A dental implant is a small, screw-shaped device made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium, that serves as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. It is surgically placed into the jawbone and, over time, fuses with the bone to provide a stable base for a crown, bridge, or denture to be attached. Dental implants are a popular solution for individuals with missing teeth who want to restore the function and appearance of their smile.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- Natural Appearance: Dental implants are designed to blend in with your existing teeth, giving you a natural-looking smile.
- Durability: Implants are made of biocompatible materials that are designed to last a lifetime with proper care.
- Improved Speech: Missing teeth can cause speech problems, but dental implants can restore your ability to speak clearly.
- Improved Comfort: Unlike dentures, dental implants do not slip or shift in your mouth, making them a more comfortable solution for missing teeth.
- Improved Oral Health: Dental implants do not require reduction of surrounding healthy teeth, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
- Convenience: Dental implants can eliminate the need for often uncomfortable removable denture, making them a convenient solution for missing teeth.
Procedure for Dental Implants:
The dental implant procedure typically requires several visits to the dentist. The first step is to have a consultation with your dentist to determine if dental implants are right for you. If they are, your dentist will create a treatment plan and discuss the steps involved in the procedure.
1. Implant placement:
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The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone where it will fuse with the bone and serve as a stable base for the new tooth. This process, although it may sound intense, is actually quite quick and painless, as an anaesthetic is used. This implant placement may be either done in the practice, or in some cases may need to be referred to a specialist oral surgeon, depending on the case.
2. Healing:
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After the implant is placed, the jawbone will need time to heal and grow around the implant, a process called osseointegration.
3. Attaching the Abutment:
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Once the implant has integrated with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the implant to hold the new tooth in place.
4. Placing the Crown:
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The final step is to place the artificial tooth, or crown, on top of the abutment. The crown is designed to match the color and shape of your existing teeth.
What are the risks involved with leaving missing teeth untreated?
- Shifting teeth: Adjacent teeth can shift and move into the gap created by the missing tooth, causing bite problems and altering your bite and smile.
- Jawbone deterioration: The jawbone beneath the missing tooth will begin to shrink and deteriorate, leading to a changed appearance in the face and affecting your dental health.
- Gum disease: The gap created by the missing tooth can trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and affecting the health of surrounding teeth.
- Difficulty chewing: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew and eat certain foods, leading to dietary restrictions and malnutrition.
- Low self-esteem: Having missing teeth can affect your confidence and self-esteem, making it difficult for you to smile or speak in public.
If you are missing teeth, dental implants are often one of the best options for a long lasting, comfortable, aesthetic replacement of a single or multiple teeth.
If you would like to know more or would like to assess your individual situation, please feel free to reach out to the practice so that we can arrange a complimentary consultation to discuss your options and give you more information on how we can restore the function and appearance of your smile