Using Dental Implants to Replace Lost Teeth
Losing a tooth can be upsetting and while there are various replacement options including bridges and dentures, dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Implants are very like artificial tooth roots, as a small titanium post is inserted into the jawbone and left to heal for several months. The titanium is specially treated to encourage the growth of new bone cells on and around the post so by the time it is fully integrated it will be extremely strongly anchored in the jawbone. Dental implants can be used to secure single missing teeth or multiple missing teeth. If you have dentures they can also be used to completely replace them.
Anyone interested in dental implants should contact Upper Berkeley Dental as we can refer you to a dentist who specialises in placing dental implants. It is quite an intricate procedure and has to be carefully planned so it is far better to choose an expert who places many implants every year. We refer our patients to a dental surgeon local to Marylebone, London and liaise closely with them during your treatment.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
There are several reasons why it’s worth thinking about having implants to replace any missing teeth. The first reason has to be down to aesthetics, as dental implants can often replicate a missing tooth in the most natural way possible, particularly when used to replace single teeth. This is because your implant crown will look as if it is emerging from the gums, exactly like a natural tooth and it will be very difficult for anyone to tell that you ever lost a tooth. This can be a perfect solution for highly visible missing front teeth, but is also equally as good for back teeth.
Another reason for considering dental implants is because they are often the healthiest way to replace lost teeth. A dental implant will help ensure all your remaining natural teeth are kept in the correct positions and cannot move out of place. In addition the implant replicates your natural tooth root and every time you bite down on your implant crown then this sensation is passed through the crown, down through the post and out into the surrounding bone. This stimulates the bone in exactly the same way as it would if you were biting down on your natural tooth, and tells it to continue renewing old bone cells.
It might be tempting to consider having a bridge, especially as treatment is quicker and may be slightly cheaper in the shorter term. However if you choose a dental bridge then the teeth either side of the gap will need to be ground down as they have to be crowned to support the replacement tooth. This might not be an issue if these teeth are already heavily filled or would perhaps benefit from being crowned, but could be more of a problem if they are strong and healthy and have nothing wrong with them. In the longer term, a dental implant can be a more cost-effective solution.
Suitable for Most People
Dental implants are suitable for most people and have a very high success rate as patients are carefully screened before being recommended for this treatment. Once they are fitted you will need to take proper care of your dental implants through brushing and flossing around them every day.
