When you have a gap in your smile from either an accident or extraction, it can be a bit of a challenge to figure out how to fill it.
In the past, dental teams would have recommended that you have either a bridge or partial denture placed, especially if the gap caused cosmetic or functionality issues. But in the modern age, thanks to advances in restorative procedures and cosmetic technologies, you can now have that gap fitted easily with an oral implant.
What is a dental implant in Melbourne?
In short, a dental implant from Melbourne physically resembles a tiny screw, which is paired with a prosthetic tooth or teeth, to complete the appearance of a natural tooth.
Attached to your jaw, a dental implant near Melbourne will need to fuse to the jaw for the procedure to be successful and once this is completed, you can then have the prosthetic tooth or teeth attached to it.
How exactly is it fitted?
This is the bit that may put people off of the idea; there is surgery and it doesn’t sound pleasant. However, it is worth noting that any dental surgery that offers oral implants will ensure that your mouth is completely numbed before progressing, so there will be no discomfort. After assessing suitability (and numbing), your dentist will make some incisions into your gum at the site where the implant is to be fitted. Peeling It back to expose the bone, a small hole is then drilled and after some fiddling, the implant is placed. Carefully sewing the gum back together, a small part of the implant will be visible above the gum line; this is the part that the prosthetic will be attached to.
How long does the surgery take?
This will depend on how many implants you are having fitted; but on average, it may take up to an hour to fit one implant. If you are having a set of dentures attached to your jaw via implant, don’t worry; your team will usually place 4 implants on the top jaw and 4 on the bottom, so there will be less time spent in the dental chair.
The implants are fitted; now what?
Now, you wait!
Remember, the implant may feel secure but in order for it to function as a secure root of a prosthetic tooth in the future, it has to fuse to the bone.
Depending on your age, general health and if there are any pre-existing medical issues, this may take a long time to achieve but on average, it is fused successfully within 3-6 months.
Will having the prosthetic fitted hurt?
No, having your prosthetic crown, bridge or denture fitted should not be painful.
But, depending on the extent of the prosthetic being fitted, you may be in for a 2-hour wait in the dental chair. Once the prosthetic(s) have been fitted, you can go about your day as normal and will have the restored bite strength to eat your favourite foods.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
