How Dental Implants Can Transform Your Smile

In this post, we are going to explore the reasons why people require dental implants and investigate some of the key questions that people ask when it comes to dental implant procedures. Here at Hamilton Dental Centre, our expert team of Dr Dave Blom and Dr Bashar Humadi have a wealth of expertise when it comes to dental implants and both have performed countless procedures with great success. Read more about dental implants below and the expert insights of Dr Blom and Dr Humadi.

What is a dental implant?

The first thing to understand is what dental implants actually are and what they are used for.  Dental implants are used to replace one or more damaged or missing teeth. Whilst there are other solutions that involve anchoring to other teeth, dental implants are a more permanent and natural solution compared to bridges or dentures.

A dental implant can be used to replace a missing or broken front or back tooth. The procedure involves surgically replacing the missing or broken tooth root with a small post or frame, rather like a screw. The screw itself mimics the structure of a natural tooth root, surgically implanted into your jawbone.

Once the implant has been successfully inserted, an artificial tooth can then be attached to the “anchor”, creating a permanent solution for a missing or broken tooth.

Do dental implants feel natural?

One of the key benefits of a dental implant is the way that it recreates the natural structure of a tooth and its root. Once the implant has been surgically secured to the jaw and the crown added, the tooth looks and feels completely natural in the mouth.

As with a natural tooth root, you never feel or see it as it sits below your gum line in your jaw, so all you see is a natural-looking tooth that is securely held in place by the implant below.

This is one of the key factors that lead many patients to choose a dental implant over other solutions such as dentures or bridges as they provide a more permanent and natural solution to missing teeth.

How long does dental implant surgery take?

The dental implant procedure is a multi-stage process the involves multiple trips to the dentist where our expert team will make sure you are aware of all the facts before undertaking the surgery.

It starts with an initial consultation at which all of your options for replacing a missing or broken tooth will be discussed. This consultation will also involve a full examination of your overall health, including the condition of your jawbone to ensure it is suitable for a dental implant procedure.

Once the procedure has been agreed upon, then the surgery can take place, under anaesthesia for your comfort. The surgery itself typically takes between 1-2 hours for a single dental implant and once completed, there is then a period of waiting as the titanium implant rod and jawbone gradually fuse. This can take several months and varies from patient to patient.

Once your dentist has confirmed that the implant has successfully fused with the bone, an abutment (connector), is attached to the implant which will hold your new tooth.

The final stage of the dental implant procedure is the fitting of the crown which is made to match your natural tooth colour so it will blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.

How long do dental implants last?

When good care is taken of your dental implants, they can last a lifetime but a lot will depend on the way they are cared for and also the age at which you have the dental implant procedure. It is important to take good care of your implants, as you would your normal teeth and ensure you follow a regimented dental hygiene routine which includes brushing twice and day and flossing at least daily.

The food you eat also impacts the overall wear and tear of your natural teeth and any implants so it is important to eat a balanced diet and avoid too many sugary drinks and food.

Other factors that can impact the longevity of dental implants include things like bone density, diseases including cancer and autoimmune diseases and lifestyle factors including jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Once you have a dental implant, it is important to care for it as you would a normal tooth and that means taking all the relevant precautions against damage and deterioration.

Are dental implants right for you?

If you are considering a dental implant to replace a missing or broken tooth, it’s important to understand some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration that can influence your decision:

Appearance

A dental implant offers a permanent solution that can last a lifetime and improve your overall appearance by returning your amazing smile. A missing tooth can make people feel extremely self-conscious which in turn can affect your confidence and your desire to socialise. A dental implant is a great way to return your smile in a natural way and one that offers a long-term solution to missing teeth.

Functionality

A missing tooth can cause all sorts of issues in terms of functionality from the way that you can chew your food to the way that you speak. A dental implant can help to resolve these issues, returning you to a full complement of teeth and helping to overcome any potential issues with speech and eating.

Oral Health

A missing tooth can cause other issues with your overall oral health so providing a permanent solution is a great way to combat this. Our oral health is so important and can lead to other health issues so dental implants can help ensure that you can avoid potential issues such as gum disease, crooked teeth, the risk of losing other teeth and bite problems.

How much do dental implants cost?

Dental implants have a reputation for being expensive, but the truth is that technological advances are making them more affordable than ever, especially when you consider the fact that they can last you a lifetime and help you avoid other potential oral health issues down the line associated with missing teeth.

The cost of a dental implant here at Hamilton Dental Centre will depend on a number of circumstances and the complexities involved in the procedure. This is why we hold an initial consultation with you to talk through all your options, not just dental implants, so you are aware of the costs, the risks, and most importantly, the long-term benefits of dental implants.

Dental Implants in Hamilton

If you are based in the Waikato and you are looking for a dentist in Hamilton, talk to the team today at Hamilton Dental Centre and we will be more than happy to talk to you about your dental needs, from implants to regular inspections.

We are one of Hamilton’s leading dental clinics with lots of satisfied patients. We currently have over 240 reviews on Google with an average review score of 5 stars making us one of the most popular dental clinics in the country, not just In Hamilton.

Our patients love the specialist care they receive when they visit us as well as the warm and friendly welcome and the way our dentists will talk through all your options. A lot of reviews cite our cost-effective solutions making us one of the most budget-friendly dentists in the area.

Book your appointment today and sign up as a patient at one of Hamilton’s leading dental clinics.