Dental implants are a revolutionary tooth replacement option. A dental implant procedure is a modern alternative to dentures and dental bridges and is the only permanent solution for missing teeth.
If you are considering having a dental implant procedure, up-to-date dental implants information can help you make an informed decision.
Dental Implant Information: What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are typically made from titanium or a titanium alloy. These devices screw into the patient’s jawbone and are fitted with an abutment connector to anchor a new dental crown, bridge, or denture plate. They stimulate jawbone tissue growth and improve the stability of surrounding teeth, ensuring you can eat and speak naturally.
Dental Implant Information: The Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant procedure involves several steps and more than one appointment with the dentist. As each step requires healing time before the next one can begin, the process can take up to 6 months to complete.
Examination and scanning
At your initial consultation, your dentist performs an extensive exam taking a full 3D scan of your mouth. At the Digital Dental Implant Institute, using modern technologies like digital X-Ray and CT scanning, your dentist can get an accurate image of your teeth safely with minimal invasiveness. Your implant will be created faster as digital imaging is more consistent and requires fewer retakes.
Bone grafting
In cases where there isn’t sufficient bone to support the implant. A bone graft is completed under local anaesthesia. Bone grafts are typically harvested from the patient, but donor and synthetic alternatives are also available.
Implant installation
Your dental surgeon fits the dental implant in place. At DDII, we use the state-of-the-art DIO Navi implant system. DIO Navi is a computer-guided surgical technique that uses a custom-made template and flapless surgery to embed the dental implant. Computer-guided surgery takes less time in the dental chair, has a shorter recovery time, a higher success rate, and a lower risk of complications.
Restoration placement
A crown is created to match the size, shape, and colour of your teeth. This is then placed as the final step of your implant procedure.
Dental Implant Information: Recovery
During the first 48 hours following your procedure, bleeding, swelling and pain from the affected area are common. You can alleviate discomfort using OTC medications and intermittently applying an ice pack to your cheek.
The recovery time from dental implants varies depending on whether bone grafting is necessary. Bone grafting can take up to 3 months of recovery depending on how large a graft is required. Up to 5 months is needed to allow for osseointegration (the process by which the bone fuses to the implant).
Dental Implant Information: Dental Implant Longevity
Research indicates that over 90% of dental implants last longer than 10 years. However, between 50 and 80% of implants do not need to be replaced for 15 to 20 years after installation.
Book Your Dental Implant Consultation Today
Dental implants are an effective way to restore teeth and protect your oral health. To learn more about the dental implant procedure or book a consultation, contact the Digital Dental Implant Institute on (02) 4325 5825 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental Implants: Everything You Need To Know
https://www.forbes.com/health/body/dental-implants-guide/
Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-implant#benefits
Are Dental Implants Permanent?
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-long-do-dental-implants-last#how-long-do-tooth-implants-last
Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774056/
Summary review of the survival of single crowns
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19146146/
