One of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth is through dental implants. The metal screw act as a replacement tooth and artificial tooth roots are inserted into the jaw bone to replace missing teeth.
Dental implants can help restore your smile and improve oral health. They are more permanent than dentures and look and feel like natural teeth.
If you are considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option, here is some information about the procedure that will help you decide.
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Why Should You Get Dental Implants?

There are a few different signs that might indicate that a patient needs a replacement tooth via dental implants. The most common reasons why people get dental implants are:
Missing Tooth or Teeth
Missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speaking. They can also lead to gum disease and other oral health problems. Dental implants can restore your ability to eat and speak normally and improve your oral health.
Jawbone Loss
Dental implants can help stabilise the jaw and prevent further deterioration if a person has jaw bone loss.
Support for Dentures or Bridges
Dental implants can be used to support dental bridges or dentures, which can help improve the function and appearance of these dental appliances.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is important to consult with a dental professional to know if dental implants are right for you.
What Happens If You Do Not Replace Missing Teeth?
You need to replace missing teeth for various reasons. If you do not replace them, a few things can happen.
- Your remaining teeth may begin to shift over time. This is because there is no longer a tooth in the empty space to help keep the other teeth in place. As a result, your bite can become misaligned, leading to problems with chewing and speaking.
- Without a tooth to fill the empty space, the bone in your jaw can begin to shrink. This can cause your face to take on a sunken appearance.
- You may also be at increased risk for gum disease. This is because bacteria and plaque can build up in the empty space where the tooth is missing, especially if you don’t have good oral hygiene.
- There will be increased plaque buildup around your other teeth as well. This is because the plaque has nowhere else to go but around your other teeth.
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implant surgery is one of the best ways to replace them. Dental implants function and look just like natural teeth, and they can help you avoid all the problems associated with missing teeth.
Why Are Dental Implants A Popular Treatment?
Dental implants are the most popular treatment for missing teeth, among other tooth replacement options. The success rate of dental implants is about 95%, which means that about 19 out of 20 dental implant procedures are successful.
Dental implants are so popular for their advantages and the benefits they provide. They can:
- Improve your appearance:
A dental implant, although considered an artificial tooth, look and feel just like your natural teeth, among all other tooth replacement options. - Improve your speech:
Dental implant surgery allow you to speak more clearly than dentures. - Improve your chewing ability:
Dental implants, through the dental crown and metal posts, allow you to chew food more effectively than dentures. - Improve your comfort:
Dental implants are more comfortable than dentures. - Improve your self-esteem:
Dental implants can give you back your natural smile and confidence. - Improve your oral health:
Dental implants do not require special care like dentures. - Improve your quality of life:
Dental implants can help you live a more active and enjoyable life.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants can help replace missing teeth and improve oral health, chewing ability, and self-esteem. If you are considering dental implants, talk to your dentist to see if they are right for you.
At Karrinyup Dental Centre, we offer dental implants and other dental services to our patients. Please book an appointment online or get in touch with us today by calling (08) 9341 6233 to schedule a consultation with our team. We would be happy to answer any of your questions about dental implants and help you decide if this dental treatment is right for you. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of implants needed, the type of implant, and the complexity of the surgical process. Generally, dental implants cost between $3,500 and $5,500 per implant.
As with any surgical procedure, there are health risks associated with dental implants. These risks include the following:
- Infection:
Infection can occur at the site of the implant or in the surrounding tissue anytime during the healing process. This is typically treated with antibiotics. - Nerve damage:
The nerves in the area of the implant can be damaged during dental surgery. This may cause numbness, tingling, or pain. - Sinus problems:
Dental implants placed in the upper jaw may interfere with sinus cavities. This can result in sinus infections or other problems. - Implant failure:
The implant may not fuse correctly with the bone. This can cause pain and instability, and eventually, the implant will need to be removed. - Injuries to surrounding tissues:
The tissues around the implant (teeth, gums, nerves, blood vessels) can be injured during surgery.
Your dentist will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and help you decide if dental implants are right for you.
If you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering how to prepare for the procedure.
The first step is to consult with your dentist to see if dental implants are right for you. Once you’ve decided to proceed with dental implants, your dentist will develop a dental treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
The next step is to have a thorough dental exam and obtain dental X-rays. These diagnostic tests will help your dentist determine the placement of the implant posts and assess the condition of your jawbone because a healthy jawbone is needed for the artificial tooth to succeed.
If you have any existing dental conditions, such as gum disease, these will need to be treated before implant surgery can be performed. Sometimes, bone grafting will be recommended. Once your dentist has all the necessary information, you’ll be scheduled for surgery.
On the day of surgery, you’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Most dental implant procedures are performed on an outpatient basis so that you can go home the same day. However, the complete installation of the replacement tooth will take place after osseointegration.
Recovery from dental implant surgery takes several weeks, but once healed, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
The cost of dental implants is often not covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover a portion of the costs associated with implant surgery, such as the cost of the anesthesia or oral surgeon’s fees. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage for dental implants.
If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of dental implants, there are still other options to help you pay for the procedure. Many implant dentists offer financing plans to make dental implants more affordable. Some third-party financiers offer patient financing for dental procedures.