Why Are Dental Implants Becoming So Popular?

Dental advancements have progressed the field of cosmetic dentistry to the point that those who suffer from missing teeth can find permanent and successful solutions. Among the treatments that are seriously growing in popularity are dental implants. In this post, we will go over why dental implants have become so popular in Australia and why you should consider them if you are missing a tooth or teeth.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is inserted into a patient’s jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth or teeth. Once the post fuses with the bone, a dental crown is placed on top of the implant in order to perform the function and give the look of a natural tooth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Why has there been such a rise of dental implants as opposed to other restorative dental practices? There are a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is that dental implants are much sturdier and more secure than other replacement options. They have the highest success rates. According to recent statistics, the success rate is 95% for the lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants. Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss. Since they are permanent, there is no shifting, breaking or falling out of the mouth.

Dental implants both function like real teeth and look like real teeth, making them the ideal solution for tooth loss.

Implants vs. Bridges

Unlike dentures or bonded bridges, implants don’t allow for shrinkage of the jawbone, which might cause the face to look older. Before dental implants were an option, the most common solution to tooth loss was dental bridges. A dental bridge, as its name suggests, bridges the gap between two existing teeth. The two existing teeth need to be ground down to ensure that the bridge fits, which could lead to losing two healthy teeth in the long run.

Dental bridges require more often and more thorough cleaning in order to guarantee success, and even so, they only last about 8 to 12 years. In addition, if the anchoring teeth develop decay or issues, the entire bridge will need to be replaced. In addition, dental bridges can replace a few missing teeth, but no more than four, whereas if you need to replace missing teeth, you can do so with a combination of dental implants and implant-supported bridges, which will lengthen the bridge’s lifespan and provide a sturdy, stable solution.

Any Disadvantages to Dental Implants?

One of the main disadvantages of dental implants is that the treatment takes longer than any other treatment from start to finished. If the damaged or decayed tooth is not already removed, it needs to be. Then you’ll have to wait about 2 to 3 months before the surgeon can place the implant in order to ensure a healthy bone in the area for the implant. You’ll have to wait about 2 to 3 months again for the implant to heal and fuse with the bone. The next stage involves waiting 2 weeks for the dental crown to be made and then placed. A traditional bridge treatment takes about three months or less.

In addition, implants cost more than a bridge, yet they are worth it in the long run as they have a longer life span. Implants can’t get cavities, but they can get gum disease if not cleaned carefully and diligently.