When a tooth has to be taken out don’t worry about having a space where the tooth used to be because you don’t have to be left with a gappy smile. If you have a gap you essentially have three options to fill the space. One is a denture which is removable; another option is a bridge which uses the teeth on either side of the gap to hold a tooth in place, and the final option is an implant. “Dental implants are titanium screws which are gently inserted into the jaw bone,” explains Dr Rashid of Time Dental, “the implant holds a tooth which restores your smile and bite. When you lose a tooth the surrounding bone shrinks back and the teeth on either side and opposite the gap can partly drift into the space. This complicates matters by affecting your bite and gum health. That’s why placing dental implants as soon as the tooth is taken out helps to preserve the surrounding bone and prevents teeth drifting. Implants are now placed on a routine basis and they are a fantastic way of ensuring that you function and chew properly as well as look good. With a good dental hygiene regime the implant can last many years.”
Back to news index
by Dental DesignSite last updated: September 2024
