At My Local Dentists West Ryde, we know that most people don’t look forward to going to the dentist, but in some cases it is an absolute necessity.
Missing teeth are one of those cases – they must be replaced to protect dental and overall health.
Still, some patients are cautious, and when it comes to dental surgery like dental implants, this makes sense.
Between expense, time, and fear of surgery, many patients have questions.
If you are a candidate for dental implants but are still hesitant, your questions may be based on several myths about implants and the procedure of getting them.
At My Local Dentists West Ryde we’re here to answer your questions and help you achieve a healthy mouth, full quality of life, and stunning smile.
Questions and Answers
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a replacement for a tooth root, usually made of titanium alloy, which is surgically placed into your jaw.
The titanium alloy integrates with its surrounding bone, firmly holding it and securing it into place.
It is a very comfortable fixed option to replace missing teeth; it looks and feels like a natural tooth and brings back your smile to its original beauty and function.
It is an alternative for patients who find their dentures uncomfortable, painful, or difficult to chew and speak with.
Aren’t implants expensive?
It’s true that dental implants have a higher initial cost than other procedures, but that is because they are the longest-lived and most effective tooth replacement treatment.
And depending on your dental benefits, their initial cost may not be as high as you expect.
And as time goes by, dental implants become a good investment as they last longer than dentures and bridges and require less support and fewer replacements.
Isn’t the procedure painful?
In many cases, it is less painful than a tooth extraction, but we won’t lie and say the process doesn’t come with some discomfort.
But My Local Dentists West Ryde offers a full range of anaesthesia options so you shouldn’t feel too much discomfort during implantation.
Don’t implants look fake?
The short answer is “no”. Many of your friends may have implants right now, and you are unaware. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that people really can’t notice.
If your old friends do notice them? It’s likely because they look so much better than the damaged or missing tooth they have replaced!
Isn’t the recovery long and uncomfortable?
The answer is that it’s relative and the recovery needs to be compared to the discomfort of the unattractive smile and unhealthy teeth you’ve been living with.
The complete recovery process is two to six months. The longer recovery is due to the time it takes the dental implant root to bond with the jaw.
But it is precisely that process that makes the implant such a great answer to missing teeth.
Aren’t dental implants hard to care for?
Once they are in place, they are as easy to take care of as your natural teeth, although some techniques change. As a bonus, they won’t suffer from tooth decay or cavities!
There may be slight technique changes in things like flossing, but they are easy to learn and don’t add time to your oral hygiene routine. You can eat regular foods and chew gum, too.
From a dentist’s perspective, we do have to take a bit of care not to scratch implants, but we have specially designed tools to deal with this.
Aren’t implants unsafe or untested?
No. Modern implants have been used in patients for more than 40 years and have a 95 per cent success rate – the very first patient to get a modern implant lived the rest of his life with the implant in his jaw.
Implants generally make your mouth safer, protecting other teeth from moving, improving your appearance, and protecting jawbone from eroding over time.
Don’t I need a highly paid specialist to get my implants?
Technically speaking, any qualified dentist can offer dental implants.
However, like any other procedure it is best to choose a dentist that has training, experience, and good results with the procedure.
At My Local Dentists West Ryde we offer you skill, experience, and good results.
So, can anyone get implants? Not really. While missing teeth need to be replaced and the implant procedure is extremely safe and effective, some conditions make patients unfit for getting dental implants.
The number one requirement for implants is that you have a healthy and strong jawbone. While there are treatments to improve bone density and strength, it is better to get implants while the bone is still there.
This is another argument for getting implants – the sooner you get them, the more bone is in your jaw and the sooner the implants themselves start protecting that bone from erosion.
Don’t let questions, myths, and misconceptions stop you from considering dental implants to replace your missing or severely damaged teeth or uncomfortable dentures. At My Local Dentists West Ryde we can begin restoring your bite and smile, now!
My Local Dentists West Ryde Advantage
At My Local Dentists West Ryde, our treatments and service are 100% personalised to you and your needs.
Our dentists are highly motivated and accredited practitioners with graduate degrees from the University of Sydney.
Alongside our dentists, the supporting staff at My Local Dentists West Ryde are tremendously dedicated and experienced to ensure that each visit with us is as pleasant as possible.
FREE Consultation for Dental Implants!
We also offer 10% discount for seniors!
For more information about dental implants, call your West Ryde dentist on (02) 9809 7000 or book your appointment online today!
We are your family friendly dental practice located at Shop 20 West Ryde Marketplace, 14 Anthony Road in West Ryde