A guide to getting dental implants during the pandemic

One of the major advances in cosmetic dentistry has been dental implant technology, which gives us a permanent solution to missing teeth. Indeed, many elderly people have thrown away their dentures, preferring instead to have a full set of upper and lower dental implants. The treatment involves the insertion of titanium pins into the jawbone, which, over a period of time, bonds very well with bone and tissue, providing a solid anchor for prosthetic teeth.

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Two-Phase treatment

There are two stages to dental implants, the first is the pin insertion, which is carried out with precision, using a local anesthetic and the exact placement of the pins ensures solid anchor points for the prosthetic teeth. It takes from 6-8 weeks for the titanium pins to bond with your bone and tissue, then the second part of the treatment can be carried out, which is the fitting of the prosthetic teeth, which are usually made from high-quality ceramics. After the pins are inserted, a temporary prosthetic is attached, which will be removed during the final phase of the treatment. If you are interested in the cost of teeth implants in Sydney or in your local area, an online search would help locate a nearby dental clinic.

Patient suitability

When you approach the dentist regarding dental implant treatment, he or she would take some X-Rays of the jaw to determine if the jawbone is ample to support the pins. In some cases, a bone graft might be necessary, but the majority of people are suitable for the treatment. There is a method of attaching the implants that use a thin wire frame that sits on the gum line, which negates the need for pins.

Dental implant care

Once the dental implant treatment is complete, you should brush and floss as normal, taking extra care when playing sports or any extreme activity. Should you experience any issues, contact your dentist as soon as practically possible, but otherwise, your dentist will check the implants during your regular check-ups.

Treatment during the pandemic

Of course, you can still have dental implant treatment, although social distancing (where possible) might be in place. If you have missing teeth or would like to replace dentures with dental implants, the first step is to make an exploratory appointment with your dentist. The medical professional would discuss the options and providing all is in order, you can schedule the treatment. The clinic would issue you with a list of pre-treatment requirements, which you should follow, plus when the treatment is complete, you will receive post-treatment instructions.

Checking for updates on the pandemic

Prior to making an appointment, it is wise to check with the government’s website for the latest COVID updates, which can change at any time. Some dentists are offering virtual consultations in situations where this can be productive, such as diagnosis and treatment recommendation. If you have yet to register with a dentist, Google is your best friend and will put you in touch with a local cosmetic dental clinic and you can make an appointment via their website.