Do you avoid the camera because you have to smile and reveal missing teeth? Well, you are not alone.
Statistics show many people in Australia feel uncomfortable about their missing teeth. Since your smile is often the first thing people notice, losing a tooth can affect your self-esteem. You may no longer want to smile, making you seem like a stern, unfriendly person. In more extreme cases, people with missing teeth might avoid social gatherings altogether.
If you can relate to feelings of embarrassment because of missing teeth, know that you no longer need to feel this way — dental implants are the solution you’ve been waiting for.
What Are the Risks of Not Replacing Missing Teeth?
If you’re still wondering, can you replace all your teeth with implants? Well, we can tell you that you take a few risks if you decide not to replace your missing teeth. Here are some of them:
Discomfort
When your tooth is not connected to your gum, you can experience gum disease, poor dental hygiene, and bad breath.
Difficulty Eating Food and Speaking
It is difficult to properly chew food if you are missing teeth, and the food debris is harder to clean out after every meal. The gums where the teeth should be can be sensitive, causing pain when eating certain foods.
We also need our teeth to speak correctly and develop embarrassing speech patterns without them.
Avoidance of Talking or Smiling
Those missing all or most teeth often stay silent or smile with tight lips when around others. Some people may avoid social situations altogether due to embarrassment and shame.
Chronic Health Issues
Missing teeth are linked with chronic health issues, often stemming from difficulty eating food, poor dental hygiene in the surrounding area, and bone loss.
Can You Replace All Your Teeth with Implants?
You most certainly can! However, this is not your only option. Dental Bridges and implant-retained dentures can mean you have less anchored implants but still obtain strong, beautiful teeth. These options mean less procedural work needs to occur and a faster recovery afterwards.
What to Expect From the Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant team at Dana Street Dental will ensure you feel comfortable and understand the dental implant procedure step by step. This is the procedure:
1. Consultation and Treatment Planning
Our team will consult with you to determine the best plan and prepare you for the upcoming procedure and recovery period.
2. Implant Placement
While placing full-mouth dental implants can sound frightful, our highly trained team will make the procedure as comfortable. Our team can use sedation to ensure you feel relaxed throughout the process. Your dentist will insert titanium fixtures into the jaw during the procedure to attach the full-arch dental implant prosthesis on top.
3. Recovery Time
We can place the dental implants in as little as one visit, but the complete healing and recovery can take three to six months. This duration depends on how your body responds and the state of your current health. You’ll leave the clinic with a temporary implant-supported prosthesis.
Your bone has to heal before you can use your teeth fully, and your dentist will see you regularly for postoperative checks. Once the implants are fully integrated into the jawbone, you’ll get a final implant-supported prosthesis with a titanium bar for strength.
Benefits of Replacing All Missing Teeth with Dental Implants
Here are some benefits to replacing all your missing teeth with implants:
Natural Look and Feel
Most dental patients agree that dental implants feel like natural teeth. The International Journal of Implant Dentistry published a seven-year follow-up study of dental implant patients in 2020 and reported that all patients said they were very satisfied with their dental implants.
Bone Preservation
Based on current evidence, titanium is the best metal to build anchors for dental implants. These implants are then inserted into the jaw bone in the location of your missing tooth. As your gums and jaw heal, the titanium goes through the process of “osseointegration” and bonds permanently to the surrounding tissue.
Implants Last a Long Time
Depending on different factors like the location of the implant, your medical history, age, habits, oral hygiene, and proper maintenance will affect how long your impacts last. One certainty is that studies indicate a well-placed implant provides better longevity than other tooth replacement options like a bridge or dentures.
Do You Want to Speak to an Expert?
So, the answer to the question, “Can you replace all your teeth with implants?” Yes, you can! The dental implant is the ultimate solution to replace teeth. If you feel anxious about having missing teeth and want to make an excellent first impression, then contact Dana Street Dental.
We can whiten your smile and maintain healthy teeth and gums with our latest technology. Be sure to contact us for a quote to help you achieve that dazzling smile you deserve!
