For anybody who has lost one or more of their teeth, the impact on your quality of life can be devastating. Lost teeth can be a result of accidents, poor oral hygiene, medications, illness, or smoking, for example, and whatever the cause is, it can take a toll on your self-esteem and have further health implications if left untreated. Having missing teeth can make it difficult to eat, speak, and smile, and leaving the remaining natural teeth and gums exposed can lead to an increased risk of further infections and issues developing.
What are dental implants?
It is well known that teeth replacement options for replacing missing teeth can include dentures or bridges. Who can forget Granny’s teeth in the pot on her bedside table or when they loosened and clacked as she talked? Dental implants offer a more permanent and natural solution for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are titanium screws that can be surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implants have osseointegrated (fused) with the bone, crowns, bridges, or dentures can be attached to them, and they will then be firmly fixed in place and should not move at all – just like natural teeth. The type of tooth replacement that you have will just depend on how many teeth you need to have replaced. Crowns are normally used for single tooth replacements, bridges for several teeth, and dentures for whole sets.
The advantages of dental implants
Dental implants should look and feel just like natural teeth, and nobody else should realise that you don’t have a full set of natural teeth. Implants are held in place by the jawbone as this is where the metal screws are attached, and the body’s tissues heal around them, just like natural tooth roots. Dental implants are also very durable and should last for many years as long as you take care of them properly; this is easy to do because you only have to brush, floss and see your dentist regularly for routine checkups. They are also resistant to staining and plaque buildup. If you do all this, your dental implants can last a lifetime. Dental implants can also help to improve your oral health by stimulating the growth of new bone and gum tissue, which can prevent further tooth loss.
If you are missing teeth, dental implants can help you to regain your smile and improve your overall oral health.
How do I get dental implants?
The first step in dental implant placement is to book an initial consultation with your dentist Gordon. You will need to find one who offers this treatment, and it is advisable to do your research accordingly. During the initial consultation, your dentist will assess your oral health and whether or not you would be a good candidate for dental implants and consider any other viable treatment options. Your dentist should then talk to you about these options and ensure you understand them all, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not you wish to proceed with dental implants. If you are a good candidate and want to get dental implants, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and jawbone. These impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory, where a custom-made abutment will be created.
During your next appointment, your dentist will make a small incision in your gum tissue and place the implant into the jawbone. The incision will then be closed with stitches and left to heal. It takes several months for the implant to osseointegrate (fuse) with the bone. Once the implant has osseointegrated, your dentist will attach a crown, bridge, or denture to it. While this healing process is taking place, they will be able to attach temporary replacement teeth to the screws, so you can continue to eat and live your life!
Bring your smile back to life
If you’ve been feeling down about having missing teeth or noticed your face looking older and skinny due to the gaps in your smile and the structure of your face is lost, it’s time to let a dentist help you to rejuvenate your smile and potentially take years off you in the process! Dental implantation does not require major surgery, with only local anaesthesia being used while your dentist replaces your missing teeth and brings your smile back to life. For a natural-looking and feeling smile, improved oral health, and long-lasting durability, there’s every reason to say yes to dental implants if they are suitable for you. All you have to do is go for it and change your smile for the better.
Disclaimer
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
