Maintaining your dental implants is essential for optimal oral health. Dental implants require special care and attention to ensure they stay healthy, strong, and last a long time. With the right tips and tricks from your dentist, you can keep your dental implants looking great while also extending their life. From proper cleaning techniques to avoiding certain foods and drinks that can damage the implant material, there are many ways to maintain your dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants
Dental implants are surgical procedures used to replace missing teeth. They are typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material that is accepted by the body and provides a strong, secure base for artificial teeth. During the dental implant procedure, an incision is made in the gum and a small hole is drilled into the jawbone. A metal post (the implant) is then inserted into the jawbone and left to heal for several months before attaching an artificial tooth or teeth.
Dental implants are one of the most effective treatments available for replacing missing teeth and offer many benefits over traditional treatments like bridges and dentures. Although it requires minor surgery to place them initially, dental implants have been proven to be safe and successful long-term solutions that provide superior comfort while giving you back your smile.
Understanding The Different Types Of Dental Implants
There are several different types of dental implants available today; each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Endosteal Implants: These are the most commonly used type of dental implant and involve surgically implanting a metal frame into the jawbone. The artificial tooth is then placed onto the frame, providing a secure fit. This type of implant is highly successful, but it does require extensive surgery and has a longer healing time than other types of implants.
- Subperiosteal Implants: These implants are placed on top of the jawbone instead of being implanted underneath it. They usually consist of a metal framework with posts protruding through the gum tissue and into the bone. Artificial teeth can then be mounted onto these posts after they have healed properly. This type of implant is less invasive and has a shorter healing time, but it may not be suitable for people with limited bone density in their jaw.
- Zygomatic Implants: These are the newest type of implant available and involve placing two metal frames into the cheekbone instead of the jawbone. This procedure is much more complicated than other types of implants as it requires specialized equipment and skill. However, it is highly successful and provides stability to support multiple artificial teeth.
No matter which type of dental implants you choose, your dentist will discuss all the potential risks and benefits with you before going ahead with any treatment plan. They will also help ensure you get the best possible outcome from your procedure.
Preparing For Treatment And Aftercare Tips Of Dental Implants
Before embarking on this treatment, it is important for patients to be aware of all the necessary steps involved in preparation, treatment and aftercare.
- Preparing for Treatment: Prior to undergoing dental implant surgery, it is important for patients to consult with their dentist about any existing health conditions or allergies that may complicate the procedure. Patients will also need to undergo a detailed health assessment by their dentist before undergoing the operation. Additionally, it is recommended that patients avoid taking certain medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin prior to the surgery as they can interfere with healing. X-rays and other imaging tests may be needed in order to assess the jawbone where the implant will be placed.
- During Treatment: During implant surgery, an artificial root made of titanium is surgically placed into your jawbone. After placement, the implant must heal and fuse with your jawbone over time before a crown or bridge can be attached. Depending on the type of implant used, this process can take several months. In some cases, a temporary restoration such as a denture may be fitted while you wait for your new permanent restoration to attach securely.
- Aftercare: After implant surgery has been completed, patients must maintain good oral hygiene practices at home in order to ensure the successful integration of dental implants into their natural oral environment. This includes brushing twice daily with an ADA-approved toothbrush and flossing daily between teeth and around dental appliances like bridges or dentures that have been implanted. Regular visits to the dentist are also recommended following dental implant surgery so that progress towards full integration can be monitored closely and any issues can quickly be attended to if necessary. Avoiding hard foods like nuts and candy which could damage dental work should help extend its lifespan.
By being well informed about what is required of them both before and after their procedure, patients can increase their chances of successful treatment using dental implants overall.
Benefits Of Getting Dental Implants
One of the biggest advantages of getting dental implants is their longevity. Implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting; in fact, the implant itself can last up to 25 years with proper care and maintenance. Dental implants also provide excellent stability, allowing them to remain securely in place and preventing slipping or shifting like other tooth replacement options. Additionally, because they are self-supporting, dental implants do not require support from adjacent teeth like bridges do, making them an ideal choice for people who have lost one or more teeth due to trauma or decay.
Another benefit of dental implants is improved aesthetics since they look and feel just like natural teeth; they keep your smile looking natural while boosting your self-esteem. In addition, when you get dental implants you will experience improved comfort since they fit snugly against the gums and surrounding tissues; this makes speaking and eating much easier than with removable dentures. Furthermore, unlike traditional dentures which require frequent adjustments as your jawbone changes over time, dental implants are permanent fixtures that do not need any further treatment once installed.
Finally, getting dental implants can improve oral health overall because they help maintain healthy jawbone tissue. This can prevent further loss of tissue due to gum disease or infection which can occur when there is no longer a tooth root present in the jawbone area to stimulate new bone growth. Dental implants also help reduce plaque buildup since it maintains space between neighbouring teeth; this prevents food particles from becoming trapped on either side of the implant and thus reduces bacteria's access to food sources that promote plaque formation.
The Cost Of Getting Dental Implants
In general, the cost of getting dental implants done professionally can range anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 or more, depending on the number of implants needed and other factors.
The most significant factor in determining the cost of dental implants is the number of implants being placed. Typically, each implant costs between $1,500 to $6,000 depending on its type and size, some may even be slightly higher or lower than this range.
The complexity of your individual case, such as whether you need a sinus lift or bone grafting may also affect the overall cost of treatment. In addition to the implant itself, there are typically additional fees associated with treatment such as anesthesia fees, laboratory fees for making customized abutments and crowns, x-rays and CT scans for proper planning of surgery as well as follow-up visits for monitoring after placement. All these costs should be taken into consideration when estimating your total expense for dental implants.
Finally, some insurance plans may partially cover the cost of dental implants under certain conditions so it’s best to check with your provider before proceeding with treatment. Some dentists offer payment plans that allow you to spread out your payments over time if necessary. It is always important to weigh all possible options carefully before undergoing any kind of major dental procedure so that you can make an informed decision that fits both your needs and budget.
Find The Right Dentist For Your Dental Implants In Canberra
If you are considering getting dental implants in Canberra, it is important to find the right dentist for the job. Dental implants are a long-term solution that requires a skilled and experienced dentist to ensure the highest level of success. It is essential to choose a dentist who is certified in implant dentistry and understands all aspects of implant surgery. At Acacia Dental Group, they offer the highest quality dental implants in Canberra.
Their experienced dentists have the necessary qualifications and experience to carry out successful implant treatments. Their implant services include consultations and assessments, placement of single or multiple implants, restoration of missing teeth with crowns, bridges or dentures supported by implants, and post-operative care for long-term success. Contact them today to arrange an appointment and find out if dental implants are right for you.