Randwick
Many Australians are choosing dental implants as a permanent and very successful solution to tooth replacement. They are considered the most comfortable and functional type of dental restoration, as they fully replace the root of the missing tooth and give you the same function and aesthetic as your natural teeth.
If you are considering having dental implants placed in your mouth, you might be wondering if they will last and if they are worth the cost. In this post, we’ll go over these issues so that you can make an informed decision about your oral care and dental restorations.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants last longer than any other form of tooth replacement, like bridges. How long they last depends largely on the patient’s lifestyle and overall dental hygiene. The most likely causes of implant failures are due to pre-existing medical conditions, diseases and implant misuse.
If the implant is properly maintained with proper flossing and brushing and regular trips to the dentist, the implant itself can last a lifetime. The crown that is attached to the top of the implant to act as the tooth, however, lasts about 10 to 15 years before normal wear will require replacement.
Cost Considerations
Not every dental implant procedure costs the same amount. The cost depends on a variety of factors, including:
- The amount of implants required.
- Work that needs to be done before implant procedure, such as tooth extraction.
- Quotation for both parts of implants, as titanium and porcelain tooth are both screwed into anchor.
- Complex vs simple bone grafting
Why Do They Cost More Than Bridges and Are They Worth It?
The initial cost of dental bridges is much less than dental implants, but this is mainly due to the fact that bridges are not as permanent or effective solution as implants. In addition, bridges don’t last as long as implants and will need more frequent replacing. Implants—from preparation to final placement—may seem more expensive, but over time they can be more cost-effective. They are also much more natural and there is less risk of damage to surrounding teeth with dental implants as there is with bridges.
A bonded bridge, for example, involves filling the gap between two healthy teeth. The bridge is bonded onto the healthy teeth, which could damage them in the long run.
Common Myths About Dental Implants
Below are a few of the common myths about dental implants.
Dental implants are noticeable – In fact, one of the best things about dental implants is that they so closely resemble normal teeth. The porcelain crown that goes on top of the titanium screw is designed to match the colour and shape of your other teeth.
They’re uncomfortable – Many people avoid them because they think they will be painful and uncomfortable in the mouth. However, patients often tend to come out of the whole experience saying that the procedure was simpler and less painful than they had originally thought. In fact, most procedures only require local anaesthetic for the pain. Once the implants are in place, they look and feel like natural teeth.
The recovery time makes it not worth it – The healing time can last from two to six months, which sounds like a lot. However, this is a truly permanent solution. The healing time is necessary in order for the implant root to bond to the bone. Getting your smile back to normal is well worth the wait.
Lost a tooth? Talk to Randwick Dental Clinic, your professional cosmetic dentists, about implant surgery in Sydney today!