The chances are that you have dental surgery on the way, and you’re worried. Well, who wouldn’t?
Don’t fret! It is normal to ask questions.
To start, what are dental implants? What can you expect from the procedure? Are you even fit for the surgery?
If you are fit for dental implants, which kind should you choose? More importantly, what range should you expect to part with to get one?
If you find yourself asking those questions, you are reading the right article. In this piece, we aim to provide answers to your enquiries.
That said, let’s delve into the details already.
What Are Dental Implants?
To understand dental implants, firstly, you should know that they are a fraction of a much larger process: the dental implant procedure.
When you suffer a tooth loss, you visit the dentist to replace it. Yes?
Well, that process of replacing a missing teeth is the dental implant procedure. And what replaces your missing tooth are dental implants.
But you might still be confused if dental implants are dentures. No, they are different terms! The latter requires no surgery, and you can fit or remove the aids yourself.
Dental implants placement, on the other hand, requires dental implant surgery. Also, you needn’t remove these aids, unlike conventional dentures.
Most importantly, dental implants are the most natural tooth replacement.
Dental implants are only titanium roots and custom crowns or bridges. Nevertheless, you can wash them and eat with them like you would a real tooth.
Even at that, we understand you still have some worries. Hopefully, the benefits of dental implants can change your outlook.
However, before we talk about benefits, see this:
Are You Fit For Dental Implants?
Short answer: yes, you are!
However, you must meet some requirements to obtain the most results from your dental implant procedure. What requirements?
Have A Good Oral Health Routine
Regardless of the expertise of your preferred dental surgeon, your oral health is critical. Do you have a history of gum or periodontal diseases?
Do you even stick to the basics of dental health like brushing twice daily? How about flossing?
If you don’t maintain optimal oral health, your gum will be weak. When that happens, dental implants won’t fit right into your jawbone, and you risk needing an additional procedure called bone grafting.
So, what if you had gum diseases?
Well, follow your dental surgeon’s advice, and the gum disease will clear in no time. Fortunately, you will find several oral surgeons in Byford and (Western Australia at large) to guide you.
Stop Smoking Till Your Dental Implant Procedure Is Complete
You don’t have to quit smoking in its entirety. Instead, refrain from the act while undergoing a dental implant procedure. Why?
When you get dental implants, the replacement teeth is weak, even more so the gum and jawbone. Introducing a foreign material at the time can damage your efforts.
Even the foods you eat during dental implant procedures change to the soft, less-chewy kinds. So, ditch smoking for a few weeks per your dentist’s advice.
The Size And Structure Of Your Jawbone
You can maintain oral hygiene and stop smoking. However, there are limitations regarding the shape and size of your bones. How so?
Dental implants sit within your jaw bone. So if the arrangement, size, or structure is off, then the procedure won’t be effective.
Good news: dentists have special procedures to correct misaligned bone structure. Meet with yours and get the just-fit fix.
Now that you have met the requirements of dental implants. Let’s see what you stand to gain when you get them.
Benefits Of Dental Implants
Aesthetics
Dental implants treatment fulfil the goal of tooth replacement to the letter. They provide white teeth that glisten as you smile.
Such smiles will undoubtedly improve your social appeal and even happiness. And when you consider that these implants are almost natural, you won’t worry about slip-ups or shaky voices.
Comfort
Remember that dental implants are the most natural replacement for your tooth. As such, they offer unparalleled comfort to other options such as dentures.
For a start, dental implants are a permanent solution. You won’t need to wear or remove them. In other words, you won’t worry about where you left your aids.
Also, dental implants will be implanted into your jawbones. And because of that, your speech patterns remain the same as with natural teeth.
Most importantly, these implants are fit for all kinds of food. The only time you’d be picky is the first few weeks after you had the implant treatment.
Durability
Dental implants come with tough titanium implants roots that sit deep in your jawbones. They become immovable as your bone grows around them.
As such, dental implants are durable. You can wash, clean, or even floss them as you would natural teeth.
