Discover Dental Implant Benefits in Huntingdale & Thornlie

Dental implants offer a more long-lasting and stable choice compared to dentures and bridges. Let us discuss the unique benefits of dental implants and how they compare to these alternative treatments:

• Bone preservation:
  Dental implants integrate with the jawbone, helping prevent bone loss, whereas dentures often contribute to bone shrinkage due to lack of stimulation.
• Durability:
  Implants are designed to last many years, even a lifetime, with proper care, while bridges may need replacement every five to 15 years.
• Stability and comfort:
  Implants provide a secure fit that feels more like natural teeth. Dentures can slip or cause discomfort, affecting speech and eating.
• Aesthetic appearance:
  Implants look and feel like your own teeth. They help maintain facial structure, unlike dentures, which may lead to a sunken facial appearance over time.
• Oral health maintenance:
  Unlike bridges, dental implants do not require altering adjacent teeth, which helps preserve more of your natural teeth.
• Ease of care:
  You can maintain dental implants the same way you do for natural teeth by brushing and flossing regularly. Dentures require removal for cleaning and special maintenance.

Exploring dental implants could significantly enhance your dental health and well-being, especially if you seek a more natural restoration. Visit the dental clinic today so we can guide you through the dental implant benefits in Huntingdale & Thornlie and create care plans to address your needs.

Dental implants include a crown, bridge, or denture that lasts between 5-15 years and an implant post that can last over 20 years. The lifespan of dental implants can vary according to the following factors:

• Oral hygiene practices:
  Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth help prevent infections around the implant, extending its lifespan.
• Quality of the implant procedure:
  Proper placement and initial stability of the implant are critical for long-term success.
• Material quality:
  High-quality materials resist wear and corrosion better, contributing to the implant’s durability.
• Patient’s overall health:
  Conditions like diabetes or habits like smoking can impede healing, affecting implant longevity.
• Regular dental check-ups:
  Regular appointments allow experienced dentists to monitor the implant and address any issues early.

With dedicated care and attention to these factors, you can significantly maximise the lifespan and effectiveness of your dental implants. Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental is committed to supporting you through every step of your dental journey so your implants deliver the maximum possible benefit.

Yes, dental implants are as effective as real teeth in both function and appearance. They are anchored securely in the jawbone, which allows for natural chewing and speech, similar to real teeth. Unlike dentures, implants do not slip or cause discomfort because they are made from biocompatible materials like titanium. This material integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation. The visible part, the crown, is usually made from ceramic or porcelain and matches the colour and shape of your natural teeth.

Yes, dental implants do prevent bone loss. This benefit stems from their ability to stimulate the jawbone, much like natural tooth roots. When you chew, the implant transmits forces to the bone, promoting its maintenance and growth. This stimulation helps prevent the possibility of bone resorption that often occurs with tooth loss.

Yes, there are some downsides to dental implants. Here are the main disadvantages to consider:

• Surgical risks:
  Dental implant surgery involves risks such as infection, nerve damage, and possible impact on sinus cavities.
• Time-consuming process:
  The full dental procedure, from implant placement to the final placement of the crown, can take several months.
• Cost:
  Dental implants often cost more than other tooth replacement options and are not always covered by health funds.
• Requirement for good oral health:
  Candidates need healthy gums and adequate bone quality to hold the implant. Some patients may also need additional procedures like bone grafts if they do not meet these criteria.

While there are many advantages of dental implants, they are not suitable for everyone and come with their own set of challenges. At Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental, we discuss all potential downsides with our patients so they are fully informed before proceeding.

You can generally get implants three to six months after an extraction. This interval allows the jawbone to heal adequately, providing a stable foundation for the implant. During this period, bone grafting may be necessary if significant bone loss has occurred during tooth extraction. At Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental, we evaluate each patient’s healing and bone status to decide the right timing for implant placement.

The following factors make patients ineligible for dental implant procedures:

• Insufficient bone density:
  Patients lacking adequate jawbone to support the implant may not qualify without preliminary bone grafts.
• Severe gum disease:
  Active periodontal disease can compromise the stability of implants, making treatment inadvisable until the condition is managed.
• Uncontrolled chronic diseases:
  Health conditions like diabetes or heart disease that are not well-managed can interfere with healing after implant surgery.
• Smoking:
  Regular smoking can impair healing in the mouth, increasing the risk of implant failure.
• Certain medications:
  Those drugs that suppress the immune system, such as those used in chemotherapy, can affect bone healing and implant success.

