Dental Implants
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Dental Implants
Dental implants are a replacement option for missing natural teeth. They can be used to replace one, multiple, or all the teeth. The best thing about dental implants is that they are fixed to the bone, and hence in most cases, does not need to be removed or re-inserted (unlike dentures which require removal regularly).
Each dental implant is formed of two bits in general, the first bit is what is referred to as “fixture” or “screw” or the “implant”. This is either Titanium or ceramic that is inserted into the bone and after healing it becomes fused to the bone. It acts like the foundation to the second bit, which is the “restoration”. The restoration, sometimes called the “crown” or “bridge”, is the bit that gets attached to the fixture. This is the part that you can see in the mouth and replaces the missing tooth/teeth.
Implants are one of the best inventions in dentistry. They revolutionised and improved significantly, the quality of teeth replacement. If they are done properly, they achieve the best aesthetic and functional outcomes. They leave you with a feeling that you have no missing teeth. Whether you are missing, one, multiple or all your teeth. For almost thirty years, we have a very long track record of placing dental implants in all circumstances.
What happens if I don’t replace my missing teeth?
Over time, you may notice changes to how you chew or bite (we call this function), sunken cheeks and lips, or gaps in your teeth (aesthetics). We can not predict how, what, or when exactly these changes occur.
All teeth have tiny ligaments holding them in place. Generally, teeth rely on surrounding teeth to help these ligaments support and keep a tooth in place. If teeth have no teeth to the side of it (adjacent tooth) or above or below it (opposing tooth), then teeth will move. This means a tooth could drift and collapse forward (no adjacent tooth), or it may grow down or up more (over-erupt) as there is no tooth to bite against (no opposing tooth). These are the issues that cause problems with function and aesthetics. Ongoing issues resulting from these problems could be food traps that lead to tooth decay or root canal treatment and possible further loss of teeth. If there are considerable changes to one’s smile or facial structures, unfortunately, you may notice a loss in self-confidence.
These points are some of the many reasons why we recommend implant placement to replace a missing tooth.
How long will my dental implants last?
The published survival rate for how long dental implants last is well above 95% for more than 25 years, which is excellent. However, every now and then, an implant fails, and about 50% will have some sort of minor complications somewhere along the way, just like teeth. Each patient is different, with many variables such as smoking, medication, medical conditions, and teeth grinding that may require extra management prior to placing an implant. Therefore, at your consultation, we consider many aspects to customise a plan that is suitable to your needs.
How do I care for my dental implants?
To care for your dental implants, you will require regular check-ups and cleaning. Some people have crowns or bridges on their implants, and in some cases, dentures are seated on implants. At The Periodontists, we provide implant health education and home care instructions specific to your needs, enabling patients to take good care of their implant(s) with reliable, diligent home care using toothbrushes, super floss, and/or interdental brushes.
Will the end result look natural?
With good implant placement planning and execution, followed by placement of an aesthetically pleasing restoration (crown, bridge, or denture), we should see a natural-looking result.
All-On-4®
If you are missing all the teeth in either one or both jaws (upper and lower), ‘All-On-4®’ can be an option for you. ‘All-On-4®’ is a concept when all the teeth in one jaw are replaced by placing four fixtures into the jawbone. These four fixtures act as a foundation to a bridge that replaces all the teeth. This is a much better option than having a denture (plate) as dentures are removable (they must be taken out and re-inserted regularly), while having a bridge on four implants is generally fixed and can give you a very comfortable and natural feel, as close to natural as possible.
Signs I might need Dental Implants?
- I’m missing teeth
- I have poor dental/oral health and need a tooth replacement
- I’m having to change the way I chew & talk
- I’m unhappy with my smile
- I tried dentures but they’re too bulky and or too loose
More Questions? Enquire Here
Signs I might need Dental Implants?
Dental implants are one of the best replacement options for missing natural teeth. They can be used to replace one, multiple, or all the teeth. The best thing about dental implants is that they are fixed to the bone, and hence in most cases, do not need to be removed or re-inserted (unlike dentures which require removal regularly).
Dental Implants are one of the best inventions in dentistry for teeth replacements, and they’re available right here in Perth. They revolutionised and significantly improved the quality of teeth replacement. When done properly, they can achieve the best aesthetic and functional outcomes. They leave you with a feeling that you have no missing teeth. For almost thirty years, we have a very long track record of placing dental implants in all circumstances. We are committed to providing a smooth process as well as knowledge & understanding to our patients, that’s why we’re the best specialist implant dentist in Perth!