DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth in your mouth. If you’ve lost a tooth in the past and never got the tooth replaced, you could end up with some bigger problems down the line. Sometimes, the issue of missing teeth could just be aesthetic, with your smile looking a little emptier than you might want. But, sometimes the problems might not stop at just aesthetics. Missing teeth can create health problems such as rapid bone loss, changing chewing patterns, speech impediments, or just general discomfort. This is where dental implants can come in to save the day.
How can we help?
Replacing missing teeth with a dental implant is a simple dental surgery that can relieve discomfort and help your smile look its best. A dental implant anchors a titanium post into your jaw in the place where the missing tooth would be. This dental implant acts like a tooth root so a dental crown can be attached meaning it will look just like a natural tooth.
With dental implants, you can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. The implants can be placed in either the front or back of your mouth. Dental implants are often used instead of dentures, but they can also be used as the anchor for dentures if you would like.
Dental implant surgery is a very simple surgery and follows a predictable process. During the surgery, your friendly Team Dental Dentist will administer aneasthetic so that you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the process. In the following 24-48 hours you may feel some pain, but this is relatively mild, and over-the-counter pain killers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, should be enough to make the discomfort relatively minor.
Dental implants typically cost more than dentures. However, dental implants can be a preferred option for many people as they provide a more permanent solution, which can save you both time and money in the long run. Dental implants can last for up to 20 to 30 years, compared to dentures which typically last 7-10 years. Not only are they long-lasting, but dental implants provide a natural-looking solution to missing teeth and won’t compromise adjacent teeth in your mouth.
Although the process is simple and straightforward, there are some instances where dental implants may not be suitable for you. As the process is dental surgery, if you are immunocompromised, prone to prolonged bleeding, or delayed bone healing, dental implants may not be suitable for you. Additionally, if you are a smoker, the dental implants may take longer to heal.
If you would like to find out if dental implants are right for you, please contact us at our Papamoa or Riccarton practice.