Dental Implants
A missing tooth or ill-fitting denture can cause a number of issues- both personal and practical. Speech, self-confidence and even eating and chewing can be greatly affected. As well as this, gaps can cause your remaining teeth to move and twist, or food can get stuck- causing gum disease and tooth decay. A number of missing teeth can also cause sagging in your facial skin- potentially making your face look older.
Depending on your circumstances, dental implants are a practical and long term solution to replacing any missing teeth- offering a strong, well fixed and natural looking alternative to dentures. They are a safe and well-established solution to help you feel happy about smiling again.
How can dental implants help me?
The benefits of dental implants:
- Once established, implants are well fixed and secure- unlike dentures which have a tendency to move- causing pain and discomfort.
- Dental implants help to protect the jawbone. Remaining teeth cannot move, and food cannot get stuck in gaps.
- Dental implants can help to improve speech plus the ability to eat and chew.
- Self-confidence and lifestyle can be significantly improved.
- Dental implants are a safe way of replacing one, several or even all of your teeth if required- plus they don’t affect your remaining teeth in any way.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants effectively replace the roots of your natural teeth and support a manufactured crown or bridge. The implant is usually made from strong titanium and once implanted in your jaw, bone fuses naturally onto the surface of the implant establishing a solid base for the manufactured tooth to be fixed to. This itself is made of porcelain so that it gives a finish as natural looking as your own teeth.
It can take up to 6 months for implants to establish and before the crown or bridge can be fitted. Temporary restoration and full dentures can be worn until it is possible to fit the final tooth. The procedure is generally carried out under local anaesthetic unless specific requirements dictate a sedative is required.
Good general health is important and patients with diabetes or who are heavy smokers have a greater risk of developing gum disease or infections following surgery. A good oral hygiene routine is important in order to avoid infection and discomfort.
Overall, each treatment is unique and individual requirements will be discussed with you before starting.
Implants have a very good overall success rate (around 95%) and with regular long-term care they can last for many years.
