Are you looking for a way to close a gap in your smile without the hassle of using dental adhesives? Do you want to know more about oral implants?
In this article, 5 common questions about having a dental implant Melbourne fitted are answered, so you can ascertain if this is the treatment that you wish to pursue.
Is the fitting uncomfortable?
No, the fitting of an oral implant should not be uncomfortable. Your dental team will be able to offer a local anaesthetic before the procedure begins, which will numb the area. If you are a more nervous patient, they may offer sedation options. Once you are at home afterwards, any discomfort you experience should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol.
How do you care for oral implants?
Once the prostheses are attached to them, they are very easy to care for, hence why they are so popular.
To maintain your oral implants once the new teeth are fitted, all you need to do is brush them twice a day as you would your normal teeth, floss and of course, rinse your mouth with mouthwash. It is also important that you attend biannual check-ups with your dental team to keep conditions like gum disease at bay. As this disorder can cause oral implants to fall out prematurely.
Will they fall out?
They certainly shouldn’t fall out. Your dental team will drill holes into your jaw and will fit the implants precisely. This is a very delicate procedure that will ensure that your implants should not be wobbly. Not only this but once the implant is fitted, your gum line will be sewn up around the implant, adding additional support.
It is important that while your implant is fusing that you refrain from eating hard or sticky foods, which can cause the implant to move.
An oral implant will rarely come loose. However, if you have suspicions that your oral implant has moved, or it has fallen out completely, then you need to see your dental team as soon as possible to have this looked at.
Can anyone have them fitted?
Unfortunately, no. Not everybody is suitable to have an oral implant fitted. Firstly, you need to be over the age of 18 years and your dental team will need to assess your mouth before the fitting. If there is any active tooth decay or gum disease, then this will need to be treated.
X-rays will also need to be performed to ascertain whether you have a strong and stable jawbone that can support any newly fitted implant. Some health conditions can limit your suitability for this procedure, such as osteoporosis. If you have an autoimmune condition or are undertaking chemotherapy for cancer, then this can also create complications with the fitting of an oral implant.
I’m over 60; can I still have oral implants?
Yes, you can! Your dentist will need to ensure that you have good oral wellbeing and that your jawbone is thick and healthy. If it isn’t, then you may need to have another restorative procedure such as dentures fitted instead.
DISCLAIMER OFFSITE
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
