In the last few years, you may have heard of the striking new addition to restorative dental care which is known as oral implants.
Unlike bridges or dentures, oral implants allow the prosthetic teeth to be held firmly in place as the implant fuses with the surrounding jaw through a process known as osseointegration. Needless to say, more people are trying this option as it can be difficult to care for dentures or removable bridges correctly, and these options can also be a bit wobbly and less secure
It is worth noting that when you are choosing a cosmetic dental team to undertake oral implants, you need to ensure that they have the required experience to perform this treatment and that they can show you their portfolio of work. As charming as it may seem to be a cosmetic dentist’s first patient when they are trying a new procedure, this can be a little bit detrimental.
So, without further ado, in this article, 5 questions about oral implants will be answered to help you learn a bit more about the process before deciding whether or not it is the right option for you. Enjoy!
Does the fitting hurt?
As there is surgery involved, many people have concerns that the fitting of dental implants Ryde will be uncomfortable. However, your dentist will numb the area before beginning and once you are at home after the surgery, the discomfort you feel should be managed with over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol. Try not to take ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can thin the blood and worsen potential bruising.
it is worth noting that if you are in excessive discomfort after the surgery you may need to visit your dentist again as there may be an infection forming.
Can the implant fall out?
No, an oral implant cannot or should not simply fall out. Even after they are fitted, they should be fairly stable before they begin fusing, but to be sure, you should avoid putting excessive pressure or weight onto them for the first few weeks, as this can cause them to move or to fuse at an unusual angle. If you have concerns that your implant is about to fall out, you should contact your dental team for an emergency appointment.
How long does the healing take?
The healing or fusing process of an oral implant typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on your age and general health. For the majority of dental teams, if there is no sign of the implant fusing to the surrounding jaw after 12 months, they will remove it and consider another restorative option.
Can anyone have oral implants fitted?
No, there are a few exclusion criteria. For one thing, you have to be over the age of 18 and you have to have good general oral health, which means no signs of gum disease or cavities. Your dental team will also perform an X-ray to ensure that you have a healthy, strong, thick jaw bone which can support the surgery and the fitting of an oral implant.
How long will they last?
With the correct aftercare, which is simply brushing, flossing and attending biannual appointments, your oral implants should last 15 years or more. You do have to care for them as if they were your natural teeth and you have to keep an eye out for signs of gum disease, as this can cause the implants to fall out prematurely.
DISCLAIMER OFFSITE
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.