What Are Dental Implants?
A natural tooth consists of a visible crown that is covered with white enamel and supported by a root that extends into the jawbone. In a dental implant procedure, the root of the tooth is replaced.
A dental implant comprises an artificial tooth or dental crown, abutment and titanium screw. The titanium screw is projected through the gum and fixed into the jawbone, whilst the abutment connects the dental crown to the titanium screw.
The titanium post or screw of the dental implant is compatible with the jawbone. It serves to attract bone-building cells that multiply in a process referred to as ‘osseointegration', which fuses the dental implant to the jawbone so the outcome is permanent.
Dental implants are a great permanent alternative to removable dentures, as long as your dentist establishes that you are a good candidate for them. Not only is a dental implant a long-lasting solution for missing teeth, but they also look and feel like natural teeth. Moreover, a dental implant can be used to keep dentures or dental bridges in place.
Contact the Dentists at Cambridge City Dental Today to Find Out More About Implant Dentistry Services in Leederville!
Who Might Be Suitable For Dental Implants?
Dental implants can be a highly effective solution for many individuals experiencing tooth loss or severe dental issues. Here are some groups of people who might be suitable candidates for dental implants:
Individuals with one or more missing teeth: If you have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or other reasons, dental implants can provide a permanent replacement that looks and functions like natural teeth.
People with good oral health: Candidates for dental implants should have healthy gums and sufficient bone density to support the implant. Patients with advanced gum disease may need additional treatment before proceeding with dental implants.
Non-smokers or those willing to quit: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and the overall success rate of placing dental implants.
Adults with fully developed jawbones: Dental implants are generally recommended for adults whose jawbones have fully developed. This ensures that the implants have a stable foundation.
Patients with adequate bone density: Sufficient bone in the jaw is necessary to support the implants. Those with bone loss might still be candidates but may require bone graft procedures beforehand.
If you are considering dental implant surgery, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with one of our dentists so they can guide you in the right direction and advise whether you'll make a good dental implant candidate.
The Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have many benefits including:
Dental implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth.
Dental implants are a versatile dental solution that allows you to replace one or more decaying or missing teeth.
Dental implants can help address speech problems caused by missing teeth or an ill-fitting denture.
Since dental implants are permanent fixtures, you won’t need to worry about losing them or your denture sliding out of place.
Dental implants are a long-term solution made to last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth With Dental Implants?
Choosing to replace a missing tooth depends on the individual. Leaving a toothless space can be risky, but it’s important to remember that a surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. That’s why it’s best to discuss all possible teeth replacement options with a dentist.
Here are some common reasons to opt for dental implants:
Bone Loss
During childhood, a supportive bone, known as the alveolar bone, forms and erupts with the tooth into the jaw. When teeth are removed from the jawbone, the supported tooth resorbs and shrinks. This begins almost as soon as the tooth is lost and gets progressively worse over time.
The resorption of the bone can be extensive when multiple teeth are lost. This makes wearing a removable denture difficult, which is an aesthetic problem when the lost teeth are towards the front of the mouth.
The loss in bone structure occurs in both height and width. The dental implant process preserves the bone structure and allows for the support of the implant fixture and dental crown.
Drifting
Drifting occurs when one or more teeth are lost in a segment of your mouth. The adjacent teeth to the missing tooth space will start to lean over towards the gap.
Drifting teeth create discrepancies in the height of contours of the gum which may lead to future periodontal problems. This can lead to tooth decay as a result of gatherings of food and plaque in your mouth that can become difficult to clean.
The bite may also be affected, which can lead to unpleasant joint and muscle problems.
When a dental implant is placed into the missing tooth spaces, they prevent drifting and preserve the integrity and contours of the adjacent teeth and gums.
What to Expect When Undergoing Dental Implant Treatment
Undergoing dental implant treatment involves several stages, each with its own expectations and requirements depending on your anatomy. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Dental Implant Consultation and Assessment
The process begins with an initial consultation and assessment, during which your dentist will evaluate your overall oral health, take X-rays, and assess your bone structure. This appointment helps determine your suitability for dental implants.
Implant Placement Surgery
The surgical procedure to place the dental implant typically lasts one to two hours. Local anaesthesia or sedation may be used to ensure comfort. Your dentist will make an incision in the gum to expose the bone, drills a hole, and inserts the titanium implant into the jawbone. The gum is then stitched to allow for healing.
