Dental Implants in Alexander Heights

Dental implants are a popular option among patients, offering a functional and aesthetic tooth replacement. Below are the reasons you might consider them:

• Significant tooth loss: In cases of extensive tooth loss due to different causes, chewing and speaking might become challenging. Dental implants replace missing teeth, restoring full functionality and significantly improving your ability to enjoy a normal diet and clear speech.
• Severe decay or infection: Teeth that are severely decayed or infected may be beyond preservation with conventional dental services, requiring extraction. Dental implants replace these compromised teeth, keeping your mouth healthy and functional and preventing further oral health deterioration.
• Issues with existing dental prostheses: People experiencing issues with dentures, such as poor fit or frequent slippage, might find a more stable and comfortable alternative with dental implants. Implants provide a secure foundation that prevents the inconveniences associated with traditional dentures.
• Bone loss prevention: Tooth loss can lead to jawbone deterioration, altering facial structure and oral health. Dental implants fuse with the jawbone, stimulating bone formation and preventing the sunken facial appearance often associated with long-term tooth loss.
• Cosmetic enhancement: Beyond functional advantages, dental implants offer significant aesthetic improvements to replace missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing facial aesthetics and boosting self-confidence by restoring a natural and healthy smile.

There are many reasons why people consider our dental implants in Alexander Heights, from enhancing oral functionality to improving appearance. A professional assessment can help determine if they are an ideal option for your specific needs.

Dental implants function by replacing the roots of missing teeth with metal screws that are surgically embedded into the jawbone. After these screws are placed, the jawbone gradually integrates with the metal through a process known as osseointegration. This creates a secure base for new artificial teeth, which are then attached to these metal posts. The result is a stable support for the new teeth, which look and feel like natural teeth and allow for normal eating and speaking.

Yes, dental implants are safe. They are made from titanium, a material that is well-accepted by the body and rarely causes allergic reactions. The surgical procedure for placing implants is well-established and carried out under sterile conditions to minimise infection risks. Furthermore, dental implants have a high success rate, with studies showing success rates of up to 95% when placed by experienced dental professionals. Additionally, the design and placement techniques of implants are continuously refined to maximise their reliability and safety.

Dental implant procedures are usually safe and effective, but like all surgical treatments, they carry certain risks. Here are the potential risks associated with dental implant surgery:

• Infection at the implant site: This dental issue arises when bacteria enter the implant site during or after surgery. The dentist’s use of sterile techniques and good post-operative care is critical to minimise this risk.
• Nerve damage: Improper placement of implants can lead to nerve damage, causing pain, numbness, or tingling in your gums, teeth, lips, or chin. Accuracy in planning and placement is essential to avoid this complication.
• Sinus problems: Implants in the upper jaw can poke into sinus cavities, causing sinusitis or other issues. To prevent this, bone structure assessment and surgical planning are necessary.
• Implant failure: While rare, an implant may not integrate with the jawbone adequately, leading to failure. Key factors like bone quality, surgical technique, and post-surgical care influence the success of the integration.
• Bone loss around the implant: Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory condition that involves the tissue around the implant and can lead to bone loss. Maintaining exceptional oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits can help manage this risk.

Understanding these risks is part of making a decision about dental implant surgery. A discussion with a dentist from our team near Alexander Heights can provide you with a clearer understanding and help tailor the procedure to your specific needs.

A good candidate for dental implants in Alexander Heights needs to meet certain health and dental requirements. The following are the key factors that determine candidature for dental implants:

• Healthy gums: Candidates must have healthy gums, as this provides a good foundation for the implants. Gum diseases, like periodontitis, need to be managed before considering implants.
• Sufficient bone density: Adequate jawbone density is necessary to support the implant. If the bone is not dense enough, additional procedures like bone grafting may be required.
• Good Overall Oral Health: Beyond the specific health of gums and bones, a candidate’s overall oral health must be sound. This includes having a well-maintained mouth free of active infections like tooth decay.
  
  
• Good oral hygiene: Consistent and meticulous oral hygiene practices are essential. Candidates must be committed to maintaining their implants and overall oral health to avoid complications.
• Non-smoker or willing to quit: Smoking can prolong the healing period and increase the risk of implant failure. Candidates should be non-smokers or at least willing to quit for successful implantation.
• General good health: Overall good health is important because conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease can affect healing. A thorough health assessment helps determine if the patient can safely undergo the procedure.

Understanding these requirements can help you determine if dental implants are right for you. Consulting with your dentist at the clinic near Alexander Heights will provide a more tailored assessment of your suitability for dental implants based on your individual health and dental condition.

