While tooth loss is unfortunate, there is great technology available to Geelong patients to provide the next best solution to replace your missing tooth; known as a Dental Implant.
While implants have been around for over 50 years, the technology has advanced and is now part of daily dental practice. The most common question we are asked is how long a dental implant will last. Once the implant has successfully fused to the bone, success rate for implants is in the high 90s and with the right care can last a lifetime. However, there are some considerations which may influence the success rate of an implant in individual cases.
A dental implant is a great solution for replacing missing teeth. With this treatment provided by Dentalspa Geelong you can regain a functional bite and also the aesthetic result.
If your teeth have been affected by gum disease, trauma or decay, Dentalspa provides restorative dentistry treatments including implants that can restore your smile for 100% function.
Dental implants can make an appealing alternative to bridges as they don’t rely on the neighbouring teeth and unlike dentures they’re fixed in the mouth. A dental implant involves a surgical procedure in which an artificial tooth root made of titanium is inserted into the jawbone. After a stage of healing, a dental crown or bridge is then made and attached to the titanium root to replace one or more missing teeth.
Smoking
Several studies have found that failure rates of implants is higher that of implants placed in non-smokers. Smoking can affect wound healing- leading to complications in the integration of the implant to the bone, reduce bone quality and increase bone loss around implants and increase risk for peri-implantitis. Smoking cessation is encouraged and at times mandatory before considering implant.
Bruxism or tooth grinding
Studies vary in regard to implant failure due to bruxism or tooth grinding, but there is certainly enough data to suggest that it may indeed reduce the lifespan of an implant. Tooth grinding places increased pressure on the implant, which can affect the healing of the bone around the implant. It can also cause the porcelain material of the restored crown to chip or fracture, leading to the crown needing replacement. If you do grind your teeth and you are considering an implant- an occlusal splint may be advised to help alleviate the pressure.
Oral Hygiene
Like your natural teeth, an implant is susceptible to gum inflammation- which when left untreated can cause gum disease around the implant known as peri-implantitis. This is caused by bacteria colonizing in the gum surrounding the implant which is not effectively removed with brushing and flossing, which overtime can cause bone loss around the implant, affecting support around the implant and ultimately lead to loss of your implant. It is vital that a good dental hygiene routine is maintained with brushing twice daily and flossing once daily to prevent peri-implantitis. Six monthly preventative care visits with your dental hygienist are encouraged so that the bone level surrounding the gums is regularly assessed for any early signs of implant failures.
While there are some considerations that will need to be assessed prior to beginning your dental implant journey, there are a number of benefits to choosing implants as your tooth replacement option.
- It looks and feels most like a natural tooth
- It preserves the surrounding bone or jaw structure that would otherwise be lost through other treatment options such as bridge or a denture. When this occurs it can change the aesthetics of the bridge, lead to food impaction or poor fit of dentures overtime.
- Easy to clean – requiring the same oral hygiene regime as your natural teeth
- It does not involve the preparation and restoration of adjacent teeth which may be otherwise healthy to support a bridge, making it a conservative option.
- Treatment option available for patients that may not have adjacent teeth to use for bridge
- Can be used to help support denture – known as an over denture in appropriate cases.
Dental implants will not be advised for some individual cases. In these cases, a bridge or partial denture may be determined as the best option for tooth replacement.
Dentalspa Geelong is excited to be able to offer clients high quality implants as a treatment option with Dr Andrew Welsh. After a comprehensive assessment, Dr Andrew will evaluate if dental implants is the best treatment option available to restore your dental function and appearance
If you would like to have a complimentary consult with Dr Andrew Welsh call our friendly team on (03) 5223 1555.
Dentalspa Geelong offers simple, interest free, direct debit payment plans for selected dental treatments through DentiCare. This means you can receive the treatment you need now, without having to worry about upfront lump sum payments. The plans can be customised to suit your individual needs. Your tailored direct debit payment plan is managed by DentiCare on behalf of your Doctor so we can focus on you, your smile, and your dental healthcare needs. Ask our friendly front office team for more information.