As we age, our tooth health may decline. Years of repairs, decay and dental problems can lead to the point where some or all teeth need replacement. More seniors are investing in dental implants as a permanent and reliable tooth replacement option.
With the right care, your dental implants should last a lifetime. No fiddly dentures, just a beautiful smile. Many people have memories of their grandparents being able to remove their teeth – or, their teeth coming unstuck mid-chew. Dental implants make this scenario a thing of the past.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement options. They are realistic prosthetic teeth that are surgically implanted into your jawbone. Using titanium posts that firmly affix them to your jawbone, these teeth are a natural-looking, solid and permanent solution to single, multiple, or complete tooth replacement.
Are dental implants the best solution for you?
While permanent dental implants are generally an excellent solution for most people, there are some who may need to pursue other options. If you are in good health and your tooth loss is recent, then it’s worth contacting Dental Artistry to chat about dental implants.
If you lost your tooth/ teeth some time ago, you may have jawbone regression. This can be remedied too.
If you are a smoker or have diabetes, this can slow and minimise healing times. Contact us to discuss if dental implants are a good option for you.
Why should you get tooth implants?
There are two main reasons people get tooth implants. One is for cosmetic reasons, the other for functionality.
A missing tooth or gappy smile can make people feel self-conscious of their appearance. If you don’t feel good about yourself, you may find yourself limiting your social engagements. Implants are designed to look natural, they blend in with existing teeth and have no risk of tooth decay. The perfect tooth replacement gives you a gap-free, confident smile again.
Tooth implants are popular because they are the best option for tooth replacement. They allow you to eat normal food with no worry of movement or damage. Missing teeth can lead to other problems – jaw regression, infection, abscess and if not monitored, blood infection. An implant keeps your mouth healthy so you have better oral health for longer.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
If you have a healthy jaw and good oral health, the entire process can take as little as a few months. The titanium dental implant surgery only takes up to two hours, and then will need three months to heal. Once your mouth is fully healed, the dentist will insert the crown on the implant, and that is a simple process that takes up to an hour.
If you require tooth extraction, bone grafts or other procedures, there may be longer time periods but speak to us if you’re unsure.
Are dental implants worth the expense?
While dental implants may appear to be an expensive solution, it’s not always the case. Partial or full dentures require maintenance and regular replacements, which over a lifetime can be time consuming and expensive.
Implants will be a one-off cost, and your insurance or ACC may cover some of the costs.
The types of tooth implants
There are single, multiple, or complete tooth implant options.
If, through accident or health problems, you lose a single tooth, the best replacement option is a dental implant. It’s a simple process that provides you a tooth that fits in perfectly with your existing teeth.
If you have more than one tooth that needs replacement, then implants are ideal. A bridge doesn’t always work for multiple missing teeth, as the gaps place strain on the other teeth. One or two implants can cover multiple tooth replacements, so you have minimal jaw disruption.
If you need all your teeth replaced, all-on-4 full dental implants are the best option. No need for dentures, just a beautiful natural smile. This procedure results in the best quality of life and great aesthetics. Full dental implants require titanium posts to be implanted in all four corners of your mouth, and then the permanent teeth prosthetics are attached securely to these.
Dental Artistry for the best dental implants in Auckland
If you need dental implants, Dental Artistry specialises in creating the optimal solution for you, and this means you get the best possible outcome.
Check out The Complete Guide to Dental Implants in New Zealand if you need to know more, and learn about the costs of dental implants in New Zealand.
Contact us to request an appointment. We have the best dental surgeons, modern technology that allows for highly precise results, and a track record of overjoyed customers. You have everything to gain—a healthy mouth, the lifestyle you want, and confidence in your smile.