Dental Implants – Are they for you?
Dental implants are now one of the most poplar ways to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw to act as an anchor for a crown, bridge or denture depending on the number of teeth to be replaced.
Are you still unsure if dental implants are the right solution for you? In this month’s blog we look at the benefits of dental implants to replace your missing teeth.
Benefits of dental implants
- Dental implants are the closest possible replacement to your natural teeth and if they are cared for properly could last for at least 10 years.
- Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implantation treatment. However as with all implants, there is no 100% guarantee of success.
- Dental implants can be used to support crowns, bridges or dentures. This means you may not have to have dental implants to replace each missing tooth, as they can support several false teeth.
- By placing an dental implant into your jaw it can help to promote the growth of new bone and reduce the risk of bone loss.
- Over the long term dental implants can provide a cost-effective solution to replace missing teeth. Dentures or bridges may need to be replaced over time so can easily outweigh the higher initial cost of dental implants.
- Dentures can move around when you talk, eat and smile affecting your confidence. However, teeth attached to a dental implant do not cause this problem because they are anchored firmly into your jaw.
Dental Implant Treatment
Prior to any treatment the dentist will complete a full assessment of your teeth and gums. They will also take x-rays to determine the level and health of the bone in your jaw. If the bone is not healthy enough or there is not a sufficient amount it may be necessary to perform a bone graft prior to dental implant placement.
Dental implants are placed under local anaesthetic. You may experience some discomfort in the week following surgery as the bone begins to fuse to the dental implant. This will then be left for 3-5 months to form a secure foundation and for the bone to grow around the dental implant.
Once the dental implant has fully healed an abutment is fitted over the top, which will support the crown, bridge or denture. Depending on the number of teeth to be replaced it may be necessary to have more than one dental implant to support a bridge or denture.
Prior to starting any treatment, the dentist will provide you with a full written treatment plan explaining exacting what treatment will be carried out and the estimated cost.
Once in place a dental implant should be no more difficult to look after than your natural teeth and can be cared for with a good oral hygiene routine and regular dental and hygienist appointments.
If you would like to find out if dental implants are suitable for you, call The Dental Studio on 01206 845891 and boo your consultation today.