With the proper maintenance routines, rest assured that your dental implants can last for a lifetime.
Now, you have the basic knowledge of the definition, conditions, and even benefits. So, what’s next?
Know the type of dental implants you should get!
Types Of Dental Implants
Generally, there are two kinds of teeth implants. They are:
Endosteal Implants
As the name implies, endo-steal implants stay inside your bone. Dentists fit these kinds of artificial teeth at the point of the lost teeth as a direct replacement.
Once fixed, your bone might take up to 6 weeks to integrate and create a solid foundation. Afterwards, maintain your tooth with silica toothpaste and other dental care instructions.
Subperiosteal Implants
Unlike the typical definition of tooth implants, the subperiosteal sits at the surface of the jawbone. Like endosteal, the subperiosteal also attaches to your bone over time.
There is one drawback to subperiosteal implants: they are not as popular as the endosteal [1]. Nevertheless, the former is fit for unique cases of irregular bone and jaw structure.
In the case where your jawbone won’t accept insertions of titanium rods, then subperiosteal can help. Fortunately, you won’t wait for 6weeks for healing like in endosteal implants. Also, there is no bone grafting.
Note: both types of dental procedures are excellent fits. Nevertheless, consult your local dentist to help you use the most suitable of the two for your case.
FAQs About Dental Implants
How Much Do Tooth Implant Cost In Australia?
Before we start, note that price varies depending on various factors. First, what skills, experience, and certifications does your preferred oral surgeon have?
Secondly, how secured and safe is your desired oral procedure? Most importantly, how do you even prefer the procedure?
Those questions are some of the deciding factors that eventually decide the cost of your dental treatment.
That said, here are the average prices you can expect to pay in Australia for tooth implants:
- Single-tooth implant: minimum of $3000
- Multiple teeth: minimum of $7500, and that’s depending on the number of teeth you plan to replace
- All-on-four: minimum of $15000
However, note that the listed prices are average. In other words, you could find the quotes lower or higher across Australia.
Besides, the best way to get the exact pricing is by checking with your preferred local dentist.
How Long Does A Dental Implant Procedure Take?
The surgical procedure often takes one hour per implant. However, note that the type of surgery you need also determines the time taken.
Besides, the processes of dental implants surgical procedure can be lengthy. First, you will remove the damaged tooth.
Then, the dentist places the titanium alloy on your jawbone.
Secondly, your dentist will attach an extension to the implant. And lastly, he will fit a dental crown or dental bridges on the make-shift root – now connected with your jawbone.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Tooth implants have been used successfully for decades. In fact, the first patient to receive modern implants had them until death, a period of 40 years! Your implants should last for a very long time, from 25 years to a lifetime.
Should I Choose Dental Implants Over Dentures?
For a start, there is no one-fits-all answer. Dentures fit different purposes, and the same thing applies to dental implants. Besides, there are cases where you would even do both.
However, in terms of comfort and ease of use, dental implants trump dentures. But that doesn’t mean the former is any better than the latter.
In essence, consult your dentist to know which fits your needs.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Yes, you can find several private health insurance companies to lessen the charges. Nevertheless, look at the offers before committing. Why?
Different insurance companies offer diverse discount options; it could be a percentage or a capped pay.
For the percentage, you could get up to 50% off your dental implants. The other option, however, restricts you to a figure. And that doesn’t help, especially in a family case.
Most importantly, understand that most private insurance companies treat dental implants as exclusive. As such, it might take up to 12months after the surgery before you get the reimbursement.
Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Directly, Medicare doesn’t cover dental implants. However, when it relates to illnesses, Medicare might cover some parts.
How To Take Care Of Dental Implants?
There’s no standard of care plan for dental implants. All you need to do is maintain routine oral care.
That said, brush and floss. Well, be careful with your expensive make-shift teeth when they are new.
Nevertheless, don’t fret. Just take care of your oral health, and you’ll be fine.
We hope we have allayed your fears of dental implants and the procedures now. It’s not as scary as you’d thought, eh?
