Teeth can be lost due to illness, decay or trauma. And in years gone by the options used to replace missing teeth included fitted bridges or dentures. While these are still a very important part of restorative dental care, the rise in popularity of dental implants Bondi Junction is continuing with more patients opting for this procedure over other restorative ones. But before you rush off to book an appointment with your dentist relating to oral implants, you probably have some questions about the procedure, aftercare, and what oral implants are. The following FAQ section seeks to answer these questions and more, so read on!
What are oral implants?
Oral implants are small titanium screws that are attached to the jaw through surgery. Over 3 to 6 months after they are fitted, they fuse to the jaw, allowing your dentist to attach a prosthetic tooth or teeth in the form of a single crown, a bridge or a denture. The most commonly used type of oral implant is the endosteal implant, but depending on your clinical need, you may be offered subperiosteal implants, zygomatic implants or even mini implants.
Who can have them fitted?
If you are over the age of 18 years old and have good general dental health, then it is highly likely you will be suitable for oral implants. Concerning endosteal implants, your dentist will need to take X-rays of your jaw to ensure that you have a sufficient amount of jawbone to support the implant once it is fitted. Your dentist will also ask about your general health; if you have osteoporosis, poorly managed diabetes or are taking medication for an autoimmune condition, then this can complicate the success of the procedure. And of course, if you have gum disease or tooth decay these will need to be treated before your implants are fitted.
Is the fitting uncomfortable?
As is the way with most dental procedures, your dentist will ensure that your gum is numbed with a local anaesthetic before fitting an oral implant. So, during the procedure, there should be hardly any discomfort at all. Once you are at home after the procedure, it is advised that you take over-the-counter pain relief to manage any discomfort you may experience. Aim to avoid medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen as these can send the blood and worsen bruising.
Will the implant site become infected?
It is very unlikely that your oral implant will become infected. However, there are some things you can do to keep the site clean and prevent infection. For instance, rinsing the area as required with salt water will remove debris and plaque, ensuring that the site stays clean. You should also aim to avoid smoking or drinking excessive quantities of alcohol as these encourage the chance of infection.
Do they last a long time?
With correct care, such as brushing twice a day and attending dental check-ups every six months, your oral implants should last up to and over 15 years.
