What Are Dental Implants and How Can They Help Replace Missing Teeth?

Are you missing a tooth or two? There’s no reason for you to struggle with chewing or to feel shy about your appearance. The world of dentistry offers quite a few great solutions for missing teeth, such as dental bridges, removable dentures, implant-supported dentures, resin-bonded bridges, and a favourite, dental implants. 

Dental implants are the number one solution for dealing with missing teeth because it is so convenient, natural-looking, long-lasting, and the best remedy for preserving your jawbone and the alignment of other teeth. 

Let’s take a closer look at dental implants in Newton and find out how they can be used to replace missing teeth. 

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a type of artificial tooth that is secured into place with a titanium post. This titanium post acts as a root for the tooth and secures it in place. The post is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth used to be and supports your replacement tooth.

After securing the titanium post in place, a connector called an abutment is attached to this implant, and a newly constructed artificial tooth is designed around this abutment. This prosthetic tooth is designed to match the rest of your teeth perfectly in colour, shape, and size. 

The post firmly anchors the prosthetic tooth into place so it won’t move. Once in place, the new tooth, along with the post, functions just like any other tooth. You will be able to use the prosthetic tooth for chewing, and can easily practice the same oral hygiene without removing the prosthetic. 

How Can Dental Implants Replace Missing Teeth?

Dental implants in Newtown are an ideal solution for replacing your missing teeth. The post is implanted in the same area where the missing tooth’s root used to be, and a prosthetic is attached to this post that resembles your old tooth.

Once in place, the tooth won’t just look appealing, it will offer the same functionality as any other tooth. The only difference is that the prosthetic won’t have nerve endings and won’t have the exact same feel as a live tooth.

Patients can get a single dental implant, or they can get a number of these implants secured in place in various areas. If a number of teeth in a row are missing, a bridge can be created, and several artificial teeth can be created and installed. 

How Long Does It Take To Get Dental Implants?

While dental implants can last a very long time, the installation process can be a bit tedious. Here’s what to expect:

• Consultation

First, patients need to get a consultation to see if they are suitable candidates for this procedure. The procedure might not be practical for patients with a weakened or compromised jaw structure. This initial consultation and planning usually takes about 1-2 weeks or 1-2 visits.

• Tooth Extraction

After taking X-rays and doing an examination, the process will begin. In some cases, the old tooth needs to be extracted. For this, another 1-2  weeks is required for healing.

• Bone Grafting

For those with thin jaw structures, a bone graft might be needed. Bone grafts usually take about 3-6 months to fully heal.

• Post Installation

Next, the titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone. This procedure only takes about 1-2 hours, but also requires 3 – 6 months to properly heal, and so the bone can grow around the implant and lock it into place. 

• Abutment 

After the implant and wound have healed, the abutment is in place. This usually takes 1-2 weeks to heal. 

• Crown 

Finally, a crown is custom-crafted and installed, which also takes about 2-3 weeks.

How Long Can Dental Implants Last

Even though this procedure isn’t a quick fix, it is the treatment that offers the best long-term results. Your new tooth can last anything from 20 years up to a lifetime and will give you all the functionality of a normal tooth for this entire duration. 

Book Now for Dental Implants in Newtown

If you are considering dental implants, then we welcome you to book an appointment with Blue Tooth Dental. Our Newtown dentists are excellent at this procedure and can help restore your teeth and your confidence while giving you the best functionality for a lifetime to come.

Call Blue Tooth Dental now to book an appointment.