Tips for Dental Implants Care and Maintenance

A Dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to provide a permanent base to the replacement tooth. Dental implants are the best choice for those who missed their tooth due to various reasons such as an injury, tooth decay, or some other reason. With proper dental care, your dental implants can last for even your lifetime. By taking proper home care and maintenance, you can ensure the health of your implants.

Most patients are concern about what kind of maintenance they should give to their implants for proper maintenance. You may think that you can brush and floss the same way as with your natural teeth, but your dental implant needs a different approach while brushing and flossing. In brief, your implants need specialised care and maintenance to give you a perfect smile and last for many years. Here we have mentioned few tips to care and maintain your dental implants.

Avoid Abrasive Toothpaste

As like your natural teeth, it is vital to clean your implants to limit the occurrence of tartar and plaque. Due to the position of your implants in your gums and bone, it can be easily infected causing implant loss. So you should be careful while choosing the toothpaste for brushing your implants. You need to avoid abrasive toothpaste that contain grainy substances like baking soda that is good at removing surface stains from your natural tooth, but it can damage your dental implant material that leads to wearing down of your implants.

Avoid Toothpaste containing Fluoride

Toothpaste and mouthwash with highly concentrated fluoride can remove the protective oxide layer of your implants which results in implant decay. So you need to choose the toothpaste that contains less amount of fluoride in it to safeguard the protective layer of your implant.

Soft-bristled Toothbrush

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush will protect your implant from scratches and severe damage. It is also recommended to use a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid the similar damages caused by abrasive toothpaste. In order to protect the sealing around your implant and prevent infection, you need to treat your gum tissues with a lot of care. You can get your dentist’s advice about the type of toothbrush that suits you well.

Flossing and Rinsing

Flossing your teeth and implants regularly can help you to maintain your oral health in good condition. Flossing daily with non-waxed floss helps you to maintain clean tooth and implant surfaces below your gum line. Rinsing with the mouthwash is also recommended for healthy teeth and gums. So you need to have a consultation with your dentist about the product of your choice to know whether it is safe for your dental implants or not.

Also, you need a regular dental visit with your dentist for a specialized cleaning, maintenance, and care to ensure the longevity of your implants.

Top 5 Dental Implant Mistakes

Have you lost a tooth? You should seriously consider getting a teeth replacement. Because other than affecting your appearance, missing teeth can also lower your self-confidence, personality and are not good for your oral health. Dental implants in Melbourne are a formidable teeth replacement option as they are fixed deep into the jawbone. They also perfectly imitate the look and the functioning of your original teeth. However, you should avoid certain mistakes while having dental implants or face devastating consequences as discussed here,

Choosing an inexperienced dentist

Not all dentists can perform a tricky surgery like dental implants. You cannot approach a general practitioner who performs your regular cleanings and check-ups for fixing dental implants in Melbourne. Only dentists with advanced training in dentistry like the oral surgeons, periodontists or prosthodontists are capable of this task. Take your time and research well so that you would find the right dentist with the required set of skill and expertise.

Not checking if you are a suitable candidate

Dental implant candidacy is based on various factors like medical conditions and lifestyle. Make sure that you are fit and have the adequate dental structure for the surgery. If the dental implant surgery is performed on those who don’t fit the right criteria, then it could result in implant failure. So approach 2-4 dentists to confirm if you can have dental implants. Even if you are not a candidate, your dentist can help you receive implants by performing auxiliary techniques like bone grafts in most cases. But sometimes, you need to make some serious lifestyle changes like quitting personal habits and taking persistence care of your oral hygiene.

Dental tourism

This means travelling to a foreign country to receive dental care at a cheaper price. Many people consider getting dental implants overseas in order to save some money. Also, various travelling agencies offer attractive packages that combine dental treatment with exotic vacations. But think twice before falling for overtures that sound too good to be true. You cannot know about the quality of service you would receive over there. On the other hand, dental implant cost in Melbourne might be higher. But at least you do not have to worry about the quality of care and materials.

Disregarding the after-care instructions

The dental implants need time to heal and you would be asked to rest properly before resuming your regular activities. During the healing period, you need to avoid certain foods, smoking and drinking. Also, it is mandatory to maintain proper oral hygiene. Otherwise, the wounds would not heal faster. Additionally, lack of care could cause infection, which can severely affect the implants.
Avoid committing these mistakes if you want to get your natural smile back.

