You must visit your dentist regularly; otherwise, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth and affect not just the appearance of your smile but also your dental health. The buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth can make them appear yellow, stained and dull. Plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth properly; however, tartar can only be removed with professional cleaning. Tartar reduces the shine of your teeth, and you will find your teeth look yellow even after brushing.
Plaque and tartar are harmful since lots of bacteria can build up in the plaque on the surface of your teeth. Some of these bacteria are good, but there are some that aren’t. Such bacteria secrete acids that can damage the enamel of your teeth. The enamel becomes weakened, and the acid creates small holes in it known as cavities. If you visit your dentist regularly, they will be able to detect signs of cavities very early and tell you how to practise better dental hygiene; this will reverse the first signs of tooth decay. If the cavity is left untreated, it can become deeper and reach the dentin, which means you may need a filling. Eventually, the cavity can reach the dental pulp, at which point you will need a root canal treatment or else you can lose the tooth.
Dental implants
If you lose a tooth because of tooth decay or other reasons, speak to your dentist about dental implants Clapham.
Dental implants are an excellent method of replacing missing teeth for those looking for a permanent solution for tooth loss. Whether you have a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, your dentist can tell you whether you are eligible for dental implants. Adults who have lost teeth early due to tooth decay, gum disease or injury can replace their teeth with dental implants to eliminate all their dental health complications and enjoy beautiful, functional and healthy teeth for the rest of their lives.
A lifelong solution for tooth loss
With the advances in dental technology, dental implants can last for as long as you live. Even the first dental implant was able to last for the whole of the patient’s life because implants are made of titanium, a biocompatible metal. Once the implant becomes integrated with your jawbone, the only way it can be removed is by fracturing the bone. If you develop gum disease, periodontal disease or bone decay, your implant can be affected but otherwise, with good dental hygiene and regular dental checkups at least once every six months, your implants can last a lifetime.
To make sure dental implants are suitable for you, your dentist will review your complete medical history because certain medical conditions can affect the success of dental implants. Some examples include diabetes, clotting disorders, autoimmune disorders and other similar multisystem conditions that affect your body’s ability to heal. In this case, your dentist will advise you on the best possible alternative. If your health is good and you have a sufficiently dense jawbone and healthy gums to hold the implant in place, you will be eligible to replace your missing teeth with dental implants.
Dental implant surgery
Dental implantation is an invasive surgical procedure that can be performed under different types of sedation for comfort and ease. Nervous patients can have general anaesthesia if necessary.
Depending on how many implants you need, the process can take between one and two hours and includes inserting the implant directly into the bone socket of your missing tooth. The gum is stitched over the implant and left to heal for approximately 3 to 6 months. You may be offered a temporary tooth replacement during this time, especially if you are replacing multiple or all your teeth while you wait for the implant to heal. It is essential that you visit your dentist at regular intervals to make sure the healing process is coming along successfully. Once the implant has healed, you can replace the teeth permanently. Crowns, partial dentures and full dentures can be used to replace missing teeth with dental implants. Speak to your dentist today and learn more about replacing your missing teeth and how dental implants can benefit you.
