When you are an adult who has missing teeth, you are probably looking for the most permanent solution to this aesthetic and functional problem.
For many people, this may involve the use of dentures or fitted bridges, but in recent times, there has been an upsurge in the number of dental patients undergoing the fitting of oral implants. These restorative and cosmetic appliances are attached to your jaw via surgery and act as a root for prosthetic teeth to be placed upon. While this may sound rather complicated, it isn’t, and there are many advantages to having dental implants Wagga fitted.
But before you rush off to book yourself in for a consultation, you may have some questions about oral implants and in this article, 5 of the most common questions about this procedure are answered.
Does the fitting of implants hurt?
No, the fitting of oral implants will not be uncomfortable, and your dental team will numb the area with a local anaesthetic. If you are a nervous patient they may offer you sedation, but generally when the surgery is being performed you will not feel a thing.
When you are at home afterwards, there may be a sensation similar to bruising, soreness or even a dental extraction. But this discomfort should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol. If you notice that the sensation or discomfort is worsening over the next few days post-surgery, then you need to contact your dentist for an assessment.
Are all dental patients suitable for implants?
No, not everybody is suitable for oral implants and when you attend your dental surgery to have a consultation, your dentist will need to assess the condition of your teeth, your gums and your jaw. The jaw will be assessed via an X-ray and if it is determined that it is too thin to support implants or it is damaged by a condition such as osteoporosis, then you may be deemed unsuitable. However, if there are any signs of active decay or gum disease, you will also need to have these resolved before undertaking an oral implant.
What does the fitting involve?
The fitting of a traditional endosteal implant will involve your dentist numbing the area where the implant is to be fixed and then making some precise incisions into your gum line. Peeling the gum back, they will expose the bone and will then begin gently drilling a required hole or holes into the jaw to fit the implant. The fitting of the implant itself may require resizing and this process can take upwards of 2 hours per implant. Once your dentist determines that the implant is successfully fitted, they will then sew the gum line together and the treatment is completed.
Can the implants fall out?
It would take a lot of blunt force trauma to the area to dislodge a newly fitted oral implant or one that has fused. If you have an oral implant that is loose you should contact your dental team as soon as possible to assess the most suitable option for saving it. Gum disease can also cause oral implants to fall out prematurely.
How long will they last?
Provided that you look after your implants through brushing, flossing and attending dental appointments every 6 months for regular maintenance, your oral implants should easily last 20 years or more.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
