Dental Implants
Dental implants can be a great option if a patient is suffering from missing teeth or considerably damaged teeth. Implants offer a decent tooth replacement: they are a comfy and solid option as close as is medically possible to a natural tooth.
What are dental implants
Implants look a lot like screws or cylinders, they are essentially manufactured anchors that act as artificial replacements for the natural roots which allow the teeth to be firmly attached to an individual’s jaw. They are usually made of strong materials such as titanium which is designed to let the body adapt as seamlessly as possible. They are used in upper and lower jaws, attached to the gum tissue and jawbone itself and acting as a solid base for artificial custom/replacement teeth or dental crowns.
Dental implants are by no means a new invention; they have been used by dentists for nearly half a century. Patients both young and old choose implants to support their dentures or replace teeth for a host of reasons. For one, they can give patients the ability to chew their food when this was not a possibility before. The reasoning doesn’t need to be purely functional either: teeth bring structure to the face and if a person is missing teeth, their mouth can appear sunken or misshapen. Implants are one way of restoring the oral aesthetic of an individual. They also do not need removing at night and do not need to be externally soaked or cleaned.
Breaking down the three steps
Typically the treatment is done in three parts over several months. The first part would involve the dentist surgically placing the implant into the jaw. They will insert a screw into the implant which will prevent the gum tissue and debris such as food from entering, The gum is then secured over the implant and will be covered for several months whilst it naturally fuses with the jaw bone.
For the second step, the implant is uncovered and an extension is attached. The gum tissue is then given time to heal around it. Certain implants need a further procedure to attach a ‘post’ that connects the replacement teeth.
For the final step, the dentist creates a crown designed to have a similar shape, a similar size and a similar colour to the other teeth allowing it to blend seamlessly. Once this has been completed, it is then attached to the implant post.
Dental implants can be a great option for a lot of people and many patients who have issues with their teeth could benefit from what they offer. You will need to have adequate bone support, healthy gums and the drive to keep up a high standard of oral hygiene. If you suffer from severe tooth decay or are missing any teeth then speak to your dentist about the various options and costs; treatment is often available from the NHS.
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