If you have lost a tooth or you have multiple missing teeth then speak to your dentist and find out about having a dental implant Melbourne. Whether you are missing teeth as a result of tooth decay, another irreversible dental issue or you have been in an accident which has knocked out your tooth or teeth, a dental implant is an excellent choice to replace teeth. It provides a durable solution to replacing your missing teeth, which is why it is the most popular choice of tooth replacement therapy amongst dentists and patients alike. Over the last 30 years dental implants have seen a surge in uptake and with continued research, dental implants have a success rate of over 95%.
It may be reassuring to learn that tooth loss is a lot more common in adults than you may think it is. If you have lost a tooth or you have irreversible damage to your teeth and need to undergo a tooth extraction or have multiple teeth removed then rest assured that you are not alone. 15% of adults in Australia suffer from severe tooth loss, this means that they have eight or less natural teeth remaining. 20% of adults over the age of 65 have no natural teeth at all. Despite significant advances in dental technology, tooth decay remains a problem throughout the country and statistics have shown that almost 90% of adults suffer from a certain extent of tooth decay. It is important that you visit your dentist on a regular basis to make sure that tooth decay is treated as early on as possible. If left untreated, tooth decay eventually results in tooth loss.
How to get dental implants
First your dentist will need to make sure that a dental implant is the correct choice of tooth replacement for you. To help them do this, they will carry out an examination of your teeth and gums and an X-ray to assess your gum and bone health. These factors are very important in determining the success of your dental implants. The implant itself is inserted into your jawbone and therefore there needs to be sufficient healthy bone and gum to hold the implant firmly in place for life.
If the dentist is happy then you are ready for the procedure. Some patients may need bone grafting and some may require periodontal treatment before the surgery to help make sure the procedure is a success, whilst promoting better oral health at the same time. Once you are ready for the procedure you’ll be given a date and the implant or implants, depending on the number of teeth that you are replacing, will be fitted into your mouth. This is done by drilling a small hole into the bone socket of your missing tooth or teeth into which the implants are inserted to initiate a natural healing process which will lock the implants firmly into place. This may take several months, however, once the implants are successfully fixed into your jaw they work as a permanent foundation for replacing your missing teeth. Speak to your dentist today to begin the process and restore the appearance, health and function of your mouth and smile once more.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
