It has been deemed one of the most popular dental restorative and cosmetic options available in 2022: dental implants.
Implants are designed to restore strength to your bite and chewing that may have inevitably been lost with missing teeth, yet they provide a cosmetic benefit too, offering a natural-looking solution to missing teeth.
However, if you have teeth missing, you may want to know a bit more about this option before approaching your dentist about having dental implants fitted. And it’s worth noting that while the internet does have some of the information, your best bet is to ask a dental practitioner. In this article, a dentist answers five of the most commonly searched queries about dental implants Sydney.
How do they work?
Dental implants, specifically the part affixed to the jaw, are made from titanium, a biologically inert metal that fuses to the surrounding jaw, making it ideal for this kind of procedure. Once attached to your jaw via surgery, the implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone over 3 to 9 months. If the implant has fused correctly after this period, you will be able to have prosthetic teeth attached.
Can anybody have them fitted?
The traditional implant that is used by dental teams is endosteal, but unfortunately, not everybody is suitable for this option. Your dental team may suggest a different type of implant, such as a subperiosteal, a zygomatic or even a mini-implant. Unfortunately, these options may not be suitable for everybody, and you may simply need to have a set of dentures made or a fitted bridge.
How long do they take to fuse?
On average, dental implants take between 3 to 6 months to fuse, but this will vary depending on your age and lifestyle choices. For some people, implants can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months to fuse, but if after 12 months, your dental team discovers that your implants have not fused as planned, they will usually remove them and seek out a different type of restorative option for you.
Does the fitting hurt?
In a word, no; the fitting of dental implants does not hurt since your dentist will either use a local anaesthetic to numb the area or offer you sedation if you are a nervous patient. Once the procedure is over and the local anaesthetic has worn off, the discomfort should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Will they fall out?
Provided that the implant is fitted correctly and that you adhere to the aftercare advice provided by your dentist, the implant should not fall out. But if you notice your implant wobbling, you should seek advice from your dental team as soon as possible.
It’s worth noting that with the correct aftercare, dental implants should easily last up to and over 20 years, but if during this time you develop gum disease, this will need to be treated as soon as possible since it could cause all implants to fail prematurely.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
