Dental implants restore oral function, including biting and chewing ability.
If you are missing teeth, you might be wondering what your options are when it comes to restoring oral function. One of the most effective treatments for missing teeth is the placement of dental implants — they provide stability, as well as a natural-looking appearance. But is it possible to eat all your favourite foods once you have had dental implants placed? Read on to find out what you can expect following dental implant surgery and why these restorations are well worth considering…
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants function just like natural teeth, which means that you will be able to eat any food you like once you have recovered from the procedure. In fact, dental implants are beneficial to your diet as you will be able to bite and chew with proper force. Dental implants act as permanent fixtures in the mouth, and unlike dentures, are not removable.
Besides allowing you to eat properly, dental implants also have a number of other benefits. They are aesthetically pleasing and can be coloured matched to blend in well with your remaining natural teeth. They also help to maintain bone structure and support your facial tissues as they eliminate bone atrophy caused by tooth loss.
Dental implants provide more stability than alternatives like dentures, and do not require the use of messy adhesives.
What does the procedure involve?
If you choose to have a dental implant placed, your dentist will surgically insert a bio-compatible titanium post directly into your jawbone. The post is designed to fuse with the jawbone and become a permanent fixture in your mouth. Once the implant has been placed, it will take between 3 and 6 months for it to fuse with the jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. When the site of surgery has healed and your implant has fused with the bone, your dentist will attach an abutment to the top of the implant on which a crown will be placed.
What does the recovery involve?
It takes some time to recover from dental implant surgery, so it is important to stick to a liquid diet immediately after your procedure. Once the mouth begins to heal, however, it is possible to gradually reintroduce soft foods that are easy to chew. When you have completely recovered from surgery and your implant has fused with your jawbone, your new restoration will feel just like a natural tooth and you will be able to eat a normal diet. You should enjoy improved biting and chewing function, and your implant will feel comfortable and stable in your mouth.
How can we help?
At OMFS, we offer dental implants to patients who are suffering from tooth loss and would like to restore both the appearance and function of their smile. Besides dental implants, we also offer bone and soft tissue grafting, implant-supported dentures, all-on-four implants and zygomatic dental implants. Each of these treatments provide their own unique set of benefits and we encourage you to come in for a consultation so that our team can guide you through the procedure that best suits you. If you would to make an appointment, please get in touch with us here. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice in Melbourne. Our team specialises in oral and maxillofacial surgery and operates throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.