Dental Implants in Stirling

Our dental implants in Stirling offer numerous advantages to those looking to achieve a complete smile and improved oral health. Here are some key benefits:

• Durability:
  Dental implants are a long-lasting teeth replacement method, mimicking the look and function of regular teeth.
• Stability and Comfort:
  Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are rooted in place, providing stability and comfort during eating and speaking.
• Jawbone Preservation:
  Implants stimulate bone growth, preventing jaw bone loss and maintaining facial structure.
• Natural Appearance:
  They are designed to look like your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s aesthetics and boosting self-confidence.
• Low Maintenance:
  They require less maintenance compared to traditional dentures, with fewer adjustments and replacements needed.
• Cost-effective Investment:
  Proper post-surgery care for dental implants can help make them last for many years.

No Impact on Adjacent Teeth: They eliminate the need to alter adjacent healthy teeth, unlike traditional bridgework.

For people looking for a reliable tooth replacement option, understanding the dental implant surgery procedure is essential. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

1. Initial Consultation:
   • Assessment:
     Your dentist will perform a thorough examination, including advanced dental imaging such as X-rays and possibly 3D imaging. They will evaluate your oral health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
   • Treatment Plan:
     A personalised treatment plan is developed, outlining the procedure and addressing any specific needs or concerns.
2. Preparation:
   • Tooth Extraction (if necessary):
     If the tooth to be replaced is still there, it will be extracted.
   • Bone Grafting (if necessary):
     If the jawbone has insufficient bone density to support the implant, a bone graft may be performed to strengthen it.
3. Implant Placement:
   • Anaesthesia:
     Administering local anaesthesia helps maintain comfort during the dental procedure.
   • Insertion:
     The dental implant, a small titanium post, is surgically inserted into the jawbone. It serves as an artificial tooth root.
   • Healing Phase:
     The jawbone grows around the titanium implant in a process called osseointegration, which can take several months. This integration establishes a solid foundation for the implant.
4. Abutment Placement:
   • Attachment:
     After the titanium implant has integrated with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to it. It serves as the base for the new tooth.
   • Healing:
     The gums are allowed to heal around the abutment, which may take a few weeks.
5. Crown Placement:
   • Impressions:
     Precise moulds of your original teeth are taken. They are used to design a custom dental crown that matches the exact shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth.
   • Crown Attachment:
     The custom-made crown is attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant procedure.
6. Aftercare:
   • Follow-up Visits:
     Regular follow-up appointments are vital to monitoring the implant and confirming that it is functioning properly.
   • Oral Hygiene:
     Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential for the longevity of the implant.

If you’re considering a dental implant as a tooth replacement option, you may wonder if you’re an ideal candidate. Key factors determining your eligibility for treatment include:

1. Good Oral Health:
   • Healthy Gums:
     Candidates should have healthy gums free from periodontal disease.
   • Sufficient Bone Density:
     Adequate jawbone density is necessary to support the dental implant.
2. General Health:
   • Overall Health:
     Good general health is essential. Certain conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease in your medical history can affect healing.
   • Non-Smokers:
     Non-smokers are preferred candidates, as smoking can impede the healing process.
3. Commitment to Oral Hygiene:
   • Maintenance:
     Commit to good oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss regularly and go to your routine dental check-ups.
4. Patience with the Process:
   • Healing Time:
     The dental implant process involves multiple steps and may require several months for complete healing and osseointegration.

Our dental implants are a durable, natural-looking option for people looking for a reliable teeth replacement method near Stirling. Contact Joondanna Family Dental now to determine if dental implants are appropriate for your needs.

When considering a dental implant procedure, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. These include:

• Surgical Complications:
  Like any surgical procedure, dental implant procedures carry a risk of complications. They may lead to excessive bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia. However, choosing the right dental professional can minimise these.
• Osseointegration Failure:
  This occurs when the implant fails to bond with the jawbone. Factors such as poor bone quality or bone stability, inadequate oral hygiene, or certain medical conditions can increase the risk. Symptoms include implant mobility, discomfort, and inflammation. To avoid it, eat a healthy diet and consider bone grafting if needed. Also, maintain good oral hygiene and manage any underlying medical conditions to support successful osseointegration.
• Peria-implantitis:
  This is an infection that affects the tissue surrounding the implant. It causes redness, swelling, bleeding gums, and discomfort around the implant. If not checked, it may cause bone degradation and implant failure. Good oral hygiene is critical to avoid this condition.
• Complications with Adjacent Teeth:
  During implant placement, adjacent teeth or structures may be damaged. This is painful and can cause sensitivity or mobility in the affected teeth. Precision in surgical placement is key to preventing this.
• Nerve Damage:
  Placement of the implant can sometimes result in nerve damage, leading to numbness, pain, or tingling in the affected area. Careful planning and imaging can reduce this risk.
• Implant Fracture:
  Although rare, implants can fracture under excessive force or due to material defects. Symptoms include pain, discomfort, or a loose implant. Using quality implants and following instructions for post-surgery care for dental implants can mitigate this risk.

