing to real teeth, and the latest advancements help the treatment go smoothly. Using computer-guided surgery, patients can be confident knowing they will receive the ideal implant and crown with the best fit possible.

An initial dental exam and evaluation is the first step to determining if you are a candidate for dental implants. After your exam, we will discuss all treatment options with you, and help you choose the solution that best suits your needs.

If you choose dental implants, the following will be used to evaluate your bone volume and density of the implant site to ensure you are a candidate for dental implants. Once it is determined you are, we will identify the ideal location for your implant. The latest technology helps us with the evaluation:

Your New Dental Implants

 
The implant is inserted into your jawbone, so it may feel loose or wobbly at first. This is natural as it will take time for the bone to heal and develop. Over a few days the bone heals and grows around the implant, strengthening and stabilising it. This is why implants are a preferred treatment, as it stimulates bone growth which is healthier for you and your teeth.

Your New Dental Implants

Caring for Your New Teeth

 
Technology has quickly advanced, and the implants that are designed today may last a lifetime. Just like other teeth, they are subject to the effects of a poor diet, smoking or neglect, so regular oral hygiene and dental checkups are an important part of care.

When your new implants are complete, your dentist or hygienist will provide instructions on proper brushing and flossing, as well as recommend a toothpaste and mouthwash. We also advise our patients to avoid staining foods and beverages and avoid hard foods that can break the crown or a natural tooth. These include hard lollies, seeds and ice cubes. Also be careful when eating popcorn so that you don’t accidentally bite on a hard, unpopped kernel.

Proper oral hygiene will help your dental implants last. The following are the basic steps that we recommend:

Schedule Your Appointment Today

 
If you are considering dental implants or another type of restorative dentistry, call for a dental examination and evaluation today to see if you are a candidate for dental implants. Our team of skilled dentists here at Elevate Dental in Richmond and Hawthorn are ready to help you find the right solution for your goals.

Schedule Your Appointment Today