Short-term Complications Associated with Dental Implants

Complications Associated with Dental ImplantsDental implants are considered as the best teeth replacement option in terms of benefits, success rate and functioning. Dental implants have less than 2% of failure rate while studies reveal that the rate of failure for regular dentures and crowns in the first 10 years is about 15-20%. Dental implants in Melbourne cost much more than the other alternatives for missing teeth. However, considering the effectiveness and durability, dental implant cost in Melbourne is usually worth it. To make the most out of your investment, it is important to understand the causes for an implant failure so that you can avoid them. They are given below,

Implant infection

Also known as Pre-implantitis, this can occur due to a variety of reasons such as smoking, bad oral hygiene and poor compliance. Pre-implantitis can lead to the inflammation of gum and the bone surrounding the implant, often causing bone loss. The loss of bone around the implant in turn would loosen it over time. If caught early, dentist would clean the impacted area with antibacterial solutions and prescribe antibiotics to halt the progress of the infection. Unfortunately in certain cases, the patients would not notice the infection before it is too late and the dentist would have to remove the implants, do bone grafting and fix new implants after that part is healed.

Inability to heal

Before the placement of dental implants in Melbourne, your dentist would assess your mouth thoroughly. He/she would also ask about your medical history to make sure that you do not suffer from any ailments or take medications that would create unnecessary complications in the future. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, thin gums, poor immune system, alcoholism etc. would hinder the healing process, which is very important for the success of the implants.

Lack of performance

The dentist who performs the dental implant surgery in Melbourne must have a thorough knowledge about the osseo-integration process and possess the required surgical skill. If the performance is poor, then the implant would most probably fail. It can also cause pain, swelling and infection.

Lack of bone

Implant needs to be firmly fixed into the jawbone for a successful teeth restoration. This is only possible if there is an adequate bone growth around the implant. People who are suffering from missing teeth for a long period would have surely lost some bone volume around that area. If that is the case, the dentist would perform bone graft to correct this deficiency. If this condition is ignored, then the implant would fail.

Paying no heed to the post-care instruction

Your dentist would provide you instructions when you are in the recovering period like avoiding strenuous activities, maintaining proper oral hygiene, taking regular medications and keeping away from particular foods to ensure the longevity of the implants. If they are not followed properly, implant failure might occur.
Thus, the dentist and the patients should have to work together to minimise the chance of implant failure.

The benefits and requirements of Dental implant treatment

Dental implant requirements

If you have lost teeth, dental implants in Melbourne are preferable by far when compared to unwieldy dentures. For people who suffer from the indignity of enduring uncomfortable dentures that slip off at inopportune moments frequently in everyday life, dental implants are a boon from heaven itself.

In essence, a dental implant is a metal post (generally titanium), that enables us to mount replacement teeth into that particular area. They provide a strong and durable foundation for your fixed or removable replacement teeth, making the dental implant cost in Melbourne a good investment.

There are many advantages in procuring dental implants. Some of them are as follows:-

1- Improved appearance: Dental implants do not alter the structure of your mouth, thus reducing discomfort. As compared to dentures, which need reducing of adjacent teeth, this is a very lucrative option.

2- Better speech: Poor orientation of dentures might cause anyone to slur their speech or mumble, creating a very poor impression. Since dental implants mirror the natural orientation of your teeth, such problems are drastically reduced.

3-Great comfort: Since they become a seamless part of your body, dental implants increase orthodontic comfort.

4- Effortless eating:  Because you do not have to worry about sliding dentures, eating becomes a treat instead of a chore.

5- Durability: Dental implants are highly durable. With proper care, they can even last a lifetime.

Thus, people who cannot afford the pay the fees are readily risking their oral health by getting dental implants overseas. If you are considering the possibility of getting dental implants in Melbourne to improve your overall health, there are certain requirements you need to fulfil in order to be eligible for this surgery

1- Possession of healthy gums: Your gums need to be in fine shape for a successful surgery, as the new implant fuses with the basal jawbone. People with periodontal disease have a high rate of implant failure.

2- Adequate bone support: Since dental implants mesh with the jawbone in order to anchor the replacement tooth properly, adequate bone density and quality is the most important requirement for the success of dental implants. Bone grafts or mini implants may sometimes be considered for patients who do not have enough bone support.

3- Commitment to oral health: For regular maintenance of dental implants, excellent oral hygiene is absolutely necessary. A regime of daily brushing and flossing, along with frequent visits to the dentist is crucial. Keep in mind that these habits are essential in taking care of your natural teeth as well.

4- No teeth clenching: Teeth clenching has shown to negatively affect dental implants.