While these risks exist, many successfully undergo dental implant procedures without complications. Before proceeding, those near Stirling can schedule a consultation appointment with us to discuss any concerns.

Dental implants are a durable tooth replacement option that can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. The longevity of a dental implant plan depends on several key factors:

• Proper Maintenance:
  Consistent post-surgery care for dental implants, including brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, is essential.
• Lifestyle Choices:
  Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption in your daily life are bad for your implants. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums and increases the risk of infection around the implant site. Similarly, too much alcohol can weaken the bone structure. Avoid these habits to enhance the success and durability of your dental implants.
• Routine Dental Visits:
  Regular check-ups with your dentist help monitor the condition of the implants and surrounding tissues.
• Health Conditions:
  Systemic conditions like diabetes or osteoporosis can affect implant longevity. Diabetes can impair healing and increase the risk of infection around the implant site. Osteoporosis can weaken the jawbone, reducing the stability and support of the implant. Therefore, it is important to manage them for the success and durability of dental implants.
• Implant Quality:
  The type of materials used for the implant and the skill level of the dental professional conducting the procedure are also key factors.

By following these guidelines, dental implants can remain a reliable option for people with tooth loss.

Having gum disease doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from getting a dental implant. However, it does mean you’ll need to take additional steps. It would help if you first searched for a treatment for their gum disease to provide a healthy environment for the implant. Here’s an explanation of the process:

Initial Assessment:

• Examination:
  Your dentist will examine your gums and overall oral health. This may include X-rays and periodontal probing to determine the extent of gum disease.
• Diagnosis:
  The findings will enable your dentist to assess how severe your gum disease is and formulate a treatment plan customised for you.

Gum Disease Treatment:

• Professional Cleanings:
  Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) are often the first steps. This process eliminates plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line and smoothens the natural root surfaces to promote healing.
• Antimicrobial Treatments:
  Your dentist may apply antimicrobial agents directly to the gum pockets to eliminate bacteria and reduce infection
• Periodontal Surgery:
  Severe cases may require surgical intervention. Procedures like flap surgery, bone grafting, or soft tissue grafts can help restore gum and bone health.

Healing and Monitoring:

• Healing Period:
  After the initial treatment, a healing period is necessary. It allows your gums and bones to recover and regenerate. During this time, maintaining proper oral hygiene is vital to preventing the recurrence of gum disease.
• Follow-Up Visits:
  Routine visits to your dentist will confirm that your gums are recovering well. They can check for indications of persistent infection or inflammation.

Reassessment for Implant Suitability:

• Evaluation:
  Once your gum disease is under control, your dentist will reassess your oral health. They will decide if you are now a suitable candidate for dental implants.
• Planning:
  If you are deemed suitable, detailed planning for the dental implant procedure will begin. It includes taking impressions, planning the implant placement, and discussing any additional preparatory steps.

These additional steps can help you enjoy the benefits of dental implants while minimising risks. By addressing gum disease first, you create a durable and long-lasting foundation for your implant. This leads to more successful and long-lasting outcomes for your tooth replacement.

Identifying the signs of a failing dental implant is essential for preserving oral health. Key signs to watch for include:

• Unusual Pain:
  While some discomfort is expected initially, persistent or worsening pain can indicate a problem with the implant.
• Movement:
  Check if your dental implant feels loose or moves when you touch it. If it does, this may signal that it has not properly integrated with the jawbone.
• Swelling and Redness:
  Ongoing inflammation, swelling, or redness around the implant site can signify infection or implant failure.
• Exposed Implant:
  Receding gums around the implant can be a sign of failure.
• Pus or Bleeding:
  Check for pus, persistent bleeding, or foul taste around the implant site. These can be signs of infection and potential implant failure.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Joondanna Family Dental. As a qualified health practitioner in dentistry near Stirling, we can evaluate and advise you on your next course of action.

Maintaining your dental implant requires a dedicated oral hygiene routine. Patients should follow these steps to keep their implants in good condition:

• Daily Brushing:
  Clean around the implant with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Do this at least twice a day to take out plaque and food particles.
• Regular Flossing:
  Use implant-friendly dental floss, which is designed to be gentle on both your gums and the implant. It often features a softer texture and thicker strands to effectively remove plaque without causing irritation. Gently slide it between the teeth and around the implant to eliminate plaque buildup without causing any damage. Do this daily.
• Antibacterial Mouthwash:
  Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and protect the implant. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes that can dry out your mouth and irritate the gums.
• Routine Dental Visits:
  See your dentist every six months for check-ups and professional cleanings. Regular dental visits help monitor the implant’s condition and catch any dental issues early.
• Healthy Diet:
  Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support oral health. Stay away from sticky or hard foods, such as toffees, gummy candies, hard candies, and nuts. They could damage the implant or surrounding teeth.

These guidelines on post-surgery care for dental implants can keep your dental implants healthy and functional for years to come.