Further Information About Tooth Implants
Teeth implants are both a functional and aesthetically pleasing alternative to dentures or bridges.
How does it feel to have a dental implant?
A dental implant will act and feel just like your natural teeth and restore all the functions of a normal tooth. This means you can chew, eat, bite and speak naturally without any complications or worry.
Advantages of Dental Tooth Implants
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or replace several missing/damaged teeth. Tooth implants are widely considered to be the most natural looking restoration option, many people will never notice you have a dental implant.
Single tooth implants have many advantages over alternative options such as bridges or false teeth such as:
- Last longer than bridges or dentures. Read our article on Dental Implants vs Bridges.
- Implants remain inside your mouth and don't require adhesives to hold them in place.
- Much stronger than bridges or dentures so you won't have to fear chewing on hard foods.
- Looks just like your natural teeth.
- Improve the appearance of your smile and boost your self confidence.
- Using a dental implant prevents bone loss and encourages bone growth.
- No age restriction on who can get a dental implant.
- Removal of damaged teeth helps to improve your oral health.
How Dental Implants Help Prevent Bone Loss
Long term tooth loss makes chewing food difficult, but it can also lead to the reduction of jawbone tissue commonly referred to as bone loss.
The jawbone needs stimulation to retain it's shape and bone density. Your teeth provide the required stimulation through everyday use such as chewing, biting and grinding.
Once a tooth has been lost, your jaw bone is no longer receiving the required stimulation in that area and will begin to atrophy. This atrophy and/or degradation of the jawbone tissue can cause your remaining teeth to move out of place and even change your facial appearance (sunken face).
Dental implants are a superior treatment for the replacement of missing teeth because they help to prevent the loss of jawbone tissue. Since dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, the bones must grow around the implant to secure it (which is a good thing.)
Dental implants act like the root of a natural tooth, so the jawbone receives the stimulation it requires to regenerate itself and retain bone density in the same way it would with your natural teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is never too late for a dental implant as long as there is sufficient jawbone remaining to insert it.
If you're considering dental implants, come into our Gold Coast Dental Clinic for an assessment.
Dental implant treatment is a surgical procedure, and while you are under anaesthetic during surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort post-surgery.
Appropriate use of local anaesthetic and sedation ensures that all patients are comfortable and pain free during implant surgery.
Most patients report minimal discomfort following implant surgery. Patients are given pre and postoperative analgesics for their surgery.
Treatment can also be provided under general anaesthetic upon request.
Implants grow to feel natural just like real teeth.
The posts inserted during the implantation procedure eventually fuse to the jaw bone, which means the implant itself doesn't feel any different than the actual bone.
Once the procedure is completed and your mouth is fully healed, your implants will look and feel very much like your natural teeth.
Myth: Implants never feel natural like your real teeth.
The short answer is Yes - Dental implants are suitable for replacing one or more teeth.
It is fairly common for patients to present with multiple loose, damaged or missing teeth. We can use implants to replace a number of consecutive teeth or even full arches.
A full arch of teeth is twelve upper, and twelve lower teeth.
During your appointment, we'll assess the condition of your teeth and determine which require replacement. Once this has been established, we can advise you on the best solution for your individual case.
It is extremely important to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Missing teeth can cause a domino effect of costly dental issues.
Replacing a lost tooth is imperative to maintaining good oral health. Within the first 6 months of leaving a missing tooth gap unattended can attribute to up to 50% bone loss in that area.
The gap from a missing tooth can lead to long-term serious complications, including facial collapse and bite issues.
Getting implants is the only tooth replacement solution that protects and supports strong jaw health.
You've just invested a significant amount of time and money into your new dental implants, so it's important to protect them so they last a lifetime.
See this article on our sister website about aftercare for your dental implants.
1. The next best thing to healthy, natural teeth.
A dental implant restores a tooth so that it looks, feels and functions just like one of your natural teeth.
2. Long term solution.
Titanium implants are built to endure. They can last a lifetime when properly placed and cared for over time.
3. Retain your natural face shape.
When you have several missing teeth your face can appear to be sunken or sag. Tooth implants allow you to retain the natural shape of your face.
4. Implants are stronger than dental bridges or custom dentures.
You'll be able to confidently chew hard foods without the fear of breaking your new teeth.
Are You Eligible for Dental Implant Surgery on the Gold Coast?
Single tooth dental implants or full mouth dental implants treatment requires minor surgery. It's important the patient is in good general health and has relatively healthy gums / teeth prior to surgery.
It is a requirement that the patient stops smoking prior to surgery and also doesn't smoke during recovery.
Staying clear of cigarettes is necessary to mitigate the risk of implant failure and other possible complications after surgery.
