Dental Implants
We are all becoming more aware
of how we look and how improving
our appearance makes us feel good!
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to dental implants! Throughout this site we will be exploring different ways implants can be used, the likely costs associated with the procedure and explanations and run-throughs of how treatment involving dental implants is carried out. We also hope to demonstrate the benefits that can be gained through undergoing this particular type of treatment as well as answering any questions you might have along the way.
The purpose of a dental implant is to replace a missing tooth with a fully functioning, long-lasting replacement that should look and feel completely natural. Implants can be used in conjunction with bridges or dentures or can be used solely for the purpose of replacing missing teeth individually. The procedure is relatively complex and does involve minor surgery – the purpose of which is to fit a titanium replacement ‘tooth root’ that can support a permanent, full ceramic crown. The end result is a tooth that is as close as possible in aesthetics, functionality and life-span to a natural tooth.
If you are unsure as to what any of the dental terms used in this site mean simply click on the word or phrase that is causing confusion and you will be taken to our definition’s page. We hope that you find this site both informative and helpful in explaining fully the sometimes complex world of dental implantology.
With smile makeover programs and celebrities with gleaming ‘perfect teeth’ it’s easy to think that cosmetic dentistry is just about making a mouthful of super white veneers! Well, this is not so!
REASONS FOR HAVING AN IMPLANT
Dental implants are an effective treatment for patients that have a missing tooth or teeth due to an accident, injury or disease. They are excellent in restoring full oral functionality either through the replacement of individual teeth or as a means to support bridgework or dentures. Having a missing tooth can be an uncomfortable and even embarrassing issue that often has detrimental effects on confidence and self-perception. Aside from how we view ourselves, our smile influences how we are perceived by others and it is becoming more and more important both socially and professionally to have a confident, healthy smile.
Out of these, the most common reason for the loss of a tooth is periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease, or gingivitis, is caused by bacteria invading the gums leading to swelling and redness. If not treated, toxins produced from this bacteria cause bone to be destroyed. This causes gaps to appear in the gum known to dentists as ‘pockets’ which are hard to clean out and bacteria and plaque quickly build up in them causing more bone loss. Too little bone means that eventually the tooth will fall out.
For replacing teeth, implants are seen as a much better way in most cases than alternative treatments such as dentures. Implants look and feel completely natural and due to the way they are integrated into the structure of the jaw, prevent the bone loss that can sometimes arise with dentures or bridgework. Whatsmore, implants, unlike bridges, do not affect the adjacent teeth as they support themselves. Implants have a very high success rate and it is relatively easy to predict how well an implant will work for a patient.
Implants cannot be used for everyone as matters such as bone levels, oral hygiene and known blood disorders have to be taken into account for each patient. They are however, for the right people, an extremely effective way of replacing teeth.
(Pictures demonstrating implants holding dentures/bridges with captions explaining their function)
