Millions of Australians suffer tooth loss, despite significant improvements in dental care. Tooth loss often occurs due to tooth decay, trauma/injury or periodontal disease. Dentures and bridges have been the only treatment options available for tooth replacement for many years until recent developments in dental implants.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a surgical screw which replaces tooth roots. The implant provides a strong foundation for the attachment of a denture, bridge or a crown, blending into the natural appearance of your teeth and smile.
Why should you choose a dental implant?
Dental implants have many advantages, these include:
- Improved appearance
The appearance of dental implants is the same as your own teeth. The implant looks and feel like your own teeth. Dental implants are designed to fuse with your bone and become a permanent fixture, just like your existing natural teeth.
- Improved speech
If your dentures are ill-fitting then the teeth can slip within the mouth and can cause you to slur your words or mumble. A dental implant allows you to speak without worrying about the fact that the tooth or teeth might slip out.
- Improved comfort
Implants eliminate the discomfort that is associated with removable dentures since the implant becomes a part of your oral cavity.
- Makes eating easier
It becomes difficult to chew food if the denture is constantly sliding. The function of dental implants is similar to your own teeth, it allows you to eat your favourite foods without any discomfort and with confidence.
- Improved oral health
A tooth supported bridge requires other teeth to be cut and crowned, however, with dental implants neighbouring teeth do not need to be altered in order to support the implant. It improves long term oral health since more of your teeth are left intact. It also improves oral hygiene since individual implants allow easier access to clean in between your teeth.
- Durable
Implants will last you many years because of their durability. Many implants last a life time if regularly reviewed and maintained with a dental professional.
- Improved quality of life
With improved oral function (eating, drinking and speech), improved appearance and improved speech comes confidence and improved self esteem!
- Implants are convenient
Removable dentures can become embarrassing or make you feel self-conscious because of the removable aspect associated with them. Dental implants eliminate the inconvenience of having to remove the denture. It also eliminates the need of messy adhesives that may be needed to keep a denture in place.
What is the success rate of dental implants?
The success of dental implant varies with each case and depends on several different variables such as, location of the dental implant, age of patient, maintenance, medical and lifestyle factors of the patient.
In general, the success rate of dental implants is around 95 percent. The implant can last a lifetime if they are taken care of properly. Treat your dental implant just like you take care of normal teeth. Brush, floss and use a mouthwash to rinse. Moreover, visit your dentist regularly. The dentist will check and make sure that everything is okay. We will be able to assess, review, maintain and correct any issues you may experience with your dental implants.
If you have any missing teeth, visit Evergreen Dental Care today to book a complimentary consultation and see if Dental Implants are right for you
