What to look for in quality dental implants in Newcastle
If you are thinking about getting dental implants and you’re wondering what’s involved, the spectrum of quality to expect and where to start looking for a practitioner, we are here to help. Afterall, there’s a lot to know and it’s a big decision to make. And an important decision, at that.
Dental implants have been around for more than 40 years and since their inception they have revolutionised the dental industry. They quickly became the most popular form of tooth replacement, providing a high success rate and many benefits for patients.
Patients will often consider dental implants if they find themselves with missing or damaged teeth because this particular solution is one of the only permanent tooth replacement options that give the look and feel of natural teeth.
How to tell if your dental implant is a quality one
Whilst the same procedure is undertaken for all types of implants, it is important to note that not all are made equal.
Morrin Dental offers advanced dental implant systems, including Nobel Biocare, Biomet 3i, Dentsply, MIS and Straumann.
Dental Implant Terminology
The implant procedure comes with a fair bit of jargon that we hope to clarify for you to help make your visit as stress-free as possible. You’ll often hear three main terms being thrown around: implant, abutment and crown.
Here is what the practitioner means when they talk about each:
Implant = They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.
Abutment = A tooth or implant fixture used as a support for a prosthesis.
Crown = The Crown is the part of your implant that will help to make it look as close as possible to a natural tooth. This part sits on top of the abutment and it is usually made from ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). While the implant is made up of each of the three elements described here, the Crown is the only part you will personally be able to see.
How should I prepare for my dental implants?
A thorough dental exam allows our clinical staff to check bone structure and overall oral health. As long as you are a good fit for implants, you will receive an individualised treatment plan so you know exactly what to expect. At your dental appointment, we will walk you through the steps of the procedure in order to ease your fears.
You may need several appointments and examinations depending on a number of things:
- Your general health
- Whether you need a tooth extraction or other dental work before implant placement
- The density of your jaw bone and/or,
- The number of teeth to be replaced
What’s involved in a dental implant procedure?
First, the implant is surgically implanted into the jawbone under the gumline. The metallic post, described above as an abutment, is then screwed into this socket or base. Finally, a false tooth, also known as a dental crown, is then bonded to the post.
In the case of several adjacent missing or damaged teeth, a series of two or more implant posts may be put in place and used to mount a continuous dental plate containing a series of crowns as a partial or full dental plate. This means that an entire upper or lower dental plate (containing all the upper or lower teeth) can be permanently implanted in this way.
How long does the full procedure take?
Your specialised Dental Implant procedure will most likely involve two surgical visits, and it can be several months before you have a shiny new tooth to show off. However, each person is different and it’s important to work with your dentist to understand your individualised requirements.
The first step entails removing any existing root structure so there is space for a biocompatible titanium rod to be placed in the jaw bone.
After surgery, your natural bone will grow around the implant. After about 6-12 weeks, the rod should be fused nicely with the bone. This is what makes implants so strong.
Depending on the health of your teeth, you may need to wait several months for the implant to combine with the bone or you may be able to get your replacement tooth at the same visit. Again, this is a very individualised procedure.
How long does it take to recover after dental implants?
As with any surgical intervention, you must also recognise and factor in your post-op recovery.
Your practitioner will provide you with a full list of instructions on how best to recover from your surgery. Regardless, the main things to note are:
- Reserve 1-2 days after your operation to ensure you have time to recuperate
- Avoid over-exerting yourself in the early days after surgery
- Do not rinse your mouth for 12 hours
- Try and keep your diet simple and soft for the first day
- Slowly re-introduce your usual diet in the weeks following as you see fit
For most people, the stitches will remain for approximately two weeks, after which your dentist will assess your recovery at a postoperative visit.
To comply with the AHPRA Legislation we are required to advise that “Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.”
At Morrin Dental we are dedicated to making safe, modern dental treatments affordable for everyone in Newcastle and beyond. Contact us to see if dental implants are right for you.