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Dental Implant Before And After — Everything You Need To Know

Faris Kirmani • Dec 14, 2022

dental implant before and after richmond

Dental implants are a very effective way to replace missing teeth and restore your dental health. It can improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient's natural smile, as well as increase functionality.

Before your tooth replacement, challenges such as misalignment of teeth, tooth decay, uneven bite, difficulty speaking, and other dental issues can cause discomfort and impair the overall function of your teeth.

Patients may also have difficulty eating if they are missing teeth or have broken teeth that need to be replaced. A thorough evaluation by a dentist is necessary before undergoing dental implant treatment.

Getting a dental implant isn't just about the smile makeover. If you're living with a gap in your teeth, dental implants can be a real life-changing experience.

So, if you're still unsure if this dental treatment would be the ideal option for you, this blog will give you a closer look at what dental implants are, what the procedure is, and what you will expect from the results. Let’s start!

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts placed into the jawbone, acting as a replacement root for missing teeth. These posts are surgically inserted and provide stability to artificial teeth, like crowns, bridges, or dentures, which are then attached to the implant.

The dental implant procedure

Before getting dental implants, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss it with you. During this time, it's important to ask questions and gain an understanding of the whole process, including the following:

Pre-surgical dental exams such as dental X-rays and dental impressions.
Bone grafting, if needed.
Surgical dental implant placement.
Healing time after surgery.
Getting dental crowns or other prostheses attached to the implant.
Aftercare.

When it comes to dental implant surgery itself, a dentist will make a small incision in your gum line and drill into the bone to insert the titanium post into your jawbone and secure it into place.

Then you'll need to wait for the bone to integrate with the implant so that it’s perfectly attached into place. After the dental implant is applied, your dentist will stitch up the incision.

Once your implant is fused to your jawbone, your dentist will apply an abutment above the gum line by opening the skin of your gum to reveal the implant's base and attach a short metal rod. In some cases, the abutment is applied on the same day as getting the implant post. After that, your dentist will take impressions of your jaw and the missing teeth to make a crown that looks exactly like your natural teeth. When the crown is ready, your dentist will attach it to the abutment.

The dental implant recovery process

Once dental implants are placed, you'll need to keep them clean and practise good dental hygiene habits. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, as well as visiting the dentist for checkups and cleanings.

The dental implant recovery period can vary depending on each individual, but generally, it takes 4 to 6 months for dental implants to fully heal and integrate with the surrounding bone tissue.

During this time, you may experience some tenderness, swelling near the area where the dental implants were placed, in your gum or face, or minor bleeding.

You may be advised by your dentist to avoid eating hard foods as these can put a strain on dental implants and slow down healing.

Your dentist may also recommend taking over-the-counter painkillers if you experience any dental discomfort after the procedure.

How long do dental implants last?

With good oral hygiene habits and regular checkups, the implant post itself can last a lifetime.

Depending on the individual’s dental health, the crowns may need to be replaced after 10-15 years due to wear and tear. It is important to maintain your oral hygiene to ensure that your tooth crowns remain in proper functioning condition.

By getting dental implants, you can finally regain natural-looking teeth and a confident smile! With proper care, the results of your procedure will stay with you for years to come.

Dental Implants aftercare

To ensure dental implants last for a lifetime, it is important to follow these simple steps:

See your dentist regularly

Schedule dental checkups every six months to ensure that your dental health can be monitored and any dental issues are taken care of as soon as possible.

Practise excellent oral hygiene

Always keep your artificial teeth and gums clean, using specially designed toothbrushes, such as an interdental brush that slides between teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash on a regular basis.

Dental Implants before and after results

Implant dentistry can improve your smile aesthetically. Once the dental implants have been placed and your mouth has healed, you can expect to experience improved function in your teeth, for example ease in speaking or eating. You'll also notice that you’ll be able to communicate with more clarity and eat without pain or discomfort.

As a result, patients report feeling more self-confident after having a successful dental implant treatment.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of dental implants varies depending on the process to be followed, how many teeth need to be replaced, and various other factors listed below. It is recommended that patients get a consultation with their dentist before having any treatment, as the cost can vary significantly depending on your needs.

What factors affect the cost of dental implants?

There are various factors that can influence how much you might pay for dental implants. These include the following:

In conclusion, dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth and can be an investment in your overall health. They come with various cost factors, so it’s important to discuss these with your dentist before making any decisions.

Dental Implants in Riverlands Dental

At Riverlands Dental, we're committed to helping you get your flawless smile again. By taking the time to understand what to expect before getting dental implants and after, you'll be able to make an informed decision about whether this treatment is the right course of action for you.

Dental implants can provide you with improved health and a beautiful smile that will last for years to come.

So, if you're missing one or more teeth and want to restore your perfect smile, contact our expert dental team at Riverlands Dental at (02) 4501 7930.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.