In-Depth Guide To Dental Implants
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have natural-looking teeth again? If the thought of wearing traditional dentures makes you uncomfortable for the rest of your life, you have a great option. We will cover everything you need to know about what dental implants are, from how they work to their advantages over other tooth replacement options.
DAVINCI
Understanding How Dental Implants Work
Why Dental Implants Are a Good Teeth Replacement Option
It Matches Your Natural Teeth
Enables Natural Speech
Easy to Care For
Long-term Tooth Replacement Option
Improves Oral Health
In contrast to dentures and bridges, which sit on top of your gums, dental implants are anchored more deeply into your jawbone, providing a superior hold that precisely mimics natural human teeth roots. Furthermore, they stimulate the growth of healthy bone tissue and prevent further deterioration of the jawbone, which can improve oral health.
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What You Can Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure
Initial Evaluation
The first step in the process is an initial evaluation with a dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will take X-rays of your teeth and gums to assess the condition of your mouth and jawbone structure. After you have been evaluated as a candidate for dental implants, your dentist will create computer-aided dental implant planning.
Pre-surgical Preparation
It may be necessary to remove a damaged or decayed tooth before insertion of the implant. To control the pain, your professional dentist will use anaesthesia. Afterwards, your mouth will need some time to heal before moving on to the next procedure. Your dentist will provide you with all the information needed for a proper healing process.
Inserting The Dental Implant
Following the extractions and the healing process, it is time for the actual implant surgery. During this stage, your dentist will insert a titanium screw into your jawbone in place of the missing tooth roots; this screw serves as a foundation for future tooth restoration work later on down the road.
Abutment Placement
Once everything has healed and stabilised after inserting the titanium implant into place, an abutment can be placed on it so that further restoration work can begin. An abutment function as an anchor between the titanium screw is being done later down the road on top of it.
Adding The Tooth Restoration
The final step of the process is adding a crown over the abutment to complete your smile restoration. This crown will match colours and shape with any existing teeth so that it looks natural and blends seamlessly with your other teeth. Depending on how many teeth need replacing, this process can take several weeks as custom moulds are created just for you. You'll be able to enjoy your brand-new smile in no time!
Aftercare
It is important to note that regular dental check-ups and maintenance are critical to keeping dental implants in good condition. During these consultations, your dentist can determine whether the implant site is free of inflammation, excessive bleeding, infections, or any other types of damage that may compromise the implants' longevity.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How long does the dental implant procedure usually last?
The dental implant procedure usually only lasts between one and two hours. However, your smile makeover journey won’t end here. You should expect 3-6 months of healing as the titanium alloy implant is placed into your existing jawbone and needs to integrate into it.
Is getting dental implants painful?
Dental implants may seem uncomfortable and scary, but the truth is, with today’s advances in dentistry, getting a dental implant doesn’t have to be painful.
Many patients report having a surprisingly pleasant experience. Thanks to advances in local anaesthesia, you can relax in the dentist’s chair, knowing there won’t be any pain involved throughout your entire visit.
Who are good candidates for dental implants?
Suitable candidates for dental implants are individuals with good overall oral health and strong, healthy jawbones and gum tissues. Suppose you have experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease or other factors. In that case, you may need to undergo additional treatment, such as bone grafting, to rebuild the area of lost bone before receiving dental implants.
On top of it, not everyone is a suitable candidate for this surgical procedure. During your initial consultation at DaVinci Smiles, our team will thoroughly explain what are teeth implants and assess your oral and overall health, including factors such as gum disease, sinus cavity size, and jawbone density, before determining whether or not you should get dental implants.
Other considerations include your existing medical history and medications, the condition of adjacent teeth, the area in the mouth where the actual implant is intended to be placed, smoking habits and lifestyle factors such as diet. With these thoughtfully evaluated by our professional team before dental implant surgery, you can maximise your chances of efficient smile restoration.
What are the possible reasons why dental implants fail?
Getting dental implants can be a great way to replace missing or damaged teeth. It is important to note that, like any other dental procedure, this one has rare risks and complications that don’t usually affect every patient. The following are potential reasons why dental implants fail:
- Sinus damage
One risk associated with getting dental implants is damage to the sinus cavity. If your dentist doesn’t place the implant at the proper depth, they could accidentally puncture your sinus cavity during surgery, which could cause pain and discomfort in that area.
