How Do I Know If Dental Implants Are Right for Me?

Tooth loss can be difficult to come to terms with, from both an aesthetic and functional perspective. Even just one missing tooth affects how your jaw and other teeth work to chew and drink, and it can create a long-term change in how your face looks. It can even have a detrimental effect on the healthy teeth that surround the space of the missing tooth.

Whether due to injury, infection, or other effects, tooth loss can occur for a variety of reasons. At Chatswood Dental Associates, we work with you to find the best smile restoration options for your oral health needs and budget, with dental implants emerging as the best choice for longevity, aesthetic appeal, and return on your investment.

Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants replace a missing tooth. The implant typically consists of a titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone, and over time it attaches itself to the jawbone. A crown (prosthetic tooth) is then secured to the post of the implant. After several months, the implant attaches to the bone, so it now looks and “acts” just like a natural tooth.

Implants have several advantages over other options, like dentures and bridges. In addition to their completely natural appearance, they are convenient. You don’t need to do anything extra in addition to your regular flossing and brushing, like you do with dentures and bridges. They also help maintain bone mass, which makes additional tooth loss far less likely.

Your surrounding teeth will also be unaffected by the implant insertion, which is not always the case with bridges and dentures.

Who Can Benefit?

Our highly skilled dental team will meet with you to determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant. They’ll assess your oral health, jawbone density, gum health and medical history, while also explaining what you can expect, discuss any concerns you might have, and gain understanding of your overall treatment goals.

The cost of your customised treatment and the available financing options, as well as a realistic timeline from surgery to full recovery, will be laid out for you. As with any surgery, there may be complications and risks, and our team will discuss those with you as well, so you can make the most informed decision.