Dental implants are titanium posts inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They provide a foundation for custom-made replacement teeth.
The procedure involves implant placement, healing, and attaching replacement teeth. Implants look and function like natural teeth, preserve jawbone health, and last a lifetime with care.
The first step involves a comprehensive oral examination to determine whether dental implants are an appropriate treatment option for the individual. This includes consideration of functional needs, aesthetics, and general circumstances including finances. X-rays and a comprehensive quote will be provided at this visit.
If the tooth that is to be replaced with an implant is still present, an extraction procedure will need to be undergone then prepare the site for implant placement.
Alveolar bone grafting may be required after extraction if significant bone loss to the site has occurred.This will ensure enough thickness of bone will be present when the implant screw is placed.
The dental implant “screw” is placed into the jaw bone in a single visit surgical appointment.
The implant screw is restored with a porcelain crown once proper integration of the implant screw has occurred with the jaw bone. This restoration will now look and function as a natural tooth.
Due to the complex nature of dental implant surgery, the placement of a dental implant requires extensive training, incredible precision, and state-of-the-art technology to place the titanium screw in the exact spot it is intended for. This is to avoid the nerve in your lower jaw, the sinus which is located in your upper jaw and also the teeth either side of where the implant is being placed. Such procedures should only be performed by experienced practitioners who have a wealth of knowledge in dental implant surgery.
Once the dental implant has been placed, your body is allowed time to recover and heal, during this period, the titanium screw integrates within your jaw (this is a biologic process called osseointegration in which materials such as titanium form an intimate bond to bone) and gradually becomes more stable. The dentist may place some sutures in the gum around the implant to protect it and any bone graft that has been done, for this reason, it is recommended that patients take a day or two to relax following dental implants surgery at Affinity Dentistry.
Although healing time may vary from person to person, this is monitored with digital dental x-rays and assessed using a ‘torque test’ at a time when it appears stable on a digital x-ray, once the titanium screw is strong enough to support an implant crown, the final phase (restoration stage) can begin. This involves taking impressions of your upper and lower jaw so the implant crown can be fabricated to fit the space perfectly. Not only does it fill the space, but it also meets perfectly with your gum, the contacts of the tooth/teeth on either side and the tooth/teeth on the opposite jaw that will meet the implant crown on biting.
Dental implants have been developed to be the strongest and most reliable long term tooth replacement option and can be used to just replace a single tooth or can even be utilized to replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
Dr Amit Arora has special training in the placement and restoration of dental implants and has been successfully handling dental implant cases for many years.
For additional information or questions about dental implants Deakin Contact us at Affinity Dentistry today.