If you’re looking for a solution to missing teeth, then it is likely that you’ve come across or your dentist has recommended dental implants. But what are dental implants exactly? The answer everyone gives is that they’re the ‘gold standard of replacement for missing teeth’, but that doesn’t tell you much.
With this in mind, we’ll explain exactly what dental implants are and the processes that come with the treatment. To help, we’ve compiled a list of ten essential dental implant facts you should know, so let’s get started.
Fact #1 -There are three components to a dental implant
It’s true! A dental implant is composed of three parts. They are:
- The titanium post – this is embedded into the jawbone to provide a robust and permanent foundation for an artificial tooth attachment
- The abutment – this is a connector that is placed over the titanium screw
- The artificial tooth – is attached to the abutment; this lifelike restoration replaces a missing tooth or teeth to complete your smile
Fact #2 -A dental implant is made to replace and act as a natural tooth
Once the titanium screw is surgically fixed in the jawbone, it mimics a natural tooth root. Meanwhile, the artificial tooth is designed to match the rest of your teeth and complement your features. Together, a single dental implant unit creates a natural restoration that looks, functions, and feels like a natural tooth.
Fact #3 – Versatile tooth replacement treatment
The artificial tooth of a dental implant can replace a single missing tooth or a complete set of missing teeth. A single implant unit is used to replace one tooth, but several dental implants are strategically placed into the jawbone for multiple missing teeth to accommodate a bridge or dentures. Get a free consultation at your local dental clinic to find out more.
Fact #4 – Dental implants are permanent
If you want to know the answer to the question ‘what are dental implants’, they are a permanent restoration that becomes part of the jaw when complete. When the implant is positioned in your jawbone, bone cells are stimulated to grow around it. Integrating your bone with the implant provides a stable and permanent base that supports a dental crown, a dental bridge, or a fixed or removable denture. All the elements offer a long-term, permanent, hassle-free solution to missing teeth.
Fact #5 – Dental implants are the best option for tooth replacement. Period!
When it comes to teeth replacement alternatives, nothing comes close to dental implants. An implant-based restoration preserves the jawbone’s health, improves the tooth’s stabilisation, and allows normal functions such as chewing, biting, speaking, and eating.
Fact #6 – Dental implants significantly improve your appearance
Because the jawbone is preserved with dental implants, facial sagging and bone deterioration are avoided. The healthy jawbone creates stable support to restore and revitalise the natural contours of your face, giving a more youthful and pleasing appearance.
Fact #7 – Dental implant treatment is not for everyone
Now you know what dental implants are, to determine if dental implants are the best solution for you, it is best to go to a dentist that offers a free consultation.
The first step to dental implant treatment is thorough screening and comprehensive assessment, involving X-rays and scans to check the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Your oral and general health must be in great shape to be considered an excellent implant candidate. Otherwise, your dentist will talk to you about further options.
Fact #8 – Osseointegration – the key to the success of dental implants
After dental implant surgery, time is needed to allow the implant site to heal. During this period, the bone will also fuse with your implant in a process called Osseointegration. This feature is unique to dental implants and crucial to the long-term reliability of your implant treatment.
Fact #9 – Implants have an impressive success rate
If you’re worried about implant surgery, put your mind at ease because dental implants have a 90 – 95% success rate. Also, the skill and expertise of our dental implant dentists are best suited to favourable treatment outcomes that deliver expected results.
Fact #10 – dental implants are low-maintenance
Once the dental implant process is complete (typically 6-9 months later), having a dental implant is very low-maintenance. Because the restoration is permanently attached to the implant post, you can clean and care for them just as you would your natural teeth. This includes regular brushing and flossing. No special cleaning or soaking agents are needed.
Get started with your implant journey today!
Now that we’ve answered, “what are dental implants” the next step is to book an appointment with an implant dentist that offers free dental consultation near you. Get in touch with our team at Complete Dental to book your initial implant consultation.
Coorparoo clinic: (07) 3801 6503
Elanora clinic: (07) 5235 8199
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Healthline – Dental Bridge
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-bridge
Colgate – What are Implant-Supported Dentures?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dentures/implant-supported-denture
WebMD – What are Dental Implants?
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20advantages%20to,with%20bone%2C%20they%20become%20permanent.
AAID – About Dental Implants
https://www.aaid.com/about/Press_Room/History_and_Background.html
PubMed – Bone density and primary stability in implant therapy
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16968388/
Scielo – Some aspects of bone remodelling around dental implants
https://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0719-01072018000100049
PubMed Central – Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774056/#:~:text=A%20dental%20implant%20is%20a,implants%20over%20the%2010%20years