An implant is a manufactured replacement for the root of a tooth. It consists of a titanium post that is surgically positioned into the jawbone where the teeth are missing. Just like when someone gets a hip or knee replacement, titanium is used because it is compatible with bone and allows the bone to grow around the screw, keeping it firmly attached. A natural ceramic crown/tooth is then attached to the top of the implant to fill the gap of the missing tooth and restore your smile.
Thanks to their appearance, comfort and functionality, dental implants are increasingly becoming a popular tooth replacement option for missing teeth. In fact, they are now the preferred choice compared to traditional options like dental bridges and removable dentures.
Implants create the most natural and life-like solution to missing teeth. They are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth and allow you to eat, speak, and maintain good oral health.
Dental implants also help to preserve bone. Just like muscle, if you don’t use it you lose it.
Whenever you bite down or chew on food, forces are transmitted through your tooth into the surrounding jawbone. This stimulation helps keep the jawbone healthy and strong, but if you have a tooth extracted, then your jawbone loses this stimulation, resulting in the jaw shrinking in size and becoming weaker. This can affect the shape of your face, causing you to look prematurely aged. The placement of dental implants can significantly reduce this process, helping to maintain the natural bone structure and support your facial features.
Having a missing tooth replaced with a dental implant means that every time you bite down on the implant, these forces are transmitted into the jawbone once more, helping to provide the stimulation it needs to stay healthy.
Restore your teeth with quality dental implants that will last a lifetime.
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease, or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is a sufficient amount of jawbone and that they are in good health to undergo a surgical procedure.
If you have been missing your teeth for many years and the bone has resorbed, bone grafting or augmentation may be required before the dental implant procedure.
The best candidates for an implant with a very high success rate are those who have healthy gum tissue and are free of periodontal disease. There are also some medical conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis, or lifestyle choices such as smoking, that may need to be addressed before implant treatment.
It is important to fully discuss your medical history with one of our dentists in the planning stages of the implant procedure.
If you’re curious about dental implants, it’s a great idea to schedule a consultation with our dentist. We can assess your unique situation, discuss your goals and provide personalised suggestions on whether dental implants are the right choice for you.
Your dentist will take a series of scans to aid in the planning and positioning of the implant. It will also ensure plenty of healthy bone structure is available to support the implant. If the bone is inadequate, bone grafting or augmentation may be required before the dental implant procedure.
The titanium implant is surgically placed in the jawbone where a tooth once was. Dental implants are placed under local anesthetic, however, we can provide additional Sleep Dentistry options to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. It is then left for between two to six months so that the bone can integrate around the implant. During this time, you may wear a temporary crown.
Once the implant is securely fused to the bone, the temporary crown is removed and a permanent crown is inserted.
Dental implants need to be routinely cleaned and maintained just like your natural teeth. Without routine oral hygiene practices, they can develop gum inflammation, infection and even bone loss if not properly cared for.
Regular brushing and flossing around your dental implants is extremely important. And, it is very important to maintain your regular checkups every 6 months to your dentist who will be able to review and ensure the surrounding gums and bone remain healthy.
With proper oral hygiene, you can expect dental implants to last around 20 years. However, it’s entirely possible for them to last a lifetime. Our dentist is your best resource for personalised guidance so don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek advice specific to your situation.
Dental implant costs can vary based on a few factors, such as the number of implants needed, the complexity of your case, and any additional procedures that might be required to ensure the success of the implants.
While dental implants may initially seem like an investment, it’s important to consider their long-term benefits. They are designed to last for many years, even a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. Unlike some other tooth replacement options, dental implants provide stability, functionality, and aesthetics similar to natural teeth.
To provide you with a more accurate estimate of the cost, We recommend scheduling a consultation. During the consultation, we can assess your individual situation, discuss your treatment options, and provide you with a personalised cost estimate. Additionally, our friendly team will work with you to explore potential payment plans or financing options.
Choosing Purity Dental offers you several compelling reasons to smile: