Dental implant surgery is arguably the most successful method of replacing lost or damaged teeth. It involves installing a strong titanium post into a patient’s jawbone to serve as the root for an artificial crown. Overall, the whole process takes up to six months since it requires the bone to heal and fuse tightly with the implant.

The primary benefit of professionally installed dental implants brisbane by pure dentistry is that they provide reliable support for new teeth. They are a more effective alternative to dental bridgework and dentures that rely on other teeth for support.

Since dental implants are a long-term teeth replacement solution, it’s essential to understand what it entails. This post discusses the dental implant procedure, what patients can expect and why titanium is ideal for the treatment.

Tooth replacement with dental implants results in a natural look and feel since the new teeth fuse tightly with the jawbone. They don’t slip, make noise, or interfere with the adjacent teeth as fixed dentures and dental bridges sometimes do.

The primary factor when considering dental implants is the patient’s general health. The doctor must examine the size, shape, and health of the jaws and the surrounding teeth. The condition of the gum’s mucous membranes is also crucial to the healing process.

Typically, you may be the right candidate for dental implants if:

• You want to replace one or more missing teeth
• Your oral tissues are healthy
• Your jawbone has reached full growth
• You’ve sufficient jawbone to hold the implants
• You can have a bone graft (in case of an inadequate jawbone)
• You don’t have a condition that would hamper bone healing
• You can’t or don’t want to wear dentures
• You’re ready to commit a few months to the process

A few conditions can increase the risk of failure or disqualify someone from undergoing a dental implant procedure. Examples include osteoporosis, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and heavy smoking. Individuals with a long history of using steroids may also face a considerable risk of dental implant failure.

Planning for a successful dental implant procedure can involve many health specialists. A maxillofacial surgeon specializes in the mouth, jaw, and face, while a periodontist treats the mouth structures that support the teeth. A prosthodontist, on the other hand, designs and fixes artificial teeth.

Depending on your situation, an ENT doctor might be necessary. A team of these specialists performs a comprehensive evaluation to devise a dental treatment plan that achieves the best outcomes. Patient evaluation can involve the following processes:

• You want to replace one or more missing teeth
• Your oral tissues are healthy
• Your jawbone has reached full growth
• You’ve sufficient jawbone to hold the implants
• You can have a bone graft (in case of an inadequate jawbone)
• You don’t have a condition that would hamper bone healing
• You can’t or don’t want to wear dentures
• You’re ready to commit a few months to the process

A few conditions can increase the risk of failure or disqualify someone from undergoing a dental implant procedure. Examples include osteoporosis, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and heavy smoking. Individuals with a long history of using steroids may also face a considerable risk of dental implant failure.

A careful examination of the affected area and the entire mouth cavity helps decide whether dental implants are the best treatment. The dentist may take dental X-rays and 3D images to aid in creating the teeth and jaw models.

After full osseointegration, you need another minor surgery to fix an abutment to the titanium implant. A dental abutment is a metal connector where the artificial dental crown eventually attaches.

Your dental specialist reopens the gum to expose the dental implant and screws the abutment into the implant. Sometimes, the dentist will install the abutment immediately after fixing the titanium dental implant, eliminating the need for further surgery.

The doctor closes the gum tissue around but not above the abutment such that it’s visible when you open the mouth. It remains that way until the dentist completes the tooth prosthesis procedure. That’s one reason to have the abutment placed in a separate operation if you don’t like the look.

After placing the abutment, you have to give the gums heal sufficient time to heal. You might have to wait for about two weeks before attaching an artificial tooth.

After fitting the titanium dental implant into place, healing and osseointegration begin. The term refers to the fusion of the metallic implant to your natural bone, a process that takes about three to six months. The living bone grows and blends with the surface of the implant.

Osseointegration is a critical contributor to implant stability and long-term clinical success. It helps build a foundation for the replacement tooth to mimic the structural and functional performance of natural teeth.

After confirming that you have the required amount of jaw bone, your dental surgeon makes incisions on the gum to expose the bone. Splitting the tissue creates flaps that help augment the final implant. An alternate technique is flapless surgery, where the dentist removes gum tissue about the implant’s diameter.

The doctor then drills a hole into the jawbone at regulated speeds where the titanium post goes. Finally, the dentist places the implant screw into the hole and fastens it with precision to become the new tooth’s root. If you want, your oral specialist can fill the gap with a removable denture.

If the damaged tooth is still present, the dentist will first remove it. Some patients can have a tooth extraction and dental implant on the same day if their condition allows. Otherwise, it’s best to wait for about three months after tooth removal to start the dental implant tooth replacement procedure.

The doctor should review the patient’s medical history to unearth any underlying health conditions that might contribute to dental implant failure. During your consultation, tell the dentist about any drugs you may be taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. Your doctor may administer antibiotics to prevent infection if you have a heart condition or existing orthopedic implants.

Every patient gets a personalized treatment plan. It usually depends on the number of teeth to replace and the health of the jawbone and the surrounding teeth, among other factors.

Titanium dental implant surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that takes place in stages. The time between various phases allows for healing and the formation of new bone in the jaw. Depending on your situation, the dental specialist can combine some steps.

Below are the seven stages of tooth replacement with titanium dental implants.

Not everyone requires to undergo bone grafting. The process is only necessary when the dentist finds the jawbone too soft or not thick enough to carry an implant. Grafting creates a more solid foundation for the jaw to withstand the tremendous pressure exerted when chewing.

Dentists use several jaw rebuilding materials and techniques. The first one is transplanting a natural piece of bone from another part of the body. Alternatively, the doctor can use a synthetic bone graft, which comprises a bone substitute material supporting new jawbone development.

If you need a minor bone grafting procedure, your dental specialist can perform it alongside your implant surgery. For a more significant transplant, the bone can take several months to grow enough to support a titanium dental implant. Your doctor should advise on the best option following an assessment.

After healing, the dentist takes precise impressions of your mouth to create a prosthetic tooth that fits comfortably. The bite registration process helps determine the relative jaw and teeth position.

Next, the oral specialist sets up artificial teeth in a dental mockup fabrication to let the patient try and give feedback. If the tooth or teeth require improvement, the dentist makes the necessary adjustments and produces the final artificial tooth.

A prosthetic tooth can be fixed or removable. If you choose a fixed setup, the dentist permanently screws or cements the crown onto an abutment. Each tooth can have an independent implant and abutment set but bridged artificial teeth sometimes share one dental implant.

Removable artificial teeth are similar to conventional dentures. They comprise white teeth with pinkish gum mounted on a metal frame that attaches to the dental abutment. You can remove the teeth for cleaning or before going to bed.

As with other surgical operations, you might experience some discomfort after every stage of dental implant surgery. You might notice minor mild pain or swelling around the implant site.

Your doctor should give you medications to alleviate the pain and prevent infection. If the condition doesn’t improve in a few days, contact your dentist.

There are many reasons to choose titanium for dental implants. The metal is safe and effective to use, demonstrating a success rate of 97.0%. Its sturdiness and superior biological performance minimize the chance of complications.

Read here to find out how long dental implants last.

Are you looking for the most effective tooth replacement solution in Brisbane, Australia? Contact puredentistry.com.au in mt Gravatt, Brisbane, to discuss the suitability of titanium dental implants for your dental needs. For missing tooth in children, please read about space maintainers by kids-dentist.com.au