There are now practices that focus entirely on dental implants in Melbourne, meaning that they have modern advancements ensuring the best possible care for a patient who is looking to have this procedure done.
During a consultation, a dentist will check whether this procedure can be performed on a patient, looking at the health of the gums and jawbone and having a discussion with the patient regarding their lifestyle habits and if they have any preexisting conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or if they are currently undergoing radiation therapy as these factors may reduce the success rate.
Most people are eligible and can enjoy all the benefits that come with completing their smile again by means of a secure and permanent fixture.
What is an implant and in what situations are they preferable to dentures?
Like every treatment, there is a place and need for different ones. For example, traditional braces are used not only to straighten teeth but to correct an abnormal bite. Some adults choose a more cosmetic approach and short-term invisible braces are an adaptation that ideally suit them and their needs.
The same can be said for this procedure and dentures. Dentures are a great short term solution and can be used in conjunction with implants at a later date to implement the all-on-four treatment.
This provides denture wearers the ability to permanently fix their dentures into their mouths for a secure hold that allows them the freedom of life again that is not always possible with removable dentures.
Essentially, a titanium rod is screwed directly into the jawbone and acts as a replacement tooth root. Crowns, bridges or dentures can be fixed onto these rods and allow the wearer to feel like they have a real set of teeth again.
The false teeth look, feel and behave just like normal teeth, with colour, size and shape of a tooth matching other, natural teeth still in the patient’s mouth.
Is it true the jawbone degrades over time?
This is entirely true if the jawbone does not receive any messages in the form of pressure from biting and grinding that it is needed to support a tooth root and subsequent tooth.
This is why it is so important for patients to receive the best possible care they can for their teeth, jums and facial bones and consider a permanent and long-term solution that is beneficial for their oral health.
Dentures are unable to support jawbone health and eventually overtime, the facial structure will age as the bone deteriorates and the patient will no longer be able to eat solid foods such as fibrous vegetables and crunchy fruits.
A friendly and qualified dentist will be able to provide a patient with all the information that they need in order to make an informed and calculated decision. The risks and benefits involved in the procedure will be openly discussed and any questions raised will be freely answered.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
