Most people have heard about the newest addition to the world of restorative dental care. The oral implant has been adapted for fitting in dental surgeries in recent years, and due to the high success of these fittings and their ease of use, they have become exceedingly popular.
However, many dental patients who may benefit from having oral implants fitted are, for one reason or another, less than eager to seek this treatment out. There have been rumours that the fitting is uncomfortable, that the implant will become infected, or even that they do not last a long time.
Luckily, none of this is true, and in this short article, you will be guided through what to expect when having dental implants Sydney fitted.
The consultation
The first step in having oral implants fitted is to have a consultation with a dental team who are experienced in offering this procedure.
While it may seem that everyone is suited for having oral implants fitted, this is not the case. Your dentist will need to check that you have a strong, healthy jawbone before they consider fitting the implant. This will be determined via x-ray. If you are deemed to be suitable, your dentist will book you in for the next stage of treatment- the fitting!
The fitting
The fitting of oral implants sounds a lot scarier than it is. If you are a nervous patient, it may be wise to ask for sedation, however, as it can be a lengthy procedure.
Either way, your dental team will numb your gums and will then make some incisions in pre-chosen parts of the gum line. Peeling this back gently, holes will then be drilled, and the implant will be fitted. Depending on the type of implant, the fitting itself can take up to 2 hours, as it is a very delicate procedure.
Once the implant is placed, the gum will be closed around the implant, and the treatment will be completed.
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Aftercare
When you are at home after having your implants fitted, you will need to ensure that an infection does not occur. Signs to look out for include discolouration, swelling, pus and feeling feverish.
If you have any of these signs, you will need to see your dental team as soon as possible to have the infection treated. However, to keep the site clean as the gum heals, it is best to rinse it with lukewarm salt water and avoid putting pressure on the area, either with a toothbrush or food.
The teeth (prosthetics!)
When your implants have fused to the jaw, which will take between 3-6 months for an average person, the prosthetic tooth or teeth will need to be attached.
These teeth will be shade and colour matched to blend in with any teeth that you have. Or, if you are having a denture fitted, you can have the teeth created in whichever shade you want. Once fitted, you will need to care for these teeth as you would your natural teeth, and they will need to be brushed, flossed and checked on by a dental team at least twice a year.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
