Fill In for Missing Teeth
With dental implants at our Hallam clinic
A missing tooth is an amplified loss. Apart from the obvious functional limitations with a missing tooth, there is also an undeniable impact on one’s self image and confidence – it can come in the way of an uninhibited smile and freely expressing oneself in social situations. Of course, there are a few cosmetic and restorative solutions when it comes to missing teeth, but none of these would really come close to what having a natural tooth feels like, unless it is a dental implant.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants have been widely used as part of restorative dentistry for over three decades now. They are a preferred option to replace missing teeth roots, to mimic their form and function and serve as a reliable base to support crowns, bridges and dentures.
An implant is essentially a titanium post, which is precisely anchored to the jaw and gums, and becomes the de facto root for your replacement tooth. Over time, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone structure and becomes a stable base for future abutments to secure your replacement tooth. One of the best things about a dental implant is that there is no impact on the surrounding teeth.
A dental implant is the next best thing to natural teeth, in terms of strength and permanence. But a dental implant is so much more than a tooth root replacement. The titanium dental implants used can help stop the bone shrinkage and eventual bone loss that usually happens in the case of a missing tooth. So, in a way, they prevent further degeneration.
The procedure for dental implant restorations at our Hallam clinic
The first step to getting a dental implant will be to evaluate whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
3D scans and X-Rays would be required to precisely understand the quality and strength of the bone structure, into which the implant will be placed. On surgery day, you would be given anaesthesia or a sedative, to maximize your comfort and prevent pain. The implant will be drilled into your jawbone in the precise location so as to be able to support your replacement tooth. This takes around a couple of hours, depending upon the number of implants to be placed.
It would take few weeks for the implant to fuse and integrate with the surrounding bone, before it is ready to receive the abutment for your replacement tooth. The time gap between the implant and the abutment could range from anything from 3 to 6 months. Once the healing around the implant is satisfactory, we would place a crown or a bridge over your implant. We might also make temporary dentures to allow you to go through this period without any major disruptions.
As this is an invasive procedure, there will be some healing time required, and the team will help you with detailed post-surgery instructions and a care regimen to speed up the healing and recovery process. We also recommend that you keep up with the regular follow up visits post your implant, so that the progress can be monitored and ensured that your implant is doing well.
If you are looking for an experienced dentist for your dental implants near Hallam, we invite you to visit us for a consultation at our clinic.
Areas We Serve
Narre Warren North, Narre Warren South, Hallam, Hampton Park, Clyde, Berwick