Dental implants Sydney as we know them today have been used by dentists since the 1960s. The first of these dental implants that was used in a human patient lasted for the whole of the patient’s life which was approximately another 40 years after they had their implant surgery. In 2023, dental implants Sydney have a success rate of approximately 96-97%. This means that they are an excellent method of replacing missing teeth. If you want to find out more about a permanent method of tooth replacement then you need to speak to your dentist and find out if dental implants Sydney is suitable for you. They are small, titanium screws that replace the root of your missing tooth. These screws are very strong, resilient, noncorrosive and they are biocompatible. This means they do not cause any allergic reaction; rather, they initiate a natural healing process also known as osseointegration. Osseointegration means that the implant initiates osteoblasts to form around the implant and lock the implant firmly in place. This process takes approximately 4 to 6 months, depending on your body’s ability to heal. Osseointegration allows the implant to become a permanent fixture in your mouth.
Bone decay and bone graft
To begin with, your dentist will examine your remaining teeth and gums to make sure that they are healthy and strong and free of any cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease. Your dentist will also examine your jawbone to make sure that it is healthy and free of any signs of bone decay. Bone decay occurs very quickly, as soon as you lose a tooth. To avoid this you need to have your tooth replaced sooner rather than later. If you have bone decay then your dentist will advise that you need to undergo a bone graft to begin with. This bone graft may be carried out at the same time as your dental implant surgery or it may need to be done earlier if it is more extensive. The dentist will take photographs and x-rays of your mouth. The dentist will be able to calculate what size implant you need, the width and height will be calculated according to the measurements of your jaw. An implant will be manufactured according to these measurements and you will be booked in for your surgery.
Dental implant surgery
The surgery itself is an invasive procedure which is done under local anaesthetic and further sedation where necessary. If you are a nervous or anxious patient, then you can speak to your dentist and find out about different types of sedation available at your dental practice. This will help ease the process. The surgery can take 2 to 4 hours, depending on how many teeth you need to replace. Your dentist will drill a small hole into the bone socket of the missing tooth. The implant will be placed into the bone socket and a healing cap may be placed onto the implant to allow the healing process to be quicker. The gum will then be stitched over the implant. This will be left to heal by itself for the next few months. You can visit your dentist at regular intervals to make sure that the implants are healing correctly. Once your dentist is happy that they have healed the gum will be cut open to expose the implant. The healing cap will be removed and an abutment can be attached to the implant. This abutment is a connector post which adjoins the implant to the replacement tooth. The replacement tooth may be a crown, partial dentures or full dentures, depending on how many teeth you are replacing. A single implant can replace a single tooth and up to 3 adjacent teeth. 4 to 6 implants can replace a full art of teeth. 8 to 12 implants can replace all of your teeth, so speak to your dentist to find out more.
Once your teeth have been replaced with dental implants, you will find that you regain your self confidence and your self-esteem as dental implants restore the appearance of your smile. You will also be able to eat and drink as you did before losing your teeth. You can enjoy all your favourite food as the implant is locked into place. In comparison to your natural teeth that are slightly mobile, dental implants provide a fixed alternative, which means your mouth may feel stronger than it did before. It is important that you consult your dentist early on in the process to avoid further complications. Missing teeth are like dominoes. One missing tooth can result in multiple missing teeth very quickly. The earlier you replace a missing tooth the less complications you will face in the future. Speak to your dentist and find out more about dental implants today.
Disclaimer
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
