Dental Implants
If you have experienced tooth loss, you might feel self-conscious about your appearance, and you might find that chewing and speaking has become more of a challenge.
Dental implants are widely considered to be the most reliable tooth replacement option available. Not only do they restore your chewing function and appearance, but dental implants can also protect your oral health.
You don’t have to live with gaps in your smile. We invite you to contact Maroubra Family Dental to talk to us about replacing missing teeth.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant consists of a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to take the place of a missing tooth root. Dental implants can replace one missing tooth—or an entire mouthful. We can also attach a denture to a dental implant, which provides additional stability. Dental implants can also anchor a dental bridge.
When tooth loss occurs, Dr Emmanuel Pertsoulis can place the dental implant surgically into the jawbone. Implants take 3-4 months to heal. After this healing process, the implant can be completed with a dental crown by way of the abutment.
Patients who opt for dental implants to replace a missing tooth usually report that it feels very much like their natural tooth.
How Long Does the Dental Implant Process Take?
The surgical procedure for dental implant placement is generally quick. Patience will be needed while waiting for the dental implant to completely integrate into the jawbone. This may vary from patient to patient but generally takes between four and six months.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Because of their stability, patients who have dental implants have no food restrictions. Chewing with a dental implant is very similar to chewing with your natural teeth. Unlike dentures and bridges, there is no risk of a dental implant slipping. Crunchy vegetables and chewy meats can remain on the menu.
Another benefit of dental implants that many people don’t consider is how they can protect the jawbone and facial structure. When teeth are missing, the body no longer sends nutrients to the area, which causes the bone to shrink over time. This is called ‘facial collapse’ and can add an aged quality to a person’s appearance.
Caring for dental implants is easy because it is no different than caring for your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, which need to be removed for cleaning, with dental implants, you can brush and floss as you normally would.
Although you don’t have to be concerned about your dental implant developing tooth decay, it’s still crucial that you take good care of the gums around the dental implant. A gum infection could cause your implants to fail. We recommend twice-a-year dental visits for check-ups and cleans to help maintain the integrity of your dental implants.
We invite you to call our Maroubra Junction, NSW dental clinic to find out if dental implants might be right for you.
