If you have neglected your dental hygiene or avoided the dentist for many years then it is never too late to start making a habit of visiting the dentist at least once every six months and looking after your teeth more carefully at home. This can help avoid dental complications such as missing teeth in the future. Do not be embarrassed, a lot of the adult population in Australia suffer from dental anxiety and dental phobia. Your dentist will listen to your reasons for avoiding the dentist and help you by putting together a tailored treatment plan for how to proceed. If you are affected by tooth decay or gum disease then it is also important that you consult your dentist as soon as possible even if you have stayed away from the dentist for long periods of time to avoid complications such as missing teeth.
Missing teeth can have a huge impact on your dental health and well being. It can affect the appearance of your mouth, smile and face and it can affect the health of your remaining teeth too. One missing tooth can cause more missing teeth very quickly which can be very traumatic. It is important that you look after your teeth carefully to avoid tooth loss.
Dental implants
If it is too late and you have already lost a tooth then you need to speak to your dentist and find out about replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant Melbourne. A dental implant Melbourne is an excellent piece of modern dental technology however it has been in use for more than 60 years but seen a surge in uptake in the last 20 years. More people are choosing a dental implant Melbourne to replace their missing tooth than other treatment options. This is because a dental implant Melbourne can last for the rest of your life. In 1965 the first human patient to have a titanium dental implant lived for another 40 years and their dental implant lasted successfully during this time.
Are dental implants suitable for you?
You need to find out if a dental implant Melbourne is suitable for you. You need to have good dental health to begin with. Your dentist will carry out a thorough examination of your remaining teeth making sure that there are no signs of cavities or tooth decay. If so these teeth will be treated quickly to prevent further missing teeth. Your dentist will examine your gums to make sure that they are healthy and free of signs of disease. Gum disease is one of the key risk factors for missing teeth. If you have lost a tooth as a result of gum disease then this will need to be treated before you can replace the missing tooth with a dental implant. Gum disease is treated by cleaning your mouth. This involves carrying out a thorough scale and polish as well as root planing to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth, below the gum line and from the roots. You may require gum surgery or a gum graft to replace the diseased gum or to reverse the signs of gum recession. The dentist will also carry out an x-ray and a three-dimensional scan where necessary to assess your bone health. It is very important that you have healthy bones to hold the implant in place. If you have suffered from bone decay either as a result of periodontal disease or after having lost your tooth then you may require a bone graft before you can have a dental implant. A bone graft increases the density of your bone so that the implant can be held in place successfully for the future.
Advantages of dental implants
Dental implants have significant advantages over other tooth replacement options, however they are not suitable for everyone. If you are eligible for dental implants then you will be pleased to know that they look and feel like your natural dentition. The implant becomes fixed into your jaw and you can have a customised crown or a set of dentures to replace your missing tooth or teeth. This will restore the appearance of your smile which will help bring back your self-confidence and your self-esteem. It will also improve the function of your mouth so that you can speak, eat and chew as you did and enjoy all your favourite foods and drinks once more. Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants will also help prevent further missing teeth in the future. Speak to your dentist today to find out more.
Disclaimer
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
