Dental implants in Geelong have become an increasingly popular help for those who have lost teeth due to some reason. Geelong, a city known for its modern healthcare facilities and expert dental care, is a prime location for receiving high-quality dental implants. If you’re considering dental implants but are unsure about what to expect or whether they’re the right choice for you. In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about dental implants, their benefits, and more.
Introduction to Dental Implants
These are artificial tooth roots, typically made from titanium. They are placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are a long-term solution to maintain the natural structure of teeth. Over time, the implant fuses with the jawbone. It provides a strong and durable foundation for the artificial tooth.
Components of a Dental Implant
- Implant Post: The titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone plays as the root of the artificial tooth.
- Abutment: It is a connector that is placed on top of the implant later to hold and support the crown.
- Crown: The visible part of the tooth that is placed on top of the abutment. Crowns are custom-made, ensuring a natural appearance.
Why Opt for Geelong Dental Implants?
Long-Term Durability
Dental implants help to last a lifetime when properly cared for. The implant fuses with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration, making it incredibly strong and stable. With dental check-ups and oral hygiene, your implant can last for decades, if not for life.
Natural Appearance
Dental implants or dentist caps for teeth service in Geelong are custom-designed. It helps to look and feel just like your natural teeth. In Geelong, dental professionals use cutting-edge technology to ensure that the crowns are made with precision, blending seamlessly with your existing teeth. The materials used in the crown are resistant to stains, meaning your new teeth will continue to look great for years to come.
Improved Oral Function
Unlike traditional dentures, which can slip or shift, dental implants are securely anchored. This stability allows you to speak clearly, eat your favourite foods, and smile with confidence. Dental implants restore nearly 100% of the function of natural teeth. It enables you to bite and chew normally without any discomfort.
Bone Preservation
The condition of the lost tooth can start the deterioration of the jawbone. This can lead to an uneven facial appearance and further tooth loss. Besides, dental implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural teeth. It helps to preserve bone density and maintain facial structure. This is a significant advantage over dentures or bridges, which do not offer the same benefit.
No Impact on Adjacent Teeth
With dental bridges, adjacent teeth need to be ground down to support the bridge, which can weaken them. Dental implants in Geelong, on the other hand, do not require any alteration of the surrounding teeth. The implant stands alone, preserving the integrity of your adjacent teeth while providing a stable and permanent solution for tooth replacement.
Comfort and Convenience
Dental implants eliminate many of the common issues associated with dentures, such as discomfort, the need for adhesives, and dietary restrictions. Once your implants are placed and the healing process is complete, they function just like your natural teeth. There’s no need for special cleaning solutions or regular adjustments, making them a convenient and hassle-free option.
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Process
If you’re considering dental implants in Geelong, it’s essential to understand what the procedure involves. While the idea of surgery may sound intimidating, dental implant procedures are typically straightforward and have a high success rate. The following is a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:
Initial Consultation
The first step in the dental implant process is a consultation with your dentist. When you visit, your dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays or 3D scans, and discuss your medical history. This allows them to determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Different factors like bone density, overall oral health, and the position of the missing teeth will be evaluated.
In some cases, extra procedures like bone grafting may be necessary if there isn’t enough bone available to support the implant.
Treatment Planning
Once you’re deemed a suitable candidate for dental implants or dentist caps for teeth service in Geelong, your dentist will create a customised treatment plan. This plan outlines the steps involved in your implant procedure, the timeline for each phase, and the expected cost. Your dentist will discuss various options for the type of implant and crown, as well as any other necessary treatments such as extractions or gum treatments.
Implant Placement Surgery
The actual placement of the implant is a surgical procedure, usually performed under local anaesthesia. In some cases, sedation may also be used to guarantee your comfort. During the process, your expert dentist will make a small incision in the gum. It exposes the bone and then drills a small hole at the place where the plant is.
After, the titanium is inserted into the jawbone, and the gum is then stitched closed. Over the next few months, the implant will combine with the bone in a process known as osseointegration.
Healing Time
After the implant is placed, there is a healing period that can last anywhere from three to six months. During this time, it’s important to keep following your dentist’s instructions on how to care for the surgical site and maintain good oral hygiene. You may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort in the days following the surgery, but these symptoms usually subside within a week.
Your dentist may provide a temporary crown or denture to wear during this healing phase so that you don’t have a visible gap in your smile.
Abutment Placement
Once the implant has fully integrated, the next thing is to attach the abutment. This is a minor procedure that involves reopening the gum. It exposes the implant and places the abutment on top. The gum is then closed around the abutment, leaving it exposed above the gum line.
In some cases, the abutment is placed during the initial implant surgery. It eliminates the need for a second procedure.
Crown Placement
The last step in the process is the placement of the crown. The dentist takes the mouth’s impression and creates a custom-made crown. It will match the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth. Once the crown is ready, it is attached to the abutment, completing the implant. At this point, your new tooth will look and function just like a natural tooth.
Conclusion
These implants provide an excellent solution for missing teeth. If you’re considering dental implants in Geelong, you can expect expert care from skilled professionals who will guide you through every step of the process. At Geelong West Bright Smiles Dental, our team can help you get a beautiful smile through dental implants. We also partner with DentiCare to offer the best payment options to our patients.