A 2017-18 report estimates that approximately 4% of Australian adults are edentulous (missing all their natural teeth). Missing teeth can dramatically affect your oral health, leading to jaw misalignment, teeth drifting, and bone resorption. It can also cause your facial structure to collapse, giving you an aged appearance and leaving you reluctant to smile. 

Dental implants are the only permanent way to replace a missing tooth. An implant is an artificial tooth root placed in the jawbone to support a dental prosthetic or false tooth. A dental implant can help preserve the jawbone, prevent further loss of teeth, and give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile that will last a lifetime.

If you are interested in implants, there are several things to know before getting dental implants, including whether you are a candidate, the dental implant procedure, and the cost.

 

What to Know Before Getting Dental Implants: Eligibility for Dental Implants

Most people are eligible for dental implants, but there are a few factors that can affect your candidacy:

 

 

  • Jawbone Density

The jawbone must be dense and thick enough to support the dental implant. If you have experienced bone loss due to periodontal disease or tooth decay, you may need a bone graft before getting an implant.

 

  • Smoking

Smokers are at a higher risk of implant failure, so if you smoke, consider quitting before surgery. 

 

  • Overall health

People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or blood disorders, may be unable to get dental implants

If you’re considering dental implants, talk to Advanced Dental Care and get a free consultation at your local dental clinic to find out if you’re a good candidate for the surgery.

 

What to Know Before Getting Dental Implants: The Dental Implant Procedure

If you decide to get dental implants, the procedure will follow a few steps, which include: 

 

  • A consultation with your dentist

During this visit, your dentist examines your mouth and takes X-rays to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you are a good candidate, your dentist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. 

To find a dentist that offers a free consultation, call Advanced Dental Care today.

 

  • Implant placement 

This procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, though sedation may be used if you have dental anxiety. 

Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, your dentist will make incisions in your gums and place the implants in your jawbone. The incisions will then be closed with sutures. 

At Advanced Dental Care, we use Biohorizon dental implants. Biohorizon implants are made from titanium, a strong and biocompatible material that is well tolerated by the body. 

They also feature Laser-Lok® microchannels, which help to promote bone growth and provide a secure connection between the implant and the surrounding bone. Biohorizon implants have a 45° conical internal hex connection, which helps to ensure proper alignment during placement.

 

  • Abutment placement

After the implants have fused with the jawbone (osseointegration), which can take three to nine months, you’ll visit your dentist for a second surgery to place the abutment. The abutment is a small connector that attaches the implant post to the restoration. 

Your dentist will also take impressions at this point to send to the dental lab, where your restoration will be fabricated. 

 

  • Adding the Restoration

At your final dental implant visit, your dentist cements the restoration in place, checks your bite, and makes any adjustments as necessary.

 

What to Know Before Getting Dental Implants: What is the Dental Implant Success Rate?

The overall success rate for dental implants is about 95%, with a slightly higher success rate for lower jaw implants than upper jaw implants.

Some factors that can affect the success of a dental implant include the diameter and length of the implant, the patient’s age and overall oral health, and the location of the implant in the dental arch.

 

What to Know Before Getting Dental Implants: Complications of Dental Implants

There are some potential complications that patients should be aware of, including:  

 

  • Peri-implantitis

This is an inflammation of the tissue around the dental implant. This can often be caused by poor oral hygiene, and if left untreated, it can lead to implant failure. 

 

  • Overloading 

It occurs when too much force is placed on the implant, causing it to loosen or break. This is often a result of biting or chewing on hard objects.

 

What to Know Before Getting Dental Implants: How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Dental implants often have a higher initial cost than other tooth replacement options. Factors that contribute to the cost of a dental implant:

  • Dental implants are a highly specialised procedure that requires extensive training and experience. 
  • The materials used in a dental implant are costly and must meet rigorous quality standards. 
  • Implant surgery is a time-consuming process. 

At Advanced Dental Care, we offer a variety of payment plans that can make dental implants more affordable for our patients. We are committed to providing high-quality care at an affordable price to suit your budget.

 

How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?

There are a few things you should keep in mind if you have dental implants: dental implant info dubbo

  • Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily to prevent plaque buildup around the implant.
  • See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
  • Avoid chewing hard foods, such as ice or hard candy, which can damage the dental implant.
  • Do not use tobacco products, as they can impede healing and increase the risk of infection.

 

Get a Free Dental Consultation Near You at Advanced Dental Care

You deserve the best dental care possible, and our dental team at Advanced Dental Care is committed to providing our patients with high-quality, affordable care. We believe everyone should have access to quality dental care, which is why we offer free consultations. 

During your consultation and discussion about what to know before getting dental implants, one of our experienced dentists will examine your teeth and gums and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. We understand that everyone’s smile goals are different, and we will work with you to find the best solution for your oral health. Contact us today on (02) 6188 7103 to learn more. 

 

 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

 

 

 

References 

Oral health and dental care in Australia
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia/contents/summary 

Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774056/

Tapered Dental Implants
https://www.biohorizons.com/products/dentalimplants

Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant

 

 

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