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Dental implants are a preferred solution for dentists and patients throughout the world when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Whilst dentures and treatments such as bridges may provide a cheaper solution, the advantages of dental implants far outweigh the benefits of choosing other less expensive and less effective solutions for missing teeth.
Here’s what you need to know:
Most tooth replacement solutions focus only on replacing the crown of the teeth and not the root. Dental implants focus on the whole tooth, including the part that cannot be seen. Tiny titanium rods are gently fitted to your jaw bone to form a false tooth root. Over time, the jawbone is tricked into thinking that the implants are the root of a tooth; this encourages new tissue to grow around the implant, forming the perfect platform for new crowns.
Dental implants are completely customised to look and fit exactly like your real teeth, so when it comes to appearance, they are practically unnoticeable. The colour and shape are designed to perfectly fit in with the rest of your smile. As dental implants are fused to your jaw bone, they also feel very natural, so there is no need to worry about eating certain foods…
As dental implants are bonded with the jaw bone, the chewing experience feels much more natural so you can eat confidently without the fear of your teeth getting loose or causing you pain. When the jaw grows new tissue around the titanium rod of the implant, this allows you to apply practically the same bite force of a person with a full set of teeth and it certainly allows for a much improved bite force when compared with traditional dentures or bridges.
Missing teeth can actually have a negative effect on your jaw bone, as it can degrade over time without a tooth root in place. By placing an implant, this encourages the jaw bone to generate new tissue, keeping it strong and healthy.
Dental implants also help to keep the teeth healthy; bridges often require the surrounding teeth to be filed down to allow for the placement and proper balance of the dental bridge. This means that other teeth suffer to replace missing teeth. This is not the case with implants, as the replacement crown is designed to fit perfectly among your natural teeth.
The dental implant procedure has an extremely high success rate of as high as 95%, with very few healthy patients experiencing problems. Implants should last for many years, providing they are cared for properly. Just as with natural teeth, implants should be brushed at least twice a day, taking care to clean around the sides and under the gum line; regular appointments with the hygienist are also recommended.
Following the implant procedure, it’s quite normal for you to experience some swelling and bruising of the surrounding area. Tenderness in the gums is expected to last for between 2 and 6 days after the surgery – this is whilst the mouth gets used to the foreign body that has been implanted.
If you experience severe pain from a dental implant, this is not normal so you should call your dentist.
As dental implants are made from artificial material, unlike your teeth, they don’t decay. This means that implants can’t get cavities. However, whilst this may be the case, it’s essential to keep up good oral hygiene and clean your teeth and gums at least twice a day to keep them healthy.
Provided that your teeth are fully grown, your mouth and jaw are healthy and your dentist confirms that you are a suitable candidate, dental implants are a viable treatment at any age. If you have lost a tooth but feel that you are too young or too old for an implant, this isn’t the case – providing you are healthy, an implant could well be the best solution.
To make an appointment with a dentist in Kent, call Southview Dental Care on 01732 865021.
