What Are Dental Implants And How Do They Work?

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1 A dental implant is not a ‘set and forget’ restoration

1.1 Dental implants are not cheap replacements

1.2 A dental implant is not a quick-fix solution

Most people understand dental implants to be a replacement option for missing teeth, and they’d be right in one aspect but wrong in another. In this post, we’ll answer the question, “what are dental implants?” and talk about how they work. But before we set about describing what dental implants are, it might be worth mentioning what they aren’t.

A dental implant is not a ‘set and forget’ restoration

While an implant is a hassle-free tooth replacement option, it does require some TLC once in place. Typically that would mean thorough and regular brushing and flossing, just like your natural teeth. The more you care for it, the longer your restoration will last.

***Dental implants* *are not cheap replacements***

On the contrary, dental implant therapy is a complex and precise procedure using state-of-the-art equipment and materials where planning is typically carried out virtually, before you undergo surgery. For this reason, it doesn’t come cheap. That said, a dental implant can last many years longer than traditional restorations like bridges and dentures, so the initial cost may be worth it in the long term.

Top tip – if you are concerned about the cost, book a dental consultation near you. The dentist will look at your current oral situation and give you a treatment plan and a cost breakdown.

A dental implant is not a quick-fix solution

Unlike traditional restorations, dental implants are not typically fitted in one to two weeks. It takes anywhere between 5-9 months to complete the implant process.

Now you know what a dental implant isn’t, let’s answer the question “what are dental implants?”

A dental implant is, in essence, a near-permanent, fully fixed restoration that replaces a missing tooth or teeth. A tooth implant is made up of 3 component parts as follows:

The implant post
The implant abutment and
The implant crown

Collectively they make a dental implant.

So now you know what dental implants are let’s take a look at how they work.

Unlike conventional restorations like bridges and dentures that rely on the support of adjacent natural teeth, dental implants are a standalone restoration. In other words, they don’t rely on other teeth to keep them in position. Instead, the implant post is anchored into the jawbone at the missing tooth site. Over several months any remaining bone tissue will fuse with it to create a super-strong platform. Once the implant post is stabilised in the mouth, the abutment and dental crown (or bridge) are secured to it to complete the transformation.

Once in position, dental implants should never need removal. While the dental crown may need replacing every 15-20 years, the titanium implant post should last a lifetime.

Hopefully, this has answered the question, what are dental implants, and how do they work? So if you are considering dental implants, we invite you to book a dental consultation near you by visiting the team at Dental Excellence. We take the time to ensure all your dental implant questions are answered while telling you exactly how the process works. When the time is right, you can move ahead and make a fully-informed decision

Call Dental Excellence on (02) 6188 7293 to book your smile consultation today and kickstart your journey towards great-looking teeth with dental implants.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.