How to Choose A Dental Implant Dentist
Do you have missing teeth or a partial denture? Do you feel embarrassed about your missing teeth and would like a permanent solution? Perhaps you are looking for a dental implants dentist in Canberra?
Tooth implants are the ideal replacement for damaged or missing teeth. Whether you’re missing a single tooth or a number of teeth, dental implants give a beautiful, functional and natural-looking smile.
When you are looking for a dental implant dentist, you want to find a local dentist you can trust. Acacia Dental Group is a Canberra dental practice located in Woden, that focuses on the dental implant procedure.
Take our suitability quiz and find out if you qualify for the dental implant procedure.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that replaces the root of the tooth. It fuses to the jawbone and allows a crown to be placed on top. They are available in biocompatible materials and can be used to replace a single missing tooth, a number of teeth and can even secure a whole bridge.
Modern dental implants have been in use for over 30 years. However, recent advancements have seen the procedure become more predictable. With the correct personal and professional care, success rates are consistently over 90%. Which is why dental implants are one of the fastest-growing areas of dentistry today.
When the procedure is carried out by a trained and experienced dentist, dental implants are a permanent and secure solution for replacing one or more teeth. They look and feel just like natural teeth.
It’s important to remember that dental implant treatment is a surgical procedure. As with any surgery, there are certain risk factors that can lead to complications.
Not everyone is suited to the dental implant procedure. If you’re interested in dental implants because you have some existing problems with your teeth, then understanding the risk factors is well advised.
What is A Failed Dental Implant?
A dental implant can fail due to general health-related factors or when there’s poor after surgery care. When a dental implant fails, it must be removed. This can be extremely uncomfortable.
The implant will also need to be replaced, which adds additional costs to the treatment. Due to this, it’s important to ensure good oral care after the treatment as this will eliminate some of the risks.
What is Peri-implantitis?
Peri-implantitis is the primary cause of dental implant failure. It’s an inflammatory response caused by bacteria in the mouth. This often happens during or shortly after the dental implant procedure is completed.
Peri-implantitis can result in long-term damage to the gums and bone where the implant was placed. It can also cause the dental implant to fail. Patients with diabetes, heavy smokers and those who neglect their oral hygiene are at most risk of peri-implantitis.
How Smoking Can Impact Dental Implant Success Rates
If you are a smoker, you have a greater chance that your dental implant will fail. This is because the blood supply to the tissues that surround the implant becomes restricted. Poor blood flow to the area will restrict the nutrients that normally help with the healing process. If you smoke then we generally advise that you stop at least three weeks before the surgery. And for a short period after.
How to Choose A Good Dental Implant Dentist
Choosing the right dental implant dentist is vital to ensure the treatment is as successful as possible. It can seem like quite a task as there are so many dentists offering dental implant treatment. However, there are a few things to look out for that will help you make the right choice. When choosing a dental implant dentist, there are three key areas to consider:
- The Dentist’s education – being trained as a dentist doesn’t mean the dentist can perform dental implants. To perform the dental implant procedure, dentists need to take specific, extra-curriculum theoretical and practical courses in implant dentistry. This enables them to have the right knowledge and experience to deal with a wide variety of cases.
- Treatment planning for dental implant cases – when training for implant dentistry, dentists will learn how to implement a treatment plan. This is a vital step for dental implants and will make sure that every factor is taken into consideration for each patient, while also mitigating any complications.
- Materials – it’s crucial that the materials used for dental implants are of a high standard and comply with safety and quality regulations. Using low-cost alternatives can lead to many complications.
A trustworthy dentist will be only too happy to explain their dental implant credentials. By checking they have gone through the necessary training, you can have confidence in their ability. Likewise, with good education, they should be executing treatment planning in each dental implant case. Your dentist should also be happy to explain the materials used for your tooth implant case and show how they adhere to the necessary regulations.
How Long Does The Procedure Take?
The placement of dental implants normally requires two surgical procedures. First, dental implants are placed into the jaw bone. For three to six months following the surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums. During this time, the implants will gradually bond with the bone. Temporary dentures are made so that you can function without too much inconvenience.
After the implant has bonded to the jaw bone, the second phase begins. The dental implants are uncovered and a small healing collar is attached. Then impressions are taken so that your new teeth can be created. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. During this time, most patients live their daily life without too much disruption.
About Dental Implants at Acacia Dental Group
Dr. Mallik is our resident dental implant expert. He has taken a special interest in implant dentistry since 2007 and has been fitting dental implants ever since. Having completed studies in both implantology and cosmetic disciplines of dentistry, Dr. Mallik has developed a balanced and well-rounded range of skills that make him ideally suited to implant dentistry.
At Acacia Dental Group, we employ modern principles to our cosmetic and restorative dentistry. This includes the very best technology and materials. We use medical-grade titanium dental implants, which are manufactured by industry leaders.
Our practice has also built a strong relationship with a reputable local laboratory which makes all of our dental crowns. The technicians are actively involved throughout the procedure, ensuring that the crown is created to look and fit perfectly in the mouth.
Before you decide to go ahead with your treatment, spend some time discussing the treatment with a dental implant expert to make sure dental implants are a suitable option for you. You need to trust that your dentist understands your needs and experienced in performing many dental implant cases.
Ready For A Free Dental Implant Consultation?
If you would like to take the next step, why not call us for a free dental implant consultation at our dental practice in Woden. Dr. Malik is a friendly and approachable dentist, he will take a closer look at your mouth and explain your treatment options. You can also ask him some questions about the dental implant procedure and what the cost of the implant treatment will be. We can even create a flexible payment plan solution for you. If this sounds like something you would like to explore, call us on (02) 6281 2222.
