Losing one or more teeth can be extremely distressing for patients and have long term consequences not just for the aesthetic appearance of their smile but for their health, self-confidence and mental wellbeing.
Dental implants are often the most beneficial and preferred option for replacing a space in the mouth where a tooth has been lost. Not only do they look and feel like real natural teeth but if maintained correctly, they have been shown to last longer than alternatives, without the need to sacrifice adjacent teeth in order to replace the missing tooth.
Dental implants are an innovative, modern-day solution for replacing missing teeth and offer many advantages over some of the other prosthetic options such as dentures and bridges.
A dental implant is a titanium screw which acts like a replacement root for the missing tooth. It is surgically implanted into the jawbone and left to heal, during which time it will gradually fuse with the bone and the implant will be anchored securely in place. When it is properly healed, an artificial tooth which perfectly matches those around it can then be fitted on top for beautiful, natural results.
For those who have lost some or all of their natural teeth, bridges, dentures and flexible dentures are not the only solution available. Thanks to advances in dental technology, tools and techniques, dental implants have been clinically proven as a safe and effective solution for restoring patients’ teeth, their smile and ability to chew, bite, eat and speak with confidence.
Almost everyone who has lost a tooth or teeth can benefit from dental implants, as long as they are in good general health and don’t have any untreated tooth decay or gum disease.
However, not every patient will be a suitable candidate for dental implant treatment and your dentist will need to carry out a full oral health assessment prior to treatment to determine whether or not it is an appropriate option.
Some of the general health factors that can affect suitability include;
A dental implant is the name for a metal rod or screw that is surgically placed in the jawbone and used as a mounting post on which artificial teeth, crowns and bridges can be secured. Because of the way dental implants work, they are not only aesthetically pleasing but are the closest you can get to real teeth in terms of function.
Dental implants are an effective, reliable, hard-wearing, long-term solution for patients missing one, multiple or even all of their teeth. Not only does it work to restore the look and function of the missing teeth but delivers incredibly natural results, allowing patients to eat, smile and laugh without feeling self-conscious.
The process of dental implants is usually completed over several months.
Under local anaesthetic, a titanium screw or rod is implanted into the jawbone. This will act as a replacement root and gradually fuse or ‘bond’ with the bone over time through something known as osteointegration, providing a stable anchor to support the attachments.
Once the jaw has healed after around 6-12 weeks, an abutment, which is a small connector, is attached to the implant and on top of that the crown or artificial tooth is then secured into place.
Dental implants are a long term, permanent solution for tooth loss and can last for 20-30 years or even more if they are properly cared for. However, the number of years you get from your dental implants can depend on a various factor such as;
Where it is in the mouth – because of frequent chewing, implants located at the back of the mouth do tend to fail more quickly.
If you have one or more missing teeth, then there are a few different options that your dentist can recommend but the best choice will depend on what is most suited to your individual dental needs and the deliverable results.
There are a number of great advantages to opting for dental implants, such as;
If you are interested in dental implants, then do not hesitate to get in touch and a member of the dedicated team here at Marsh Farm Dental will be happy to answer any questions you may have and if required, get you booked in for a consultation.