If you are unhappy with the way your smile looks due to gappy teeth, then dental implants could be for you. Having gaps in your teeth can be embarrassing, and can also cause a variety of issues. The teeth beside the gaps are put under more pressure, causing them to eventually weaken. The bone underneath the gaps can also weaken, which is another red flag.
Dental implants consist of an implant post and a crown which is attached to it. The crown is made out of porcelain and can be shaped and coloured to match the rest of your teeth.
What’s the process?
As with any dental treatment, you will first have a consultation appointment with your dentist Coorparoo. This is vital in making sure you are eligible, and for scans to be taken of your teeth and jaw. These scans are important as they will show how much bone you have left, how big the gap is and more. If you decide to go forward with dental implants, the scans will be sent off so that your custom-made crown/s can be created.
Your second appointment will consist of your dentist inserting the implant post into your jaw. This is done by them opening up the gum in the problem area to expose the bone and inserting the post. The area will then be closed up and left to heal for a few months. This healing period is very important in making sure that your implant will be stable, therefore meaning that it will last for a long time. The post will fuse to your bone, almost becoming part of your mouth, which encourages a more natural feel.
Once the area has healed, you will have a third appointment so that your crown can be attached to the implant post. This is when you will see the difference the implants can make. A follow-up appointment is usually recommended so that your dentist can make sure that everything is going as it should.
What are the advantages?
The material used for dental implants brings a number of advantages. Porcelain is a very durable material, which means it is less likely to break. It is also stain-resistant, which is great seeing as most people are usually eating and drinking different foods which might cause discolouration.
The durability of dental implants is also a big advantage. Due to the implant post being fused to the bone, it means that they are almost as durable as your natural teeth, and feel like them as well.
Not having to worry about what foods you eat is a great benefit that comes with getting dental implants. You can eat whatever foods you want to, without having to worry about your dentures or prosthetics moving or falling out.
The health benefits are also a plus when you have dental implants, and this is from the way that the implant post encourages and stimulates bone growth. Your bone depletes when there is no tooth there, but when you have the implants, it will strengthen.
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.