Losing a tooth can be a highly distressing and uncomfortable experience as an adult. The most common causes of losing one’s teeth include insufficient dental hygiene, lifestyle choices such as smoking and drug abuse, accidents and injuries and avoiding going to the dentist. It is important that you visit your dentist at least once every six months and more often if you are prone to dental issues. This helps prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar in your mouth and it also helps prevent the progress of problems such as cavities and tooth decay which can cause missing teeth. If you have lost a tooth or you have multiple missing teeth, whether they have fallen out by themselves or you have had to undergo a tooth extraction, contact your dentist and learn about dental implants Melbourne for addressing your tooth loss. In the last few decades dental implants have become the gold standard in tooth replacement therapy. This field of dentistry has seen much research and development over the last few decades and now oral implants are one of the most popular choices of replacing missing teeth across the world.
Titanium and osseointegration
Dental implants are titanium screws that have been designed to replace the root of your missing tooth or teeth. Titanium is a biocompatible metal able to initiate a process known as osseointegration which makes it ideal for dental treatment. The implant can be inserted directly into the bone socket of your missing tooth and osteoblasts in the alveolar bone of your jaw begin to form around the implant so that it becomes fused into the bone. This process requires approximately 12 weeks to be completed successfully. Your dentist will make sure that the surgery is suitable for you by carrying out a comprehensive examination of your dental health and taking a medical history at the initial appointment before beginning the process.
Once the implant has been inserted into your mouth you will visit the dentist on a regular basis, so the dentist can ensure that the process of osseointegration is progressing successfully and that there are no other complications. Once the implant has been successfully embedded into your mouth you will choose to have a crown, a bridge or a set of dentures to replace your missing tooth or teeth. An abutment connects the prosthetic, (which will be matched in shape, shade and size to your remaining teeth), to the implant securely – to enable you to enjoy a fully functioning mouth once again.
Dental implants help you to chew your food properly and speak clearly which may not have been possible after your initial tooth loss, especially if it occurred in the front of your mouth. They also help restore the natural appearance of your smile, enabling you to regain your self-confidence which you may have lost after the disappearance of your teeth. Contact your dentist today to find out more about dental implants and how they can improve the quality of your dental health and restore your overall wellbeing at the same time.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
