When you look into having a gap in your mouth closed or want to break away from dentures, oral implants are a natural-looking way to go. However, before booking yourself in for an appointment with your dentist, you will likely have some questions.
Below, 5 of the most common questions asked online about oral implants are answered, so read on and enjoy!
Am I suitable for oral implants?
As long as you are over the age of 18, have good oral health and have no contraindicated health conditions, then it is highly likely that you will be suited for dental implants Melbourne.
If you are not suited for the standard endosteal implants, then your dentist may suggest that you have either subperiosteal, zygomatic or micro-implants fitted instead.
If there is a substantial contraindication with having any of these fitted, your dentist should discuss other restoratives with you, such as dentures or bridges.
Does the fitting hurt?
In a word, no.
Your dentist will ensure that your gums and jaw are numb throughout the process, so you won’t feel a thing!
Once you are at home, there is likely to be mild discomfort for a few days post-fitting; this is normal and should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol.
If it isn’t, contact your dentist.
How long is the fusing process for oral implants?
As a general rule for endosteal implants, there is a waiting period of between 3-6 months.
For micro-implants, you may be able to have the prosthetic teeth fitted the same day, for subperiosteal implants, you may need to wait a few weeks for your gums to heal before the prosthetics can be placed and, if you are having zygomatic implants fitted, this can take between 3-9 months to fuse.
For more advice on how long this process may take for your case, speak with your dentist.
Will I be able to afford oral implants?
In years gone by, only the rich and the Hollywood elites would have had oral implants. In more modern times, however, due to demand and the skill of general dental teams improving, oral implants have trickled down into everyday surgeries, dropping in price by a large margin.
But implants can still be quite pricey to pay for all at once, so if you want to have them fitted but don’t have money set aside, it is worth calling around to different dental practices to ask about payment plans or financing options, which will help you spread the cost.
How long do oral implants last
With the correct aftercare and maintenance, oral implants can last up to and over 15 years.
Remember, they are exactly like natural teeth, so they will need to be brushed, flossed and cared for in the same way. You will need to attend biannual checkups too so that your dentist can assess your implants for signs of rejection or gum disease.
If you have concerns that your oral implants are failing prematurely, please contact your dental team for an urgent assessment.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
