How do Dental Implants Work?

Everyone deserves healthy, good looking teeth. But there are many reasons you might lose one or more teeth, and that means you may want to replace them with dental implants.

Teeth are susceptible to decay, and gums are prone to infections, which are two reasons people lose their teeth. In Australia, around 61% of the older population (75 years and beyond) struggle with moderate to severe periodontitis. At the same time, an average adult has at least 4.5 missing teeth.

Don’t fret if you’re in this category. Dental implants offer a new, permanent, and near-natural way to recover your smile and enjoy the benefits of having natural teeth. They have been in use for over four decades and have a biocompatible material for high functionality and a natural feel. 

How do dental implants work? Keep reading to learn more about what they are, how they function, and if you’re a candidate.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth roots that dentists use to fill gaps left by missing teeth. They’re typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material, to enable flawless restoration and functionality.

Dental implants come in three parts: the artificial root (titanium screw), which goes into your jawbone, the abutment (the bridge connecting the artificial root and false tooth), and a porcelain crown (the false tooth).

Dental implants offer a near-natural and long-lasting restoration to the lost tooth (or teeth). Due to their durability, many people regard them as a permanent solution to missing teeth. 

Similarly, they look, function, and feel more like your natural teeth. Unlike dentures, you don’t need to remove them while cleaning (brush and floss like natural teeth), and they enable you to enjoy all your favourite meals.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants use the technique of osseointegration. The process works by structurally linking the jaw bone to a synthetic root (typically titanium). Your bone cells will need to attach to the implant to keep the implant firm. 

The durability and functionality of the dental implant depend on the health of your jawbones and gums. That’s why this process is often selective of its candidates, and dentists have a responsibility to check your compatibility before installing the dental implants.

What Is the Complete Procedure for Dental Implants?

The entire process of restoring missing teeth using dental implants lasts months. It includes minor surgeries and healing periods in between. Here are the stages.

1. Dentist Examination and Qualification

Before you begin the process, your dentist will check your vitals to establish whether you’re a candidate for dental implants. This stage may include scans and detailed medical checks to be certain you have enough jawbone and strong gums to anchor the dental implants. 

The dentist will also check your medical history to be sure you have no compromising health history and habits.

Once you qualify, your dental implant dentist will perform an extensive oral examination with 3D images and X-rays to give them a clear picture of your circumstances and where the implant will go. 

2. Insertion of the Dental Implant

This step involves minor dental surgery to insert the artificial root (the titanium dental implant screw) into your jawbone and gum tissues. Your dentist may begin by extracting your damaged teeth (or tooth) and installing the restoration root.

The specialist will then introduce a dental (healing) cap over the implant to prevent food materials or other debris from accessing the operated tooth (gap). After that, you’ll need a healing period of roughly three months to allow your jaw bone and gum tissues to grow around and bond with the implant.

The procedure may leave you with some soreness around the place of impact. Most patients confirm that the procedure and healing process is less painful than they expected. Still, your dentist will give you pain medication to tame pain, and you can use over-the-counter medications if you feel any discomfort.

3. Abutment Attachment

Once the dental implant has stabilised and your gums and jaws have healed, your dentist will remove the healing cap and place an abutment. It’s the bridge that connects your artificial root to the soon-to-be attached fake tooth (crown).

Your dentist will then note the impression of your jaw area and customise a crown that resembles your natural tooth in terms of size, shape, and colour.

4. Attaching the Crown and Finishing

Once your customised crown (false tooth) is ready, your dentist will attach it to the abutment and artificial root. Once correctly set, the dentist will cement it in place, and voila! You have a new set of beautiful teeth and an attractive smile.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Dental implants offer an excellent restoration of missing teeth. But not everyone is a perfect candidate for this solution. Some qualifying factors include:

• Good oral health (healthy gums, oral tissues, and jaw bone)
• Fully grown jaw bone
• Willingness to commit to the months of the procedure
• Sufficient bone structure and size
• No major health conditions that could be affected
• Teeth are damaged beyond ordinary treatment
• Not a smoker

Restore Your Beautiful Smile

How do dental implants work? You’ve learned that dental implants use minor operations and procedures to replace your missing teeth. You don’t have to hide your smile again, as the replacement looks and feels natural and lasts long enough to compensate for the investment.

Don’t forget to keep your oral hygiene in check, even with the dental implants in place. Remember to visit your dentist for frequent checkups. Don’t hesitate to contact our professional dental specialists for questions about dental implants. Contact us now.