Oral health conditions in Australia are deteriorating, with tooth decay being the most common chronic disease. Around 90% of Australian adults face some sort of tooth decay, and over 15% suffer from severe tooth loss. This situation calls for a gentle and comprehensive solution, such as dental implants, to replace the missing teeth. So, let’s dig a little deeper into the procedure!
What is a Tooth Implant?
The Australian Dental Association defines the tooth implant as:
“A titanium or ceramic metal screw surgically implanted into the jaw bone to hold the artificial tooth (specifically made to match your surrounding teeth in shape and colour).”
Put simply, a tooth implant has three main components:
● The implant fixture that goes into the bone
● The attachment that’s screwed inside the fixture
● The crown (artificial tooth) placed on top of the attachment that mimics the natural tooth.
Dental Implant Procedure Explained
Here’s what happens during an implant of teeth:
- The dentist numbs your gums and teeth with local anaesthetic before implant placement.
- They access your jawbone to create an opening wide enough to place a dental implant.
- Finally, they reposition your gum tissues with stitches to allow a healing time of three months on average.
- After an appropriate healing time, a dental crown is placed on the implant to imitate the natural tooth.
Recovery Time
The implant usually heals in around three months before your dentist places the final crown on top of it. Some surgeons can even complete the procedure in one go, depending on your bone health. However, an immediate loading of the canine (and back teeth) implant with a crown can result in complications, leading to a delayed healing time in some cases.
Why Prefer Dental Implants Over Other Options?
According to a research study published in the Australian Dental Journal, dental implants survive over 80% of the time, a percentage more promising than any other restorative dental treatment. So, let’s compare this procedure and see why it’s a better choice than the alternative options!
1. Partial Denture
The false teeth or partial denture is a removable device manufactured to replace multiple teeth in the upper and lower portions of the mouth. They slip around in the mouth, making it difficult to eat or speak. Also, they need regular removal and thorough cleaning sessions to stay intact. They are uncomfortable, not good for people with gag issues and take a long time to get used to.
2. Dental Bridge
They are the false teeth held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap. Their drawback is that they require crowns on perfectly healthy teeth (on the sides), increasing the chances of damage in return.
3. Dental Implants
Dental implants offer a perfect solution for restoring the missing gap in your teeth, and there is more than one reason for it. Not only do they aesthetically replace the missing tooth, but they also restore the stability of bone in your mouth. Although expensive, the procedure has an immense dental health benefit, saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.
The dental implant procedure in Brisbane can cost between $2600 to $5600 for a single implant, but the cost can rise above $5600 if the patient has to undergo bone grafting or sinus lift before the treatment due to low bone density.
Contact Sleep Dentistry Brisbane for Expert Dental Treatment
At Sleep Dentistry Brisbane, we provide long-lasting dental implants with utmost care and regard for our patients and all their dental phobias. From replacement surgeries to emergency tooth extractions and post-op consultations, our professional team ensures a pain-free, holistic approach to meet your needs at every step. If you are in Brisbane / Gold coast / Sunshine Coast, book a dental appointment with us and discuss your treatment options today to maintain a good oral health quality.
You can also visit the sleep dentist near you or get in touch with us at www.sleepdentistrybrisbane.com.au for more details!