Choosing to have a dental implant Melbourne can be a big decision to take. If you have lost a tooth or you are going to undergo a tooth extraction, then it is important that you speak to your dentist as soon as possible, so that you can avoid the many complications that tooth loss can bring.
A dental implant is a long-term solution for replacing your missing tooth, however, it also takes a significant amount of time to complete, therefore, the sooner you consult your dentist the quicker you can begin the process.
The longer you wait the more complications there will be and the longer it will take for you to replace your tooth.
Are dental implants right for you?
To begin with, if you want to have a dental implant to replace your tooth you need to undergo a thorough examination of your teeth and gums.
Your dentist will look for any signs of cavities, tooth decay or gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most common causes of missing teeth here in Australia and this issue will need to be addressed before you can undergo dental implant surgery.
If your gums are strong and healthy then this will help ensure the success of your implants. If your teeth are affected by cavities and decay then there is a chance that your dental implants will not last very long. Conventionally dental implants are designed to last for the rest of your life.
Even in 1965, the first titanium implant surgery was able to last for the whole of the patient’s life and since then there have been many advances in dental implantology, so speak to your dentist and find out why a dental implant may be the perfect solution for you.
Once your dentist is happy that your teeth are free of cavities and your gums are free of disease you will undergo an X-ray and a CT scan where necessary, so that the dentist can assess your bone health.
You need to have a healthy jawbone for successful dental implant surgery. If not, your dentist will organize for you to undergo a bone graft so that you can replace your missing teeth successfully.
Once you have a bone graft you will have to wait for your mouth to heal before you can undergo dental implant surgery.
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Dental implant surgery
A treatment plan will be put together using your X-rays, CT scans, and any other imaging of your teeth.
Your dentist will be able to decide how many implants you need, the size of the implants including the length and the width, and the position that they will need to be placed in to replace your missing tooth or teeth.
Your budget will also be taken into consideration and you will be offered payment plans when necessary to ensure that the treatment is manageable for you.
On the day of your surgery, you will be given an anaesthetic and you can also find out about other sedation techniques.
The procedure itself can take several hours depending on how many implants you are having. The implants are embedded into your jaw and the process itself can take between 4 to 6 months depending on your body’s ability to heal.
During this time you may wish to speak to your dentist about a temporary crown or a temporary set of dentures or you can wait until the implant has healed to replace your missing teeth permanently.
There are many advantages to replacing your missing teeth with a dental implant so speak to your dentist today to find out more.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.