Before considering dental implants, it’s essential to address any health concerns that may affect the success of the procedure. At Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental, we prioritise a comprehensive assessment to protect your health and strive for positive outcomes from your treatment.

No, dental implants should not be painful because anaesthesia is used throughout the procedure. Local anaesthesia numbs the area, preventing any discomfort during the implant placement. At Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental, we also offer various sedation options to enhance comfort:

• Nitrous gas:
  Also called “laughing gas,” this mild sedative helps you relax during the procedure without causing deep sedation. You remain awake and can communicate but feel less anxious.
• Oral sedation:
  This is a sedative pill taken before the procedure. This reduces anxiety and helps you feel significantly more relaxed and somewhat drowsy, though you’ll still be awake.
• IV sedation:
  Administered intravenously, this type of sedation provides a deeper level of sedation and is used for patients who need more significant relaxation. It requires the presence of an anesthetist to monitor your vitals throughout the procedure.

At Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental, we prioritise a comfortable dental experience, particularly during implant procedures. Our selection of sedation dentistry options caters to different levels of patient anxiety, providing a calm and manageable treatment experience.

The dental implant success rate is above 97% over a 10-year period. This high success rate is due to the strong integration of the implant with the jawbone, which creates a strong foundation for the replacement teeth. Maintaining optimal oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups contribute significantly to the long-term success and enhanced quality of life with dental implants.

Despite the long-term benefits of dental implants, they also come with potential risks and complications. Here are the most common issues associated with dental implants:

• Infection at the implant site:
  Bacteria can accumulate around the implant, leading to infection if oral hygiene is poor.
• Nerve damage:
  Improper placement can lead to nerve damage, which causes pain, numbness, or tingling in the gums, lips, or face.
• Sinus problems:
  Implants that are placed in the upper jaw can protrude into sinus cavities, causing sinusitis or other issues.
• Implant failure:
  Although rare, implants can fail to integrate with the bone properly, especially in smokers or those with certain medical conditions.
• Bone loss around the implant:
  Over time, without proper care, the bone around the implant can deteriorate, destabilising the implant.

It’s important to discuss these potential risks with your friendly dentist to understand how they might apply to your specific situation. At Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental, we take steps to minimise these risks and maintain each patient’s quality of life with dental implants.

One of the primary advantages of dental implants is that caring for them involves detailed practices similar to those for natural teeth. Here are the detailed steps for maintaining your dental implants:

1. Brush twice daily:
   Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean around each implant. Apply a low-abrasive, fluoride-containing toothpaste to clear plaque without scratching the implant surfaces.
2. Floss daily:
   Use unwaxed tape or floss designed for implants to clean around the base and between implants without causing irritation, helping prevent peri-implantitis.
3. Rinse with mouthwash:
   Opt for an alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacterial load and decrease inflammation around the implant sites, promoting healthy gums.
4. Avoid hard and sticky foods:
   Steer clear of foods that could impose excessive force or stick to and pull on the implants, potentially damaging them.
5. Quit smoking:
   Smoking inhibits blood flow to the gums, slowing healing and increasing the risk of implant failure. Stopping smoking can significantly improve implant success rates.
6. Wear a mouthguard if needed:
   If you have a tendency to grind or clench your teeth at night, consider using a custom-fitted mouthguard. This is to protect both the implants and your natural teeth from excessive wear and pressure.

Maintaining dental implants with proper care practices supports their optimal function and longevity. These steps, when followed diligently, can significantly enhance the durability and functionality of your implants, contributing positively to your overall oral health.

Yes, considering the long-term benefits of dental implants, they are very much worth it. Here are the key advantages:

• Improved oral health:
  Implants do not need the neighbouring teeth to be altered, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
• Enhanced comfort and ease of eating:
  Unlike dentures, implants are anchored in your jawbone, improving comfort and making eating easier.
• Durability:
  With proper dental care, implants can last a lifetime, unlike other dental prosthetics that might need frequent replacement.
• Bone preservation:
  Implants stimulate bone growth, preventing bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth.
• Better speech:
  Implants securely fixed in your jawbone allow you to speak more naturally than with poorly fitted dentures.
• Improved appearance:
  Dental implants are custom-made to look and feel like your own teeth, enhancing your smile and facial aesthetics.

By offering functionality and a natural appearance, the long-term benefits of dental implants provide significant improvements in quality of life. They are a long-term investment in your overall dental health, supporting overall well-being and confidence.