Missing teeth can have so many affects, not just on your mouth but also on your self confidence and wanting to show your teeth when you smile. Depending on the number of teeth you are missing, missing teeth can have profound effects on the shape of your face, your speech, and your normal chewing function. Some gaps caused by missing teeth can affect the alignment or bone around your remaining teeth, putting them at risk of damage or even loss.
Replacing missing teeth may be a priority for you for various reasons, and dental implants are an excellent option. Dental implants can help you restore your winning smile and help return your confidence to smile. Dental implants are an effective, long term and, safeway to restore your smile.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are dental appliances permanently affixed to the jaw by your dentist. This can be done when replacing missing teeth, as a single crown, or a support for bridgework or other dental prosthetics like overdentures, or as part of a multi-tooth restoration process. .
Though the specific process may vary from patient to patient, the procedure is generally the same. Metal posts/screws (implants) are placed into the jawbone, and permanent crowns are affixed after a period of healing. The dental implant replaces the entire tooth or acts as a fastening point for bridgework or a denture plate to be attached to.
Your dentist can assess if you’re a good candidate for dental implants and if you require replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are safe, secure, long term, and have the look of your natural teeth. . They can last over twenty years if they are cared for properly by following good oral hygiene practices.
Some Uses for Dental Implants Are:
- Dentures: Full-plate dentures can be attached as removable or fixed restorations to dental implants to replace long spans of missing teeth.. As these dentures are attached to implants and not relying on your tissues/gums to hold them in place, they have many advantages over traditional removable dentures. Implants can be an an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth in people who are full denture wearers.
- Dental bridgework: Like implant-supported dentures, a dental bridge can be used to replace multiple missing teeth next to each other.. Implant-supported bridgework typically consists of two dental crowns secured to dental implants with pontic crowns in between to replace the other missing teeth. The dental bridge is then permanently attached to the implant or implants. Though it is one solid piece, it looks and feels like the natural teeth it is replacing.
- Dental crowns: Unlike dentures and bridges dental crowns are used to replace a single missing tooth. Dental crowns are attached to a dental implant to replace a single missing tooth. A crown made of porcelain, zirconia, or other material is attached to the dental implant and secured in place.. A significant advantage of this type of dental implant is that it does not affect the remaining adjacent teeth and can be coloured to almost perfectly match the teeth around it.
Dental Implant Treatments
There are several different types of dental implant treatments available. Your dentist can advise you on which is best for your particular case.
Single-Tooth Implant
If you are missing a single tooth due to injury or disease, your dentist may recommend a dental implant. In some cases, damage or decay in a tooth may occur in a way where a traditional crown or filling may not provide effective treatment. In these cases, a single-tooth dental implant may also be indicated.
Multiple Tooth Implant Retained Bridges and Dentures
For patients who are missing some or all of their teeth, implant-supported bridges or implant-retained full dentures can be a good choice. These can replace multiple missing teeth and can be used together with single tooth implants to restore your smile and bite.
Will My Dental Implants Look Natural?
Missing teeth can make you not want to smile. Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth long term and securely. They can look and feel more natural than dentures and can be fixed in place increasing stability. Your implant restoration can be matched to your natural teeth colour, so nobody but you know it is there.
Not only will your replacement teeth look natural, but they will also restore your smile and your natural chewing and speaking function. This will restore a more natural look to your face and can protect against changes that missing teeth may cause.
Dental implants are a great way to ensure you look, feel, and can speak, chew, and act naturally and comfortably.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
The process of getting dental implants can take many months. Your dentist will ensure that getting your dental implants will be as comfortable as possible.
Local anesthesia will prevent most discomfort during the procedure, and common pain relief are generally more than sufficient to deal with any post-op pain or swelling that may occur. Our own Dr Alan Trinh has been helping people restore their smiles with dental implants for over fifteen years and would love to speak with you more to dispel any anxieties or concerns you may have. Here at Beaches Dental Mona Vale we also IV sedation (sleep dentistry) to help our patients be more relaxed and comfortable when having their implant placed.
We’re Here to Help
Many people are excellent candidates for dental implants. Contact us today to schedule a complete exam and assessment. We would be happy to speak with you about all the options available to you and what might be a good fit for your specific needs. We’ll be able to provide a plan for restoring your missing teeth, helping you smile and function like normal.
