What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a revolutionary solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a durable and natural-looking alternative to dentures or bridges. At Coastal Dental Care, we specialise in providing high-quality dental implants that not only restore the function of your teeth but also enhance your smile. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or other factors, dental implants can help you regain your confidence and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable life.
Overview of Dental Implants
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for a replacement tooth or a set of teeth. The visible part of the implant, known as the crown, is custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural appearance.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an excellent solution for most adults with missing teeth, but certain factors must be considered to determine if you’re a good candidate. Ideal candidates typically have:
- Healthy Gums: Healthy gum tissue is crucial for the success of a dental implant, as it supports the implant and ensures proper healing.
- Sufficient Jawbone: Adequate bone density and volume are needed to support the implant. In cases of bone loss, bone grafting may be necessary to build up the jawbone before implant placement.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to ensure the long-term success of dental implants. Candidates should be committed to regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.
If you have certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or are a smoker, you may need to address these issues before proceeding with dental implants. During your consultation at Coastal Dental Care, our experienced dentists will thoroughly evaluate your oral health and discuss your options to ensure that dental implants are the right choice for you.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer numerous benefits that make them a preferred choice for tooth replacement. From improving oral health to enhancing your appearance, the advantages of dental implants are extensive and long-lasting.
Improved Oral Health
One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is their positive impact on oral health. Unlike traditional bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, dental implants do not compromise the integrity of your natural teeth. They help preserve your jawbone by stimulating bone growth, preventing the bone loss that often occurs after tooth loss. Additionally, implants help maintain the natural alignment of your teeth, reducing the risk of further oral health issues such as misalignment or jaw problems.
Long-Term Durability
Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. With proper care, they can last for many years, often a lifetime. The titanium used in implants is biocompatible, meaning it integrates well with your jawbone without causing adverse reactions. This strong bond between the implant and the bone provides a stable foundation for your replacement teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Enhanced Appearance and Confidence
Dental implants are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a beautiful and natural-looking smile. They restore the function of your teeth, allowing you to enjoy your favourite foods without worry. Perhaps most importantly, dental implants can significantly boost your self-esteem. The confidence that comes with a complete, healthy smile can have a positive impact on both your personal and professional life.
Dental implants are highly versatile and can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of teeth. Due to their durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, they are considered the gold standard in restorative dentistry.
The Dental Implant Process
At Coastal Dental Care, we take pride in offering a patient-centred approach to dental implants. Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring that your implant journey is smooth, comfortable, and successful. Here’s what you can expect during the dental implant process at our practice.
Initial Consultation
The first step in the dental implant process is a comprehensive consultation with one of our skilled dentists. During this visit, we will assess your oral health, review your medical history, and discuss your goals for treatment. We may take digital X-rays or 3D scans to get a detailed view of your jawbone and determine the best placement for your implants.
This consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the procedure. Our team will explain each step of the process, including preparation, the surgical procedure, and aftercare. We will also provide you with a personalised treatment plan and discuss any necessary preparatory treatments, such as bone grafting if needed.
The Implant Procedure
Once your treatment plan is in place, the next step is the surgical placement of the dental implant. This procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring that you are comfortable throughout. If you’re anxious about the procedure, we also offer sedation options to help you relax.
During the surgery, the implant post is carefully placed into the jawbone at the predetermined site. The gum is then stitched closed, and the healing process begins. Over the next few months, the implant will fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. This integration is crucial for the implant’s stability and success.
Once the implant has fully integrated with the bone, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant post. The final step involves placing the custom-made crown, bridge, or denture onto the abutment, restoring your smile to its full function and appearance.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Proper aftercare is essential for the long-term success of your dental implants. Following the procedure, we will provide detailed instructions on caring for your implants as they heal. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups is important.
We recommend that you avoid hard or sticky foods immediately after surgery to allow the implant site to heal properly. Any discomfort or swelling can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, and our team will be available to address any concerns you may have during the recovery process.
Long-term, caring for your dental implants is much like caring for your natural teeth. With proper maintenance and regular visits to Coastal Dental Care, your implants can last for many years, providing a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for missing teeth.
Are dental implants the right solution for me?
For patients with one or more missing teeth, dental implants may be the right solution. If there is enough bone present, patients who have a dental bridge or denture may also be a good candidate for the treatment.
Further, patients may find relief from ill fitting dentures or removable bridges with securely placed implant alternatives.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants can last indefinitely if no complications occur. However, factors like damage to the ceramic crown, oral hygiene and loosening or repairing of the abutment (joins implant and ceramic tooth) can affect this estimate.
Dental implants at Coastal Dental Care
Replacing a tooth with a dental implant can help to maintain the health of your jaw, gums and remaining teeth. Contact us about dental implant treatment today.