Your Dental Implants Information Guide
If you’re reading this page, you’re searching for a natural aesthetic replacement to one or multiple teeth whilst maintaining a natural look to your smile.
The problem is, there are many dentistry treatments out there and it can be difficult to understand which is the most natural-looking.
You need one or multiple dental implants!
Dental implants have emerged as a new phenomenon to replace missing teeth with a natural aesthetic replacement that fits right in with your natural smile.
A titanium (or metal) screw is infused into the jawbone where the implant acts as the anchor for a new tooth or a set of teeth, depending on the number of replacements required.
Implants are a permanent fixture to your smile that replaces natural teeth that can no longer be used. They’re stand-alone, durable and can last a lifetime.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? However, there are many factors that you need to think about to ensure implants are the right choice for your oral health needs.
Those factors will be answered in detail right here. This guide will answer all-things dental implants from procedures, benefits, costings and answering your frequently asked questions.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants are considered the best long-term natural replacement for missing teeth. Throughout the 1900s, various studies and tests were conducted which resulted in the use of a surgical grade titanium screw inserted into the jaw as a replacement root. The connection of the crown (the replacement tooth) is fitted on top of the implant connected by an attachment called the abutment. It is a safe treatment that is now considered a direct, natural replacement to restore your natural smile.
Once the screw is placed, the implant infuses into the bone, a process known as osseointegration. It takes time to settle into the mouth but settles as stand-alone to support a single tooth.
Dental implants are a perfect choice for those who have single or multiple teeth that are decayed or if you suffer from periodontal disease. With proper adequate care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
The Benefits Of A Dental Implant
Besides the naturally aesthetically pleasing look that dental implants return to your smile, you shouldn’t overlook the exceptional oral health benefits that a dental implant provides.
- Preventing Of Bone Loss – A side effect of losing a tooth is bone loss. When bone disintegrates, teeth begin to become loose and weaken. This is because there is no longer a root for the bone to link to in order to keep the bone strong. An infused dental implant stimulates the growth of the bone to keep your natural teeth and, importantly, your implant strong.
- Continue To Eat Your Favourite Foods – Implants are a natural tooth replacement and, therefore, it behaves like a natural tooth. Unlike dentures where you need to be careful of the foods you eat, implants maintain your natural bite once it’s stable. This means you can eat your favourite foods without any danger of it becoming loose.
- It Preserves Your Facial Features – Alongside preserving your jaw bone density, your facial structure will also remain intact. Bone loss can degrade your appearance around the mouth, affecting the structure of your whole face.
- Care For Them Naturally – Dental implants require no special care. Treat them as a natural tooth by regularly brushing and flossing twice a day, book regular dental-check-ups at the dentist and keep the implant clean from dirty attractions such as debris and plaque. Without the right care, dental implants can still attract infection.
- Restores Smiling Confidence – With a degrading appearance and a missing tooth, this affects how you see your smile. Smiles are contagious and together with positive oral health, you can go about your day in complete confidence knowing that your smile is happy and healthy.
How Do I Know Dental Implants Are Right For Me?
Not all dental treatments are one-fit-for-all, and that includes dental implants. Like all dental treatments, oral health has to be healthy enough for an implant.
The dentist will be best placed to understand the state of your oral health by performing an oral examination (with x-rays if necessary) as part of your regular dental check-up appointments.
Each patient is an individual case. To be suitable for a dental implant, you must have the following:
- An acceptable level of oral hygiene within the teeth and gums
- A reasonable amount of bone density that doesn’t require bone reconstruction
- Not suffering from any adverse health conditions that may impact treatment
- A non-smoker (if you’re a smoker, you shall be requested to avoid smoking two weeks before the procedure).
The Available Dental Implants
You’re not restricted to a titanium implant. There are usually three types of dental implants available. Again, these are not a fit-for-all and each of them usually depend on the amount of jawbone the patient has.
Here are the three types of dental implants:
- Endosteal Implants – Endosteal implants are the most common choice of implant treatment. This involves fitting the implant into your jawbone by applying the titanium screw into the jawbone for the crown to be placed on top. As long as your jaw and mouth structure is healthy with a good amount of bone density, this is the one for you.
- Subperiosteal Implants – The fitting placement for a subperiosteal is different. A subperiosteal is fitted on top of the bone underneath the gum with a metal frame and is the correct implant choice if your jawbone density is low and isn’t strong enough. Bone graft treatment is available should you want Endosteal implants. However, this will add cost to your treatment.