5- Good overall health: As this is a surgical procedure, the overall physical condition of the patient should be fit enough to enable undergoing the surgery.

The best and most sure-fire way to determine your eligibility for a dental implant in Melbourne is to consult a qualified implant dentist. Mostly, he/she will give a look at the above criteria, as well as the location of your missing teeth when making sure that implant dentistry is the best solution for brightening your smile.

Tips to spend less on dental implants

Dental implants in Melbourne

The most common methods of teeth replacement are fixed bridges, dentures and dental implants. Out of them, only dental implants do a complete job by providing both the visible part of the lost tooth and its root. But, Dental implant procedures are more complex and physically demanding. Because of this, the dental implants in Melbourne cost more than the other options.  However, the various advantages of having the implants are worth the time and the money put into it,

  • They can last longer than the other teeth replacement methods. With proper maintenance, they can last a lifetime.
  • They offer a more natural looking smile
  • They allow you to chew your food properly so that you do not have to compromise your diet after missing your teeth. Hence, they do not affect your diet.
  • They are easy to maintain

However, not all people can afford the higher initial cost of dental implants in Melbourne. But it is possible to reduce the overall cost if you follow some steps. They are discussed here,

  • Rate comparison

It is important to consult many dental clinics and get quotes. Make sure that the quote includes all the relevant aspects of the treatment like consultation charges, imaging, anaesthesia, modelling, surgery, materials etc. and additional procedures(if needed) such as sinus lifts and bone grafts. By comparing the quotes, you can choose the dentist who offers more affordable dental implants in Melbourne without any dispute in the quality.

  • Choosing the right location

Clinics located in the urban areas tend to charge more than the clinics located in the suburbs. This is because the cost of maintaining a clinic in a metropolitan is significantly higher. As such, getting treated in a less popular location can fetch you a lesser price.

  • Visiting dental schools

Dental schools often conduct dental programs so that the students can gain more practical experience. Experienced surgeons would accompany the students to monitor the whole process. This might suit the persons who do not care about the lack of expertise.

  • Insurance policies

Dental implants in Melbourne are often regarded as a cosmetic procedure and are not covered by most of the insurance plans. But in some cases when they become necessary to restore the oral functions of a patient, a part of which would be paid by the insurance company.

  • Financing options

At most clinics, you can get the surgery done initially and pay for it later in monthly instalments with interests.

  • Dental plans

By becoming a member of discount dental plans, you can save thousands of dollars in dental implants.

These ways make the dental implants relatively cheaper for people who cannot afford them otherwise.

Common Myths about Dental Tourism in Thailand

In the recent years, Thailand seems to have attracted multiple patients who are in need of dental implants. The proximity of Thailand to Australia and the heavily marketed low prices of the treatment seem to be the major factors that have initiated the trend. While dental tourism to Thailand may allow the patient to spend a lesser amount of money towards dental implants, Melbourne-based dental implants centres can be trusted better over quality and reliability factors.

Read on to find out some common myths about availing dental implants treatment in Thailand.

Myth 1

Everyone can save an ample amount of money by availing dental implants from Thailand

Most often patients fail to account in the cost of travel, accommodation and the loss of pay from their current job while considering dental implants from Thailand. A number of travel-related expenses like VISA costs, shopping for travel accessories (you may even need a change of wardrobe as Thailand is much hotter than Melbourne) can eat into the cost savings of the patients. The widely-marketed cost savings of dental implants from Thailand is simple an exaggerated picture used for marketing purposes.

Myth 2:

Availing dental implants from Thailand is simple and stress-free

Travelling to Thailand for dental implants is not as easy as it is marketed to be. When you choose a tooth implants centre in Melbourne, you can be 100% sure about the quality of service and can have direct interactions with experts of the clinic. This helps to ensure that you are in safe hands throughout the treatment process. The same cannot be said about a clinic in Thailand. From finding a good centre to having your first consultation, most elements of the treatment happen online thus leaving perturbed about the course of the treatment.

Myth 3

Thailand has an amazing set of quality standards that surpass other countries in dental treatment.

Melbourne-based dental implants centres are no less in quality of service or expertise of dental implants procedures. The safety factor related to the treatment is highly regarded in any good dental clinic in Australia. Patients availing dental implants in Melbourne can always go back to the dentist in case of any issue and have it fixed in no time. The same cannot be said about a clinic in Thailand. Issues that arise multiple days after dental implant treatment are not uncommon and having your dentist within reach makes the situation so much better.

