Why consider dental implants?
Apart from the obvious cosmetic problems of having missing teeth, when you have spaces the surrounding teeth do not have the support required to keep them in the correct position. If you have teeth on either side of the missing one then they will have a tendency to drift into the gap, also the teeth on the opposite jaw will have a tendency to drift down into space.
This means that over a few years the way your teeth meet can become affected which can cause bite problems. One of the other issues with teeth that have been removed is that the socket which remains has a tendency to encourage the bone around it to shrink. This can affect your gum line on the teeth on either side of the space which can lead to larger black triangles between your teeth. Having a dental implant placed into this socket helps to support the surrounding bone and prevent that shrinkage.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is used to replace the root portion of a missing tooth and is becoming one of the more popular restorative methods. If a tooth is lost through injury or decay, it is wise to replace it to restore optimum function and improve aesthetics. If missing teeth are not replaced the remaining teeth on either side of the gap can drift causing food traps and further gum problems. Dental implants are widely regarded as the best long-term solution to missing teeth, as they do not interfere with the other teeth, gums or facial structure. They also allow for optimum function and help prevent bone loss.
The implant is a titanium rod that looks similar to a screw. It is inserted into a pre-drilled socket in the jawbone and once it has settled into the bone (a process known as osseointegration), a new restoration such as a crown can be attached. Implants can also be used to support dental bridges and dentures.
Effective treatment of missing teeth
Dental implants will look and feel like your natural teeth, and they do not require the alteration of any nearby teeth. Once treatment is complete you will be able to have confidence in the way you speak, eat and generally communicate with the world around you. They are secure and reliable, able to replace one or more teeth depending on your circumstances.
There are different implant types and systems available and the Time Dental team will be happy to discuss the options available with you. Once the implant surgeon has placed the implant, Dr Rashid will attach the restoration and you will be able to show off your new smile.
The dental implant procedure
In specific cases, dental implants can be placed on the day of removal of the remaining portion of the tooth and immediately have a temporary tooth attached. Often the dental implant is placed and a period of healing is required before attaching the tooth. This is to ensure the implant has settled in the bone and can take 8-12 weeks. In the meantime, a provisional bridge or denture can be provided to temporarily replace the missing tooth while the dental implant settles.
After this period the implant head is exposed and a healing abutment is placed. This can be in the form of a cap for back teeth or a provisional crown for the front teeth. This step allows the gums to form the correct shape for when the implant crown emerges from the dental implant.
Each step of the dental implant procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic to ensure maximum comfort.
Dental implants at Time Dental are a first-rate restorative treatment, able to restore smiles and improve overall self-confidence. Dental implants can last many years as long as regular hygiene and dental health checks are maintained and dental home care is at its best.
Alternatives to dental implants
As already discussed we believe that it is better to use dental implants as they support the surrounding bone and prevent continued bone loss. However in some instances and for a variety of reasons it isn’t possible to use dental implants and so what are the alternatives?
One alternative is to do nothing and in fact many cases this is exactly what we do, you could also consider a dental bridge if you only have a few teeth missing. A dental bridge will support a new tooth wear your gap is by supporting it on the teeth on either side, this means that your surrounding teeth need to be in good condition to support the tooth. The disadvantage to this method is that these surrounding teeth also need to be trimmed down in order to accept the supporting abutment.
Thinking about going abroad for your dental implants?
There has been a big increase in people looking to travel abroad or overseas to have dental implants, there are a variety of websites dedicated to disasters with dental tourism that have sprung up in response. Whilst you might be able to save money by travelling overseas the biggest concern that we have is that of ongoing support and care.
Saving money on the cost of dental implants is one thing but we know that you want more than that and that good quality care is important to you.
What would happen if your implant was placed overseas and you had an emergency? What would happen if the implant caused some problems a few months down the line?
By visiting a local dental practice, such as ours in Farnham Surrey, convenient to Fleet patients, you know that the local dentist is always going to be there and be held accountable to local people. This means you can be assured that your dental treatment is carried out by someone that cares about their reputation.
If you would like to have a discussion about dental implants and your suitability for treatment to replace missing teeth then please call us on 01252 723 008 to see how we can help you.