The dental implant procedure involves multiple stages spanning over several months, ranging from six to nine months. Here is an overview of the entire dental implant process:

1. Initial appointment for consultation and assessment: The dentist evaluates your oral health and bone density. This may involve X-rays, a discussion about your medical history, and the creation of your dental treatment plan.
2. Preparatory Procedures, if needed: Depending on your oral health, various preparatory procedures might be required to facilitate the success of the implant treatment. These can include bone grafting to strengthen the jawbone, sinus lifts to provide sufficient bone height, tooth extractions to remove damaged teeth, and scaling and cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
3. Implant placement: Using anaesthesia, the dentist surgically inserts the titanium implant into the jawbone. This involves making an incision in the gum to access the bone.
4. Osseointegration period: The implant needs time to fuse with the jawbone. Depending on individual factors, this healing process can take three to six months to build a stable foundation for the artificial tooth.
5. Abutment placement: After osseointegration, an abutment is attached to the implant. This small connector piece will join the implant to the prosthetic tooth.
6. Creating the prosthetic tooth: The dentist takes impressions of your teeth to create a custom-made crown. This step is necessary to fabricate a new tooth that matches the shape and colour of your natural teeth.
7. Crown placement: The final step is attaching the crown to the abutment. After that, the dentist makes an overall assessment, checking the fit and bite and making any necessary adjustments.

Being familiar with the stages of a dental implant procedure helps prepare you for 2what to expect. While discussing each step with your dentist, they will provide more personalised details and timelines based on your specific case.

After a dental implant procedure, patients should expect a recovery period with specific post-surgery experiences. Below is a detailed list of what to expect:

1. Swelling and discomfort: Swelling around the gums and cheeks is common and may last for several days. Prescribed pain relievers can reduce the pain, while applying a cold compress to the cheek near the affected area can help minimise swelling.
2. Bruising: Some bruising on the gums and skin can occur. This is a normal response and should subside within a week or so.
3. Bleeding: Mild bleeding at the implant site may happen during the first 24 hours. Biting on gauze pads can help control this.
4. Dietary changes: Soft foods are recommended for the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, hard, and crunchy foods to prevent irritation and aid healing.
5. Oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, but you should follow your dentist’s instructions on how to clean the implant. Use a gentle mouthwash to keep the area clean.
6. Follow-up visits: Regular appointments with your dentist are necessary to monitor the healing process. Your dentist will check the implant integration with the jawbone.
7. Activity limitations: To reduce the risk of complications, avoid strenuous activities for a few days after the dental implant surgery. Rest and recovery are important for optimal healing.

Experiencing these post-surgery effects is a normal part of the healing process after getting dental implants. Staying in touch with your dentist and following their advice will help you manage your recovery effectively.

Although dental implants are generally safe and have a high success rate, it is still possible for a dental implant to fail. Here are the factors that could lead to implant failure:

• Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate oral hygiene can lead to infections around the implant site. Bacteria can accumulate, causing inflammation and peri-implantitis, which compromises the implant.
• Insufficient bone density: Insufficient bone density to support the implant can cause it to become loose or fail to integrate. Bone grafting might be necessary in such cases.
• Smoking: Smoking affects blood flow to the gums and bone, delaying healing. This can increase the risk of implant failure due to poor integration and infections.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases can impede the healing process. These conditions can lead to complications and a higher chance of implant failure.
• Improper implant placement: Improper implant positioning can lead to stress on the bone and implant, which can cause instability and eventual failure of the implant.
• Excessive stress on the implant: Excessive biting or grinding can put too much pressure on the implant, which can cause mechanical failure or bone loss around it.

Understanding these factors can help in taking the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of implant failure. Regular check-ups with your dentist and adhering to their advice can support the long-term success of your dental implant.

The cost of dental implants ranges from $4,500 to $5,000 per tooth. If additional procedures like a bone graft or sinus lift are required, the cost can increase to up to $11,500 per single implant. Key factors affecting the cost are the condition of your jawbone, the need for additional procedures, the complexity of your case, the location of the dental clinic, and the materials used for the implant. For a more accurate cost estimate, visit our clinic near Alexander Heights for a personalised assessment.

Here are the key elements that influence the pricing of dental implants:

• Condition of the jawbone: If the jawbone lacks sufficient density, additional procedures like bone grafting may be required. These additional procedures increase the overall cost of dental implants.
• Need for additional procedures: Procedures such as a scale and clean or extractions can add to the implant cost. These steps are necessary to prepare the mouth for the implant.
• Materials used: The type of materials chosen for the implant and crown, such as titanium or zirconia, can impact the cost. Higher-quality materials tend to be priced higher.
• Number of implants: The total number of implants required directly affects the cost. More implants mean a higher overall expense.
• Location of the dental clinic: The location of the clinic can affect the cost. Clinics in urban areas often charge more because their operating expenses are higher.
• Dentist’s experience and training: A dentist with extensive experience and training might charge more. Their skill level can impact the overall success and quality of the implant.
• Diagnostic and imaging tests: Pre-surgery tests such as X-rays or CBCT scans are essential for planning the procedure. These diagnostic aids add to the total cost.

Understanding these factors can help you better anticipate the cost of dental implants. Visiting your dentist for a personalised assessment will provide a clearer understanding of your unique situation.