Having a full set of clean, healthy teeth is something that has been highly valued across cultures around the world for thousands of years. As such, people who have lost teeth, whether due to injury or decay, often seek to replace them. In the past, options for replacing lost teeth were quite limited – in ancient China, carved bamboo was used as a replacement for missing teeth. And up until the late 1900s, people were forced to choose between partials, dentures and bridges.
Nowadays, we have the luxury of a safe, hygienic, long-lasting and visually appealing option – this is by getting dental implants in Hawkesbury! This is an effective way to regain the full use of your mouth and restore your wonderful smile. If you’re curious and want to learn more about the process of replacing a lost tooth, read on for more information.
Here are 6 tips on getting dental implants in Hawkesbury:
1. What are they?
Whereas dentures are a set of teeth that can be removed at will, tooth replacements are a piece of metal that is inserted permanently into the jawbone where the old tooth’s roots were. As time goes on, the bone grows around the metal and keeps it in place. A crown, which is made to look similar to your other teeth, is then placed on top to fill in the gap. Dental implants in Hawkesbury may also be used to hold a bridge or denture in position.
2. Who needs them?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth may want to get dental implants in Hawkesbury. Often, tooth replacements are given to people who are missing major teeth such as their front teeth – wisdom teeth and molars, for instance, may not be as necessary for aesthetic or practical purposes, although they can definitely be replaced. They are suitable for people who:
- Do not suffer from gum disease
- Have a complete, healthy jawbone
- Do not have a condition that impacts bone healing
3. What are the benefits?
As it works like a regular tooth, getting dental implants in Hawkesbury comes with a range of benefits that may not come with alternatives such as dentures. These include being:
- Visually appealing: Tooth replacements are complete with a crown that is custom-made to match the rest of your teeth in colour, size and shape. They may also be made of ceramics. This means that when you smile, your mouth will look natural and attractive!
- Long-lasting: For people who take care of their teeth by eating well and brushing and flossing, dental implants in Hawkesbury can last for a person’s whole life.
- Greater jawbone strength: As they don’t require support from nearby teeth and are supported by the jawbone, tooth replacements can improve the strength of the jaw.
- Good success rate: Tooth replacement operations have a 95-98% success rate, so you can rest easy.
- Better oral health: Alternatives such as bridges and dentures may increase risk of tooth and gum disease and sensitivity, whereas a tooth implant will fit seamlessly into your jaw, reducing this risk.
4. Are there any side effects?
No medical procedure is completely free from potential side effects, and that includes tooth replacements. Despite the fact that they have an extremely high success rate (up to 98%), it is good to be aware of the risks. Most are minor and temporary. Here are some possible risks to be aware of:
- Swelling of the gums and face for up to 48 hours
- Pain and discomfort which may last up to 2 weeks
- Minor bleeding may last up to 24 hours
- Infection
- Sinus problems
5. What does the process involve?
Typically, the process of getting dental implants in Hawkesbury happens over several stages across a few months. It involves some tests and minor operations. First, the dentist will have you do an X-ray to identify the exact position that the tooth replacement will be placed. Next, a minor operation will take place in which the dentist places the new tooth into your jawbone. You will generally be given anaesthesia to numb the pain of this procedure.
Following this, you will wait several months for the jawbone to grow around the new tooth. Once it is stable, the dentist will make a foundation for the tooth, take a mould of the mouth of which to create the artificial crown, and then screw or cement the crown onto the foundation.
6. How much do they cost?
A tooth replacement can be quite expensive, costing thousands of dollars. It is important to be aware of these costs before you begin the process. Check with your private health insurance to see if you can claim any money on the procedure.
Conclusion
Getting dental implants in Hawkesbury are a safe and effective way to replace lost teeth.