Myth 4

Visiting Thailand during the off-season can help save some extra dollars

Visiting Thailand for dental implants comes with a cost and this cost may be lowered a little (in terms of cheaper accommodation or flight fares) by travelling during the off-season time. However, off-season times may include other problems like extreme weather, unavailability of popular dentists and so on.

In a nutshell, choosing Thailand over Melbourne-based dental implants centres comes with a definitive set of risks and patients need to be completely aware of all facts before making a choice.

Can Diabetic Patients Be Suitable Candidates For Dental Implants?

Dental implants are considered as the most viable and comfortable option for replacing the missing tooth. To be eligible for the treatment, patients must have overall good oral hygiene and sufficient jaw bone to support the implants. While discussing dental implants and affordable cost of dental implants in Melbourne, one common question that arises is about the ability of diabetic patients to avail the treatment.

Oral health in Diabetic Patients

Over 1.7 million Australians suffer from either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes are a higher risk of gum disease. The gum disease when left untreated can result in periodontitis – a more advanced condition where the gums pull away, the bones begin to deteriorate and the affected tooth is ultimately lost. So, the chance of diabetic patients losing a tooth or two is high and these patients saving up to pay dental implants cost in Melbourne is normal.

Can diabetic patients avail dental implants treatment successfully?

Since incidence of tooth loss is high in diabetic patients and dental implants are considered the most reliable treatment option, patients automatically gyrate towards dental clinics offering an affordable cost for dental implants in Melbourne. With advancement in dental science and diabetic control programs, experienced dentists can make this connection a successful one. The key lies in choosing the best dentist to work with and in understanding the possible risks of treatment.

Diabetes and Dental Implant Risks

The inflammatory response of human body is altered when glucose level goes up. The recovery time in diabetic patients is much higher than in normal individuals. Generally, when the implant is fixed to the jaw, the tissues surrounding the implant begin to grow towards the implants and finally fuse together to hold it steadily. The time take for this process is between 6-8 weeks. In diabetic patients, the process can be prolonged to almost 10-12 months (can vary based on overall health of patient and his lifestyle). During recovery process, patients are at a high risk of infection. Also, the chances of implant failure are high in diabetic patients than in normal ones.

Important precautions to be undertaken

  • Not a single trace of gum disease must be left untreated before dental implant treatment in the diabetic patient.
  • Throughout the healing period, blood glucose level must be kept under control.
  • Patients who have just been diagnosed with diabetes and have tooth loss from an accident must initiate the implant procedure immediately. Delaying the treatment can increase the risks as well as dental implants cost in Melbourne.

Every patient is different. It is therefore recommended to seek medical help before considering dental implants to replace the missing tooth.

Tips to ensure the longevity of the Dental implants

In Melbourne, Dental implants procedures are done to last a life-time. However, just as any other medical treatment they have a small chance of failure. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene before, during and after the placement of tooth implants in Melbourne. It is necessary to remove 85% of the oral plaque on a daily basis once you get your implant fixed. This is very important for the overall health of the implants. Here are some tips that contributes to the long-term success of your dental implants,

  • Your jawbone plays a crucial role in the sustenance of your dental implants in Melbourne. Your dentist ensures that the quality and the quantity of your bone are sufficient enough to support implants before the procedure. If not, they would advise you to have a bone graft to achieve the required bone structure.
  • One of the most important factors that determine the success of your implants is the expertise of the surgeon who places them. Only a skilled dental care provider can make the titanium posts to reach deep into the gum tissues so that it has sufficient contact with the jawbone. A strong bond with the bone ensures the effective support of implant.
  • You are required to undergo healthy changes in your lifestyle. Increased use of alcohol and tobacco can affect the bonding and the healing process of the dental implants. Thus, the strength of the implants gets compromised.
  • By regularly visiting your general dentist, you can identify any potential issues like diabetes that can affect the natural healing of the implants and the health of the remaining teeth. It is essential to manage those issues to preserve the healthy condition of your implants.
  • Some patients have the habit of clenching or grinding their teeth at night. The resulting pressure can cause damage to the tooth implants in Melbourne. They are advised to use mouth guard to manage this situation.
  • Also, follow the health care recommendations given below,
  • Use dentifrices that are less abrasive, safe and effective. It is better to avoid the products that have stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, baking soda, stain removers, and smoker’s toothpaste.
  • Brush twice daily to remove the plaque with a soft toothbrush. Interdental brushes can help you to clean the tight and unreachable areas around the implants. The presence of metal wires can cause scratching, so use Nylon-only interdental brushes.
  • Floss regularly to maintain the health of the tissues surrounding the implant. Unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss is highly recommended.
  • If the person is suffering from any dexterity issues or inflammation, they are advised to use anti-microbial rinses.

