If you have a wobbly tooth, you must speak to your dentist as soon as possible to find out whether anything can be done to stop it from falling out. Sometimes your dentist may be able to save a wobbly tooth by fixing it to the adjacent teeth so that it can be held securely in place. If you are suffering from gum disease, then addressing the issue may help prevent your teeth from falling out, but if there is irreversible damage and the tooth can no longer be saved, you may need to undergo a tooth extraction or the tooth may fall out of its own accord. If this is the case, then you need to speak to your dentist and find out about replacing your missing tooth.
Tooth replacement is very important. The missing tooth can have a domino effect, meaning that it can result in more missing teeth very quickly. Before you lose all your teeth, you should replace the missing tooth. In this way, you can maintain the health of your remaining teeth, restore the appearance of your smile, and restore the function of your mouth.
Tooth replacement can involve either a removable or fixed device, depending on your personal preferences. If you have lost a tooth early on in life, you may need a fixed replacement option, whereas elderly patients may prefer removable options for better comfort and ease. It may also be the case that elderly patients are not eligible for fixed dental prosthetics, so in such cases, their dentists can create tailored treatment plans that are most suitable. One of the most popular choices for tooth replacement amongst dentists and patients alike is dental implants Sydney. Dental implants can provide a permanent solution for your missing tooth.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium screws that are designed to replace the roots of missing teeth and work by becoming fixed into your jawbone; this provides an excellent foundation for a replacement tooth. Your tooth can be replaced with a crown or a set of partial or full dentures that will be attached to the dental implant to be held firmly in place.
Dental implants are designed to last forever, whereas the replacement tooth may need to be changed every 5 or 10 years, depending on wear and tear and how well you look after your teeth. The process can take approximately six months, so you must speak to your dentist sooner rather than later so that you can begin the process immediately. Once you lose your tooth, you may have to wait a couple of months for the area to heal before you are ready for dental implant surgery. Your dentist will keep a close eye on your teeth, which means you need to attend dental checkups regularly.
Dental implant surgery
Once your dentist is satisfied that the area has healed, you will be ready for the surgery. An X-ray and an intra-oral scan of your mouth will show whether there is sufficient healthy jaw bone and gums to hold the implant in place. If not, you may require a gum or bone graft to improve your chance of successful implantation. Once you are ready, a small hole will be drilled into the bone socket of the missing tooth, and the implant will be inserted directly into the hole. Your gum will then be stitched over the implant and left to heal for the next few months.
During the healing process, your dentist will carry out regular assessments to make sure the process is coming along successfully. The healing process works by osteoblasts forming around the implant, locking it into place. Once it is successfully locked in place, the gum will be cut open to expose the head of the implant, and an abutment will be attached to it. This works as the connector between the implant and the replacement tooth. A customised crown can then be screwed onto the abutment. If you are replacing multiple teeth, the abutment will hold a set of partial dentures. If you are replacing all your teeth, you will need approximately 4 to 6 implants that will hold a full set of dentures in place. Speak to your dentist today about dental implants and how they can replace your missing teeth.
Disclaimer
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.