Losing a tooth or undergoing an extraction can result in some major changes to your eating habits, speech and facial expressions.
Beyond lifestyle changes, there are also some physical changes which take place in your mouth as a result. Your remaining teeth may begin to migrate and redistribute dental pressure in an attempt to cover the open spaces. This can cause further dental concerns and changes to your appearance which may not be altogether favourable.
Rather than simply having to live with these unfavourable changes, dental implants can provide innumerable benefits, and maintain your oral health.
Watch: Dr Ironside explains the dental implant procedure.
When tooth extraction is best
Dr Ironside’s first port of call will be examining the health of your tooth in an attempt to save it. However, some injuries or cases of tooth decay are so severe that the tooth cannot be saved and must be extracted.
Extraction is, in most cases, the very last resort for a damaged tooth, because keeping your natural teeth for life is always our goal. However, when this is not possible, dental implants are ideal to maintain your oral function and health.
Can permanent teeth move?
One of the changes which can occur inside your mouth after a tooth extraction is the migration of adjacent teeth to fill the gap. The adjacent teeth may come to appear longer as they pull back from the gum towards the opening, putting the teeth at heightened risk of periodontal disease and sensitivity. Neighbouring teeth may also migrate horizontally to fill the gap and adjust to equalise dental pressure, which will be disturbed after the tooth loss or extraction.
These migrations negatively affect the gum and structure of the teeth. The gaps which subsequently open up between the teeth may also become traps for food, and breeding grounds for bacteria which affect the health of both the teeth and the gums.
Are dental implants a permanent solution?
Dental implants offer a long-term solution to tooth loss. The implant and tooth reconstruction replicate your natural tooth both cosmetically and functionally.
Dental implants replace teeth in every respect; they prevent bone loss and tooth migration, maintain facial structure and function just like your natural teeth in everyday situations such as eating and speaking. Last, but certainly not least, they also contribute to the overall aesthetics of your teeth.
With good oral hygiene and biannual dental visits to maintain your oral hygiene and detect possible concerns early on, tooth implants can last a for many years to come: providing both comfort and functionality.
What is a dental implant?
In simple terms, a dental implant is a titanium screw which is placed where your missing tooth once was. Titanium is a biocompatible material, meaning your body should accept and heal around it in a process known as osseointegration; rejection is rare. Once the healing process is complete, an abutment will be attached to the implant, and a dental crown will then be placed. Dental crowns are custom-made to replicate your natural teeth.
Want to know more about dental implants?
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Dental Implants In Sydney
Dr Jim Ironside is one of Australia’s top prosthodontists with over 20 years’ experience running his own practice. Ironside Advanced Dental employs trained and qualified dental experts to provide professional and efficient service under the leadership of Dr Ironside.
For more information about our tooth replacement solution or to request a dental implant consultation, please contact us today.
All surgical procedures carry risk. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.