Thus, the success and the longevity of your dental implants are ensured.

Is it really necessary to go abroad for having dental implants?

Dental Tourism is widely popular all over the world. There has been an increasing growth in the number of people going to foreign destinations like Thailand and India for Dental care. Rather than doing it locally in Australia, many patients are interested in dental implants overseas to have the same treatment done at reduced rate. However, it is important to consider if they would really receive the same favourable outcomes as having dental implants in Australia. Here are some factors that shows that you do not have to travel abroad to get dental implants,

  • The most obvious advantage of getting dental implants overseas is the reduction of cost. However, you should also consider the expenses involved in flight tickets, accommodation and transport. Also, you cannot get back to your work for at least two weeks. By undergoing the procedure in Australia, the overall price to be paid is straightforward and you need not be worried about any hidden costs.
  • It is possible to receive high quality care at cheaper rates in foreign countries. There may be many ethical dental care providers in those nations who offer good services akin to the developed countries. But you cannot be sure if you are about to visit one of such professionals. It is foolish to presume that all clinics would follow the same principles. On contrary, you can be absolutely sure about the quality of treatment that you are about to receive for dental implants in Australia.
  • In some cases, use of lower quality materials enables the dentist to rate cheaper. It is more likely that the quality of the materials used for the dental crowns, bridges and dental appliances are not the same as in Australia.
  • The clinics in Australia maintain high standards of quality to offer best services to the patients as regulated by the government. You cannot expect the same standard in the developing countries.
  • Ask yourself what happens when something goes wrong with the dental implant procedure. Even if you are willing to fly all the way back to a long-distant location, your legal rights as a foreign patient are always questionable. Moreover, it is not permissible to file any lawsuit against a foreign practitioner in Australia.
  • There are clinics that offer affordable dental implants in Australia. They are able to offer lower than average rates with proper planning and the required expertise.
  • If you are satisfied with your previous dental implant procedure and would like to do remedial works in Australia, it would be much more expensive.

Weigh both the pros and cons thoroughly before taking an adventurous towards dental tourism. Compromising your dental health for saving a couple of thousand bucks can cost you more, not just in terms of money.

What are the risks involved in Dental implant surgery at Thailand?

A Dental implant is a metal fixture that is inserted into the jawbone as an anchor for an artificial tooth. Dental implants provide you with greater comfort and they work well both aesthetically and functionally. Thus, they have become the most preferred option for teeth replacement. However, they are high priced in Australia because of the complexity of the procedure and the required expertise. Therefore, some people choose to get low cost dental implants in Thailand.

A health travel service reports that, 75% of the clients they have sent to Thailand in 2011 were for attaining dental work.

Factors that attract the patients to undergo dental implant surgery in Thailand,

  • Most people lack dental insurances and would like to save money by going abroad.
  • Dentists in Thailand are readily available to serve you and you don’t have to be waiting long for your appointment.
  • Dental tourism can also be used as a relaxing experience by making most out of the time of your stay on touring the city or country.

But they fail to understand that more complex the procedure is, the more likely that something might go wrong. Especially a dental implant failure can cost you a lot in the long run.

Disadvantages of visiting Thailand for Dental implants

Other than the long journey, cultural shock and communication hazards, there are some serious issues involved in getting dental implants in Thailand,

  • You cannot be sure about the training and experience of the dentist available there. On the other hand, it is easy to identify the expertise, qualification and certification of Australian dentists.
  • You cannot file a complaint against your foreign dentist in Australia as its regulations are not applicable to them.
  • The Australian government has imposed various rules regarding the dental care, which are meant for the safety of the patients. You cannot expect the same dedication from the authorities of Thailand.
  • Dental implant is a risky procedure, which may require many check-ups later in case of any complication. Most people cannot afford travelling to and from Thailand several times.
  • If your dental implant surgery fails, getting it corrected and redone in Australia might cost even more.
  • Even in Thailand, Dental implants are not done in a single appointment. You would need to visit your dentist at least 2-3 times before you can enjoy the benefits of your new teeth. Along with the clinical fee, you would lose money on travel, residence and time-off work.

Other than this, there are clinics that offer affordable dental implants in Australia. Therefore, make time and research well before jumping on the next plane to Thailand.