The truly modern way to replace a missing tooth or teeth
The majority of patients with a missing tooth or several missing teeth will be wondering just how they could replace them in a safe and suitable way.
While dentures and bridges are popular traditional options which have been used successfully in the past, they can have certain limitations.
For the replacement of one missing tooth a bridge is often recommended. However, in its placement, a bridge will require the significant removal of enamel from nearby healthy teeth in order to secure it. All very well, but any dentist would seek to avoid damaging a healthy tooth unless there is absolutely no other option.
Dentures are traditionally used to replace many missing teeth or for a completely new arch on the top or bottom. While dentures are well made and securely fitted they can tend to loosen overtime due to gum shrinkage, something that is common when our natural teeth are removed. This means that the wearer can start to lack confidence in the look, feel and overall capabilities of their denture. They compromise by avoiding certain foods and may feel the need to hide their denture when they smile or laugh because it is highly visible.
While modern dentures are made from flexible materials which look more lifelike and attractive, older style dentures can be very obvious. If you are in need of a replacement set of dentures then dental implants could offer you an exciting alternative to improve your life in many ways.
They are the truly modern way to replace missing teeth.
A dental implant replicates the natural structure of your tooth- above and below the gum. Firstly a small yet very strong titanium screw is placed directly into the gum. Overtime your natural bone fuses with the screw, holding it in place. A few months later, a brand new crown, bridge or denture is then attached to the screw with an abutment.
Dental implants have been in use for many decades with many of those placed having been in situ for around 15 years, although it’s likely there are many that are much older. There is no more secure or permanent way of replacing missing teeth.
The top of the range dental implants available at Blagreaves Dental, combine the highest quality products and materials with expert skill and care. We boast a success rate exceeding 95% and offer an unrivalled after-care service.
With a dental implant, you could benefit in so many ways
- A secure, strong and long-term replacement for any missing tooth
- A highly natural finish and extremely comfortable fit- for the ability to eat anything you want with confidence.
- Regain your self-esteem. Feel free to smile, laugh and talk again.
- Protect the health of your remaining teeth- avoid movement and the increased risks of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Replace one, many or every tooth if necessary.
We strongly recommend three monthly hygiene visits to ensure the teeth and gums remain healthy during the course of your treatment.
Is it important to replace a missing tooth?
In a word, yes! When a patient has one or more teeth missing it can have a considerable impact- not just on their everyday life but on their overall dental health too.
Each and every tooth in your mouth is there for a reason- to help keep the others in place, to help protect the health and condition of your gums and to prevent the development of disease and decay.
Your ability to eat can also be affected, as can your ability to smile with confidence.
Don’t wait around to see the implications of a missing tooth many years down the line- find out more about how we could help you replace it comfortably and affordably now.
Fitting your dental implants:
In a straight forward case it will take around 15 minutes to fit one dental implant. The procedure with take place under a local anaesthetic.
You will need to be careful with the gum in the days and weeks afterward to avoid damaging the implant. Any discomfort should be relieved with standard painkillers. Full after-care instructions will be given to you before you leave the practice.
Following your surgery, the implants will require some time (between 3 and 6 months) to integrate with the jaw bone. During this time we can fit a temporary restoration or full dentures if necessary.
Every patient is unique and your specific requirements will be discussed with you prior to the start of any work.
Good long term care is vital. You will need to attend regular check-ups and other scheduled maintenance as required.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
If you are interested in dental implants please contact us for further information. Do be aware that implants are not suitable for everyone. There are a number of factors that must be considered before any surgery can take place:
- A good standard of general health is important as this will affect your chances of a speedy recovery.
- Healthy gums and jawbone are imperative. There should be no presence of gum disease and enough bone density for the implants to be inserted.
- Patients with diabetes or who are heavy smokers are at increased risk of developing gum disease and infections following surgery.
- It is important that your standards or oral hygiene are excellent both before, during and after surgery. Regular cleaning will really help to keep your gums and new implants healthy and strong.
- In certain cases grafting can help increase bone volume- you will be advised if this is relevant to your situation.
