Are you looking for a way to replace your missing teeth in Geelong? Lucky for you, there’s no one specific way to restore missing teeth. Here’s a complete guide to getting dental implants in Geelong. We’ll cover dental implants, other options, and why getting implants from a cosmetic dentist in Geelong is the best option available to you.
What Are Dental Implants?
People can lose their teeth due to a variety of reasons, such as old-age, unchecked cavities, or an accident. But this doesn’t mean you have to live with a flawed smile. You have a range of available options to replace those missing teeth, such as dentures or dental bridges. But the best among them are dental implants.
What is The Dental Implant Procedure?
Dental implants involve a screw-like device that is inserted into the jawbone where the missing tooth used to be. This device eventually fuses with the jawbone, essentially becoming one and the same, which gives the implant the feel and strength of natural teeth.
Next, your cosmetic dentist will attach a “crown” to the implant using an abutment. The “crown” would be your new artificial tooth, restoring the fullness of your smile. Understanding this entire process is necessary to illustrate how strong dental implants are. They are second only to natural teeth and you can chew food with them comfortably.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Generally speaking, most people are eligible for dental implants. There are only a few qualifiers necessary to be eligible for this surgery. For a start, your gums have to be healthy and disease-free since the implant will be attached to them. In addition, you have to be old-enough for your jawbone to have stopped growing.
You will need to determine if you have adequate bone density to support the implant, too. You might also have to consider some significant lifestyle changes. For instance, dental implants require good and consistent oral hygiene. Nor can you be a smoker since tobacco can weaken the crown.
When you think about it, most of these prerequisites to getting dental implants are easy and commonsensical – of course you have to maintain good oral hygiene! So in all likelihood, you will easily qualify for this procedure.
Dental Implants vs. Other Tooth Replacement Options
As mentioned earlier, you have other options besides dental implants to fill in missing teeth.
Dentures
There are two kinds of dentures; full or partial dentures. The former are for people who have lost all their teeth in one or more jaws, whereas the latter are for people who still have natural teeth. Your cosmetic dentist would customise your dentures to naturally sit-in on your gums.
However, dentures can be very difficult to maintain. You have to regularly clean them to avoid infections. Moreover, they also fall short in terms of functionality. While they look nice and natural, you might need to avoid certain foods that are too hard or sticky. They are also more comfortable and don’t feel natural.
Bridges
Bridges are quite similar to implants in that they are custom made to fit into the space left by missing teeth. But unlike implants, bridges are held in place by other natural teeth. They are made using high-quality materials, meaning they are relatively strong and aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, they are also less expensive than implants.
But what you gain in terms of costs is lost in terms of longevity. Bridges are simply not as long-lasting as implants and need to be regularly maintained and replaced, the cost of which can add up. You have to be extra vigilant about hygiene since there is a higher risk of cavities and gum infections forming underneath them. Plus, since they are supported in their place by teeth on either side, the adjoining teeth need to be strong and healthy. Otherwise, not only might the bridge fall out, but it might damage your natural teeth, too.
Implants
Implants are by far the sturdiest tooth replacement option. Since they are attached directly to the jawbone, they function and feel just as natural as actual natural teeth. That means you can enjoy eating anything you like irrespective of how strong or chewy it is.
Moreover, since they are made using high-quality materials, implants tend to be durable, lasting for years with basic maintenance. So while they can be expensive upfront, they make up for their cost by saving you the hassle of maintenance and replacements.
Get Quality Dental Implants in Geelong
To get dental implants, you have to first schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in Geelong. After a consultation and examination, the dentist would create a crown that would match the shape of the missing tooth and the colour of your remaining teeth. Then in a follow-up surgery, you will be placed under anesthesia and the implant would be inserted into its place.
To ensure you have a positive dental experience, it is vital for you to choose a local cosmetic dentist in Geelong. So do your research and find the best option for your dental implant needs.
