Loose dentures and bridges were once the only way to replace missing teeth, which are often uncomfortable, unstable and only last for a short period of time.
However, today patients have the option of dental implants, which can provide extra stability, comfort and potentially life-long tooth replacement.
What are dental implants?
Dental implant treatment involves strategically placing titanium posts into the jawbone, which then fuse and provide the ideal foundation for crowns, dentures and bridges.
They can be used to replace a single, several and even an entire set of teeth and provide such excellent restoration because they not only replace the missing tooth, but also the missing tooth root.
Why have they become so popular?
Dental implants have been around for many years, but it is only within the last 10 or so years that they have advanced and become readily available at most cosmetic dental practices. Before dental implants patients had to suffer with the rubbing and movement of loose dentures, which more often than not wore away the jawbone and required replacement every 5-10 years. Dental damage also occurred with dental bridges, with surrounding healthy teeth shaved down, in order to support the replacement teeth and bridge the missing tooth gap.
Dental implants on the other hand require no tooth shaving and actually encourage bone growth after a tooth has been lost. Their main advantage of course is their stability and patients can eat, speak and laugh with complete confidence when wearing dental implants- never fearing any pain or embarrassment. Smiles held in place with dental implants also look completely natural and healthy and, if taken care of, dental implants can last a lifetime.
What does the dental implant procedure involve?
First you will be assessed for your suitably for dental implants, which will involve checking for tooth decay, gum disease and bone density. If you have tooth decay or gum disease this problem will need to be treated first, before you can receive any other treatment. If you are found to have a low jawbone density then a bone graft may be necessary before your dental implant treatment. X-rays and CT scans will generally be used during this consultation.
If suitable you will have your dental implant or dental implants fitted into place, which involves cutting the gums and forming a small hole in the jawbone using a dental drill. The implant will then be put into place and the gum stitched over. In the case of traditional dental implants you will have to wait for 3-6 months while the implant fuses strongly with the bone before you have any dental restorations fitted. If you are interested in dental implants visit http://www.liverpoolimplants.co.uk for more information or read more on dental implant prevention and treatment through this interesting book.
Once your healing period is over your dental implants will be revealed and your crown, bridge or denture fitted.
Dental implants are the ideal treatment for patients looking for a stronger, natural looking and stable smile to last them a lifetime!
