Dental Implants
South West Rocks Family Dental has been proudly serving the South West Rocks and Kempsey Shire for over 30 years.
Dental Implants
You can now have permanent, fixed replacement teeth right here in South West Rocks. The gold standard in tooth replacement is a dental implant. It is a new tooth in every way that your old tooth was and is designed to mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth, dental implants offer a permanent, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional dentures or bridges. Dental Implants have changed the course of dentistry and can help you regain confidence in your smile, improve oral health, and enhance your overall quality of life. We’re proud to offer Implants at South West Rocks Family Dental.
Dental implants are a state-of-the-art tooth replacement solution designed to replicate the structure and function of natural teeth. They provide a long-lasting, stable, and aesthetically pleasing option that doesn’t require damaging the adjacent teeth (Bridges) or removable teeth (dentures).
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small, screw-like titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing a secure and stable foundation for the new tooth or teeth. A connecting component called an abutment is then attached to the implant, which serves as a support for the custom-made dental crown or bridge. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of teeth, depending on your needs.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Enhanced Appearance and Confidence
Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth, both in function and appearance. The dental crown, crafted from high-quality materials like porcelain or ceramic, is designed to mimic the shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth. This ensures that your implant blends seamlessly with your existing teeth, providing a natural-looking and attractive smile. The restored smile can significantly boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Improved Functionality
Dental implants function just like your natural teeth, enabling you to chew, bite, and speak with ease. Unlike dentures, which can slip or cause discomfort, dental implants are firmly anchored, providing a stable and secure foundation for your prosthetic teeth. This improved functionality allows you to enjoy your favourite foods and speak clearly without any inconvenience.
Preservation of Jawbone and Facial Structure
When teeth are missing, the jawbone starts to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation, eventually leading to facial sagging and a prematurely aged appearance. Dental implants help maintain the integrity of the jawbone by providing the necessary stimulation for bone growth, preserving your facial structure and preventing bone loss.
Enhanced Oral Health
Dental implants support the overall health of your mouth. Unlike dental bridges, which require the reduction of neighbouring healthy teeth, implants do not compromise the integrity of adjacent teeth. This means that your remaining natural teeth are left intact, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease. Moreover, dental implants help maintain proper spacing and alignment, preventing issues like shifting teeth and bite problems.
Durability and Longevity
Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution for missing teeth. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for decades, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run. Their durability and longevity contribute to their growing popularity among patients seeking a permanent tooth replacement option.
If you’re missing a tooth, a few teeth or even all of your teeth, dental implants are an excellent solution. We at South West Rocks Family Dental pride ourselves on reducing the barriers to understanding your options for optimal oral health. Free implant Consultations, where we can speak broadly about your options, prior to a comprehensive Dental Assessment are a great way to find out what will bring back your function and smile. Book online or call 6566 6070 today.
Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular and effective tooth replacement option, but like any dental procedure, they have both advantages and disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons of dental implants:
Pros:
Natural Appearance: Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function, offering an aesthetically pleasing result.
Improved Oral Health: Dental implants help preserve jawbone density, prevent teeth shifting, and reduce the risk of gum disease associated with missing teeth.
Enhanced Functionality: Dental implants restore chewing and speaking capabilities, allowing patients to enjoy a varied diet and improved quality of life.
Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last for many years or even a lifetime, making them a cost-effective, long-term solution.
Confidence Boost: Dental implants provide patients with the confidence to smile, laugh, and socialise without the worry of slipping dentures or visible gaps.
Cons:
Cost: Dental implants can be more expensive than other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, and not all insurance plans cover them.
Surgical Procedure: Dental implants require a surgical procedure, which carries inherent risks, such as infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding structures.
Healing Time: The dental implant process can be lengthy, as it requires time for osseointegration, the process where the implant fuses with the jawbone, which can take 3-6 months.
Not Suitable for Everyone: Certain health conditions, habits (such as smoking), or insufficient bone density can affect the success of dental implants, making them unsuitable for some patients.
Potential Complications: Though rare, complications can arise, such as implant failure, nerve damage, or sinus problems.
FAQ's: Dental Implants
Dental implants are a tooth replacement solution that involves surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, providing a stable foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or denture.
With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants can last for many years or even a lifetime. The dental crown, bridge, or denture attached to the implant may require replacement or maintenance after 10-15 years, depending on wear and tear. The biggest risk is gum disease around the implant – a similar risk to natural teeth.
Dental implants have been used for decades and are considered a safe and effective tooth replacement option. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding structures.
The cost of dental implants varies depending on factors such as your location, the dentist’s fees, the number of implants needed, and your dental insurance coverage. In general, dental implants can be more expensive than other tooth replacement options, but their long-lasting nature can make them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
The dental implant process typically takes several months from start to finish. This includes the initial consultation, any necessary bone grafting, implant placement, osseointegration (3-6 months), abutment placement, and crown placement.
Dental implant surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia or sedation, so patients should not feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort, swelling, or bruising may be experienced after the surgery, but these symptoms can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and should subside within a few days.
While some dental clinics offer “same-day” dental implants, this usually refers to the placement of a temporary crown or denture on the same day as implant surgery. The actual process of osseointegration still takes several months to complete before the permanent restoration can be placed.
Although dental implant success rates are high (around 95-98%), there is a small chance of implant failure. Implant failure can be due to infection, poor bone quality, smoking, or other factors. If an implant fails, your dentist will discuss the appropriate next steps, which may include removal of the implant, bone grafting, and attempting the implant procedure again.
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. It’s also essential to avoid using your dental implants to bite down on hard objects, as this can potentially damage the implant or the attached restoration.
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