Want to have dental implants in Melbourne but are unsure about the fitting?
The idea of having oral implants fitted can be daunting but like most dental treatments, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Many patients are deterred by the thought of having their jaws drilled into, but this is a controlled procedure which your dentist will be able to talk you through.
But as knowledge is power, it can be empowering to learn what is involved with the fittings of dental implants near Melbourne.
In this article, a basic introduction to the fitting of endosteal implants will be explored, allowing you to decide if you feel this cosmetic option is for you. Enjoy!
Initial consultation
When you approach your dentist about having dental implants from Melbourne, they will invite you to an initial assessment.
This will involve them examining your gums and your overall dental health to ensure that it is adequate. They will also take an X-Ray of your jaws to ensure that your jaw bone is healthy and wide enough to support traditional endosteal fittings.
If you get the green light, you will then be booked in for an implant fitting appointment. If there are any issues detected at this consultation, your dental team will be able to suggest a more suitable implant type, or they may suggest a different restorative treatment.
Implant fitting
The big day!
Firstly, the site where the implant will be fitted will be numbed. Then once numbed, your dentist will gently peel back your gum and begin drilling into your jaw. Once an adequately sized hole has been created, they will fit the implant. Resembling a small titanium screw, this will be fitted into your jaw and then the surrounding gum will be sewn up with stitches. These may or may not be dissolvable.
Depending on how many implants are being fitted, you may be expected to attend up to 3 separate appointments over a 14 day period.
Prosthetic placement
After the implant fitting, there is a bit of a wait!
If you had endosteal implants fitted, you will need to wait for an average of 3-6 months for the titanium to fuse with the bone. This will involve multiple visits to the dentist to check on progress.
Once they are happy that the implant has fused, you can then have the crowns (false teeth) attached to the implant!
This appointment can take up to an hour but once again, this depends on how many implants were fitted and how many prosthetics are being attached.
Aftercare
Once all is complete, you will need to care for your new teeth as you would a natural set. They will need cleaning twice a day and you will need to attend biannual check-ups to allow your dentist to detect any potential issues.
With proper aftercare and oral hygiene, your new set of teeth can last up to and over 40 years! Be sure to keep an eye out for swellings, soreness or looseness with your implants.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.