Dental Implants – A Comprehensive Guide Presented by The Bristol Dental Practice
Dental implants are a widely popular and accepted way of replacing missing teeth. Although this is an innovative procedure, many patients have a number of questions around the dental implant procedure. We have compiled answers to commonly asked questions surrounding the dental implants procedure, dental implants themselves as well as what to expect when considering dental implants as a solution to replace missing teeth.
The Bristol Dental Practice has operated as cosmetic dentists for many years and offer dental implants as one of our cosmetic procedures. Our knowledge of the dental implant procedure allows us to offer you specific advice on the procedure as well as answer any questions that you may have around dental implants. If you are looking for more information on dental implants then enquire with The Bristol Dental Practice using a contact form on our website. Alternatively, telephone a member of our friendly team now on: 0117 910 5929″>0117 910 5929
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are usually titanium and have an internal screw that holds the false tooth or teeth in place. In comparison to other methods of replacing teeth, a dental implant will fuse with the bone surrounding the implant as the bone surrounding the implant gradually grows up and attaches to the implant which keeps it firmly in place in the mouth. A single implant can support one replacement tooth or several replacement teeth and an assessment will be made as to how many implants are required.
What Will Happen if I Don’t Take Action Against Missing Teeth?
If you do not take action and seek treatment for missing teeth, your jawbone begins to shrink from lack of stimulation. This will affect your smile and will change the shape of your face which can bring the appearance of premature ageing. There’s a number of different treatments that will replace missing teeth if you are also unsuitable for dental implants.
Are Dental Implants Ideally Suited for Every Patient?
When you attend your initial consultation for dental implants, you will be assessed for your suitability for this treatment. Some cases may need special consideration but if patients have very little bone remaining then bone grafting can be used to strengthen the jaw bone ahead of the insertion of your dental implants. Most adults can have the procedure carried out with children and young people under 18 tending not to be suitable for the treatment until the jaw bone is fully developed. You may not be recommended for dental implants if you have had gum disease, diabetes which isn’t well controlled or had radiotherapy to the jaw area.
How Long do Dental Implants Last?
Your natural teeth should last your entire life but unfortunately sometimes you may suffer the loss of a natural tooth or teeth. Dental implants require regular maintenance similarly to your natural teeth but with proper care and routine checks your dental implants should last. It’s impossible to give an exact time on the lifetime of a dental implant due to differences in lifestyle choices and other aspects of each individual patient but one would expect your dental implant to last with regular cleaning, checkups and healthy lifestyle choices. We highly recommend visiting a hygienist after your dental implants have healed to carry out extensive cleaning of your dental implants and to check that you are regularly cleaning your dental implants correctly.
Can the Body ‘Reject’ Dental Implants?
You may have heard from other medical treatments involving implants that the body may reject the implant such as in an organ donation. Due to the fact that blood typing and tissue matching is not a concern with the dental implant procedure. The body accepts placement of dental implant material within bone which means that the body will accept the titanium dental implant.
What are the Alternatives if Dental Implants Aren’t for Me?
You should not worry if dental implants are not suited for you or if you do not want to go through with the dental implant procedure. There are a number of alternatives to replace missing teeth that can be used instead of dental implants. You can have removable dentures which are plastic or metal frames that hold false teeth. A bridge is false teeth that are fixed onto the natural teeth on ether side of the missing one.
Find Out More Information on Dental Implants
If you require more information about dental implants or have more questions that we didn’t cover in this article then enquire with our team of cosmetic dentistry experts today. We have offered dental implants in Bristol for many years and can assist you with all of your enquires. Enquire online using an online contact form on our website or telephone our tea, directly now on: 0117 910 5929″>0117 910 5929