Healing and Osseointegration
After the implant is placed, a healing period is needed for osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the jawbone. During this time, you might experience some discomfort, and minor bleeding, which can be managed with prescribed pain relievers and proper oral hygiene.
Abutment Placement
Once the implant has integrated with the jawbone, a minor procedure is performed to attach the abutment, which connects the implant to the crown. This procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour and involves reopening the gum to place the abutment. A few weeks of healing is needed for the gum to adjust around the abutment. This procedure is not always performed as the abutment may be placed at the same time as the implant is placed.
Crown Placement
Finally, the custom-made crown is attached to the abutment. The crown is designed to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and colour, ensuring a natural look and feel.
Follow-Up and Maintenance
Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the dental implant and ensure it remains healthy. Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, are crucial for the long-term success of dental implants.
Looking For Experienced Implant Dentists? Chat to Cambridge City Dental!
When choosing to replace missing teeth with dental implants, it’s vital to choose an experienced implant dentist. At Cambridge City Dental, our team of local Perth dentists have decades of experience in all things restorative, cosmetic and implant dentistry procedures. To find out more about dental implants, don’t hesitate to book an appointment at our West Leederville practice today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Tooth loss or missing teeth can occur due to various reasons, including:
Periodontal disease: Commonly known as gum disease, periodontal disease is the most common reason for tooth loss. It is an infection of the supporting structures around the tooth roots, leading to bone loss after many years of chronic infection.
Dental cavities: Also known as tooth decay, dental cavities can progress to a stage where the tooth cannot be functionally restored. Outcomes include bone infections which can sometimes lead to an unfortunate tooth extraction procedure.
Cracked teeth: A common occurrence for many, cracked teeth may often be successfully restored. However, fractures can be complicated and if teeth have cracked in such a way that they cannot be maintained, an extraction may be required.
Trauma: there are a variety of ways teeth may be lost due to trauma, including, sports accidents, root fractures due to failed root canal treatment, defects to the jaw and much more.
Congenital absence: This is a common abnormality where the baby tooth is present without a permanent tooth to replace it. Even though the baby tooth may remain in function for a long time, it will eventually fail due to a loss of root support or dental disease.
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Dental implant procedures aren’t the cheapest form of dental surgery. Dental implant treatment involves high-quality equipment and materials, and multiple follow up appointments to ensure they are successfully placed and look as natural as possible. Some private health insurance policies provide coverage for dental implants, which can help alleviate these costs.
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Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care. The titanium implant itself, which is surgically placed into the jawbone, is highly durable and can integrate well with the bone. The crown, abutment, and other components may require replacement due to normal wear and tear, typically lasting 15 to 30 years.
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The dental implant procedure is generally well-tolerated, and most patients report minimal discomfort. During the procedure, local anaesthesia is used to numb the area, preventing pain and ensuring comfort. Some patients may also receive sedation to help them relax. While you might feel pressure and some movement, pain is typically not experienced during the surgery.
It is normal to experience some minor discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following the surgery. This discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Your dentist will provide specific instructions for post-operative care to minimise discomfort and promote healing, including recommendations for diet and oral hygiene.
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The entire dental implant procedure varies but typically spans several months. The initial consultation and assessment, including an examination and X-rays, take about 30 to 60 minutes. The surgical procedure to place the implant lasts one to two hours per single tooth implant.
After placing the titanium implant, a healing period of typically three months is needed for the implant to integrate with the jawbone. Once integrated, you’ll need to come back again to place the abutment. Followed by a few weeks of healing, the final crown attachment is usually completed in another visit.
Want to Know More About Our Perth Dental Implant Options?
A successful dental implant treatment looks and feels like natural teeth.
Many patients across Perth have turned to our dentists when they need to replace their teeth with our dental implants due to neglect, old age or accidents.
The dentist team at Cambridge City Dental are highly knowledgeable in all things general dentistry, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. Our dentist team have the skill to fit a range of natural-looking Perth dental implants.
If you have more questions about how our dental implant procedure works, the cost of dental implants or you want to book an appointment, contact the dentist team at Cambridge City Dental today!
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.