- Infections
Another potential complication of getting dental implants is infection. This can happen if bacteria enter the surgical site during or after oral surgery, leading to inflammation, pain, and extended bone healing time.
- Nerve damage
In some cases, the nerves in your jawbone may be damaged during dental implant surgery due to improper placement or drilling techniques by your dentist. This can result in numbness or tingling in that area and loss of sensation when eating or drinking cold beverages.
- Peri-implantitis
This inflammatory condition is caused by bacterial infection around the base of a dental implant that can lead to pain and discomfort if not addressed promptly by a dental professional.
- The implant is not adhering to the bone
Another possible technical complication that could occur after dental implant placement is that the implant does not adhere properly to its surrounding bone tissue due to inadequate bone support or lack of primary stability from surrounding teeth. If this occurs, additional procedures may need to place the implant into its desired position properly.
We encourage you to schedule an appointment with us at DaVinci Smiles. Here, we will discuss everything about what are implants in dentistry and explain the possibilities of implant failure based on your condition.
How can I minimise the risks and complications of dental implants?
At DaVinci Smiles, we will delve deeper and thoroughly explain dental implants so you can have a clear expectation regarding this procedure.
To minimise the risks and complications with implants and to make them last as long as possible, there are some essential tips you need to follow after the procedure. Here are some of them:
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
The crucial thing you can do after getting dental implants is to maintain good dental hygiene. This means brushing and flossing twice a day and using an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash. Your dentist may also recommend using special brushes or rinses specifically designed for use with dental implants. Regular dental check-ups should also be done every six months to assess the health of your implant site.
- Refrain from consuming hard foods.
It’s important to avoid hard foods that could potentially damage your implant crowns or put too much pressure on the implant site. Chewing hard foods like raw carrots, nuts, or candy can cause chips or fractures in the artificial crowns, leading to more serious problems later down the road. Stick with soft foods such as mashed potatoes until you get clearance from your dentist that it’s safe to eat harder foods again.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions.
Your dental provider will give you post-operation instructions following your invasive procedure, so make sure you follow them closely. These instructions may include taking antibiotics or pain medications as needed, avoiding vigorous exercise or any heavy lifting activities, and avoiding smoking during the healing process. These instructions must be followed to prevent implant failure and promote long-term implant survival.
How much do dental implants cost?
Dental implants are a great way to bring back your smile and restore your teeth for the long term. The final cost of doing this advanced procedure depends on factors such as how many teeth need to be replaced, the complexity of your specific case, the number and type of implants used, and the location where you choose to undergo dental treatment.
Here are the average costs of some dental implant services to give you an idea of what to expect:
$4,000 – $7,000
$10,000 – $30,000
Starts from $25,000
- Full-mouth dental implants
Starts from $35,000
- Implant-retained dentures
Starts from $15,000
Please note that the prices listed above are for reference only. DaVinci Smiles highly recommends scheduling an appointment to get an accurate estimate and get to know what are dental implants and what they can do for your smile. After evaluating your condition, our dental professionals will develop a detailed treatment plan that meets your needs.
How do I take care of my dental implants?
Dental implants are a great option for those who want to replace lost teeth or improve their smile. Yet, like any other dental investment, they must be taken care of properly to maintain their integrity and longevity. Here’s a brief overview of how to take care of your dental implants:
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
Just like natural teeth, a great way to keep your root form implants in good condition is by brushing and flossing regularly. It’s recommended that you brush all your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Additionally, it is recommended to floss at least once a day to remove any plaque build-up between the implant and natural teeth. In this way, food particles won’t get stuck in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
- Avoid eating any hard or sticky foods.
Hard foods like nuts or hard candy can damage your implant. To avoid this problem, try cutting your food into smaller pieces before eating it so you won’t have to use too much force while chewing. Moreover, sticky foods such as caramel should also be avoided since they weaken dental implants by compromising their structure.
- Watch your habits.
Smoking slows the healing process and weakens the bone structure, which plays a crucial role in dental health. Drinking alcohol occasionally is fine, but too much alcohol can cause tooth sensitivity, which may lead to oral pain. Moreover, if you’re prone to grinding or clenching your teeth, consider investing in a mouthguard to protect your dental implants from potential damage.
- Make regular dental appointments.
It is also important to make regular appointments with your dentist to monitor the health of your dental implants. During these appointments, your dentist will examine the condition of your implant and surrounding gums for any signs of infection or gum disease, which can affect its longevity if left unmanaged.