- Zygomatic implants – Zygomatic implants is for patients who have a lack of bone in the upper jaw. Zygomatic implants are longer to reach the additional bone to stabilize your teeth and are surgically anchored to the cheekbone.
Which Implant Is Right For Me?
Quite naturally, positive oral health is naturally required for successful implant surgery.
The ideal and most recommended choice for most patients is Endosteal implants as long as your bone density is sufficient enough. Also, endosteal implants allow the dentist to make small alterations to the abutment angle to make sure the bite alignment and smile are both straight and natural.
Subperiosteal or Zygomatic Implants are only suitable if the dentist believes your oral health isn’t suitable for Endosteal implants. They are also more affordable. Therefore, if you lack density in the upper jaw and prefer not to undertake bone grafting treatment to improve the amount of bone you have, both are suitable. Some choose Zygomatic implants due to the shortened length of treatment it requires.
Having the traditional Endosteal implant verifies that your oral health is positive, and that is a bonus!
I Want Dental Implants – What Do I Need To Be Aware Of?
You’re now aware of the various dental implant treatments available to resurrect your smile. However, there are other points you need to keep in mind to make sure you make an informed choice that meets your oral health needs.
PROS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
- The Results Are Natural – Implants are moulded and fitted to look natural. Therefore, when you smile, the implant is unnoticeable because of how natural it looks.
- High Success Rate – Patients are assured that the results of dental implants are proficient. Your experienced dental specialist will also ensure treatment is safe and successful.
- Long-Term Affordability – Dental implants are value-for-money because they last longer, especially if your oral hygiene habits are strong at home.
- Low Maintenance – Implants simply need to fit into the oral health habits that you carry out for your natural teeth. For example, brush and floss your teeth twice a day as normal.
- Durable and Stand-Alone – Usually, implants are fixed into the jawbone, unlike dental bridges that require support from neighbouring teeth. Its strength holds its own to use or a long time.
CONS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
- Not Suitable For Smokers – Those who smoke tobacco products can expect slower healing and regular interference. The implant is also in more danger.
- It Isn’t Very Cheap – Compared to other treatments like dentures and bridges, implants are not very cheap. Health insurance is not available for implants.
- Not A One-Fit-For-All – Dental implants are not suitable for all and you need good oral health for an implant to be placed.
- Bone Density Is Required – Bone density needs to be high for implant treatment to be successful.
- Lengthy Treatment – Dental implant surgery requires time and multiple appointments from removing the tooth, to placing the anchor and finally applying the crown.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
In contrast to other forms of treatment such as dentures or bridges, implants last significantly longer. The material used are strong and are not corrosive. However, for implants to last this long, you must look after it.
Here are some factors:
- Take care of your implant with natural oral health habits and good hygiene
- Maintain solid strength of your jaw with a variety of jaw exercises
- Regularly book dental check-ups at the dentist to complete periodic adjustments to avoid any future complications
A properly affixed implant can last for at least 10 years minimum. These may sit in longer. However, functionally implants may degrade after this period.
Cost Of Dental Implants
Several factors dictate the cost of dental implants. Keep then the following factors in mind:
- How Many Implants? – Do you require single or multiple implants?
- How Is Your Oral Health? – If the dentist identifies your oral health not to be sufficient for implants, you may need further treatments which can add to the cost.
- Location – Depending on your location, metropolitan areas such as Inner Sydney may quote more for implant treatment.
Implant treatment is expensive, and you want to ensure you get the best value out of it. It is also time-consuming so be prepared for implant treatment to occur over a lengthy period. Implants are also not covered with dental insurance in Australia.
Below is an average cost breakdown of a single implant. Note, this can vary and is only an average estimate.
|
TYPE OF IMPLANT |
AVERAGE COST |
|
Endosteal Implants (Single fitting) |
$3000-$3500 |
|
Subperiosteal Implants (Single fitting) |
$2500-$3000 |
|
Zygomatic Implants (Single fitting) |
$2000-$2500 |
Below is an average cost breakdown for all implant procedures:
|
TYPE OF PROCEDURE |
AVERAGE COST |
|
Single Implant Fitting |
$5,000 – $6000 |
|
Complicated Single Fitting (oral health dependent) |
$6000 – $6,500 |
|
‘All-on-4’ dental implant procedure |
$20,000 – $30,000 |
For more information or helpful tips on dental implants, visit our blog page