You may have heard about dental implants many times before, but you may not know exactly what they are. Dental implants are a way of replacing teeth that have been lost, or damaged beyond repair, with an extremely permanent fixture, so that another replacement will never be needed. These treatments are available in High Dental Implants in Melbourne, and all the information you might wish to know is on their website.
How do implants work?
First, the area is assessed as to whether it is suitable for an implant or not. Some people do not have a strong enough jawbone to hold the implant in place, so therefore cannot have the treatment. However, an implant consultation will cover any potential dangers or risks to the procedure, and you will be made aware of everything. Implants work by first opening the skin of the gum area, and drilling into the jawbone, to create a small hole. Then a titanium screw is inserted into the hole and left there. This is so that the bone can grow around the implant, essentially fusing the implant into your jaw.
How long does the process take?
As the bone needs to be left to recover, and fuse into the implant, the process can take up to six months, but can be as fast as six weeks, depending on your individual growth rate. The process is a large procedure, so the gums and jaw may need extra time to heal from the treatment. There may also be some discomfort after the initial drilling, however considering your jawbone has been drilled into, this is a perfectly natural response.
If I have to wait, will I have a gap?
Depending on where the implant is, you may be concerned about having a gap, or a piece of metal sticking out, if you have to wait up to six months for the implant to fuse in place. Therefore, most dentists will provide you with a denture or bridge in order to cover the unfinished implant.
If I can’t get implants, then what are the alternatives?
Bridges and dentures have been proven to be extremely effective at replacing lost teeth and are a far more affordable option. Implants, while being the most effective way to replace a lost tooth, are expensive and can be time consuming, whereas a bridge or denture can be available almost straight away. If you are replacing a lot of teeth at once, then a dental implant can also provide a good anchor for a bridge, far superior to a crown, which can become loose or eroded.
Zygomatic implants
Another option for replacing lost teeth, are zygomatic implants. These implants are a replacement for when regular dental implants are not suitable, due to a lack of enough jawbone. Zygomatic implants go into the zygomas, or cheekbones, and simply extend further than a regular implant, securing them even more tightly in place. The cheekbones are also far denser than the bone in the jaw, so provide a much stronger root. However, this procedure is even more advanced than regular dental implants, and should only be undergone if necessary.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified practitioner.