If you have been thinking about dental implants Melbourne for replacing your missing teeth then you need to speak to your dentist to find out about your eligibility and the advantages that dental implants can have for your dental health and your overall quality of life. Dental implants are the most popular choice of tooth replacement therapy and although it can be quite a lengthy process, it is a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth.
Step 1
First you will need to visit your dentist for a comprehensive examination of your mouth. The dentist will assess the health of your teeth and gums and also the condition of the alveolar bone, more commonly known as your jawbone. Your dentist will take X-rays of your teeth to help make sure that dental implant surgery will be successful for you. Together with your dentist you can decide how many of your teeth need replacing and your dentist will decide how many implants are necessary to do so. Your overall health and wellbeing is also important for successful dental implant surgery, so your dentist will carry out an overall risk assessment and decide whether or not this is the most suitable treatment option for you.
Step 2
If dental implants are suitable for you then the actual process can begin. If they are replacing existing teeth then you will need to undergo a tooth extraction before the surgery. This will be done under local anaesthetic and therefore it should be pain-free. Some patients require bone grafting and depending on the extent of grafting necessary this may need to be carried out prior to the surgery or can be carried out at the same time.
Step 3
Once you are ready the dental implant is inserted into the bone socket of your missing tooth and this initiates a process known as osseointegration, during which bone forming cells or osteoblasts form around the implant until it is fixed securely and permanently in place. Osseointegration is a natural process, therefore, it can take several months to complete and this depends on your body’s ability to heal. Osseointegration can take as little as 12 weeks or even up to 9 months, varying from patient to patient. During this time you will visit your dentist on regular occasions to make sure that the process is coming along successfully.
Step 4
Once your dentist is happy that the implant has successfully integrated into your jaw they will attach an abutment to the implant. The abutment is the connector between the implant and your prosthetic of choice.
Step 5
Finally you are ready to replace your missing tooth or teeth with a crown or a set of dentures depending on your dental requirements and your personal preferences. As mentioned before, dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution to replace your missing teeth and have a success rate of over 95%. By visiting your dentist on a regular basis and maintaining a good dental hygiene routine you can enjoy a happy and healthy smile for life.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
