There are several options available when considering the replacement of a missing tooth or missing teeth. These include composite bridges, conventional porcelain and metal bridges, removable full or partial dentures as well as dental implants. What we will be discussing in this blog is the dental implants procedures.
Performing Dental implants procedures are a great way to replace teeth in many clinical situations. This includes a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth or an edentulous (toothless) upper or lower jaw. Implants are used to support crowns, bridges and if necessary can support a fixed or removable prosthesis to replace all the teeth in one jaw (similar in appearance to a denture).
They have been proven to have a very good prognosis. They look and feel like natural teeth, and also are very strong and able to withstand firm chewing forces. An added benefit is that they will replace missing teeth in the jaw without modification to adjacent or existing teeth. They are comparatively easier to clean than bridgework or dentures and greatly improve function and speech.
Although this is an excellent conservative way to replace teeth, there are limitations making them not suitable to be placed in everyone’s mouth. These limitations can include the quality (density), width and depth of available jaw bone to support the implant, proximity to crucial anatomical structures, time restrictions for completion of treatment, prolonged tooth loss, general health issues such as diabetes or bleeding disorders, smoking habits and stability of overall dental health. These factors all play a part in the decision to include dental implants in any treatment plan. It is best to consult one of your friendly dentists at Parramatta Dental Studio to find out whether this method is suitable for you.
An assessment for a dental implants procedures involve a detailed medical history and examination of all your teeth and supporting soft tissues (lips, gums, cheeks etc). The dentists will also take x-rays (radiographs) and clinical photos as well as moulds to make study models of your mouth so further planning can be carried out. In more complex situations you may need to be referred to take a cone beam x-ray to assess whether implants are suitable for your situation.
Once the treatment plan has been discussed and it has been decided that implants are the optimum way to replace the tooth or teeth then appointments would be planned to begin the process. Usually they will take 4 to 5 months to complete and requires 3 – 4 appointments before you have a fully functioning tooth or teeth to use.
The appointments are scheduled as follows:
First appointment:
Minor oral surgery for placement of the dental implant. This involves local anesthesia, incision of the gum of the site and exposure of the jaw bone, a precision hole is drilled into the bone to match the implant planned for the site, sometimes a small attachment is placed on it to allow the gum surrounding it to heal better. The gum is then sutured back and the area is allowed to heal. The results are then reviewed in 3 -4 months time, during this time the bone and implant will integrate “osseointegration” and be allowed to strengthen.
Second appointment:
The second appointment in Dental implants procedures involves placing an attachment to the work and taking a mould or replica of this so that a crown, bridge or full arch fixed prosthesis can be made in the laboratory. An example of this can be seen in the images attached to the blog.
Third appointment:
At this stage the prosthesis is ready to be cemented in and fitted to the result. Your tooth or teeth would then be ready to be used.
Depending on the clinical situation for example if a tooth has been recently removed or in cases where bone quality is poor then an additional appointment is required in which a bone graft is placed in the site of the intended implant.
This method has become a very routine teeth procedure in many surgeries now. This is just some general information and may not apply to all individuals. Please feel free to call us on 9633 9835 for more information or make an appointment for one of our friendly dentists to discuss a dental implants procedures with you.
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