Why is it that an ever growing amount of patients are looking to this great tooth replacement technique
There are four options for those who loses a tooth, or a set of teeth. The options include leaving the gap in the present, using dentures or having a bridge installed or the placement of a dental implants. We wouldn’t suggest the first one as leaving a gap in teeth, no matter how small it might be, is not an ideal idea and could lead to issues such as unaligned teeth for a long time.
Both dentures and bridges have been around for quite a long while and both fulfill the need to replace missing teeth to a degree. There are some drawbacks to both though, with dentures sometimes being uncomfortable and potentially unstable for some wearers, whilst bridges need healthy, well-maintained teeth that the bridge can be bonded.
We believe that, in the majority of instances, dental implants offer the most appropriate option for patients. They may require minor surgical procedures, and then a longer healing time however, overall this modern treatment provides perhaps the best long term option for replacing missing teeth.
Let us take a look at a few of the benefits that are most important to dental implants for replacing missing teeth.
Longevity
Implant placement is a lengthy procedure compared to most dental treatments however, it is an extended solution to the issue. Contrary to many dental restorations that may need replacing after a few years, dental implant can last for twenty years or more , once they are successfully bonded to their jaw bone. It all depends on how you take care to look after them but fortunately this is quite straightforward to do and requires no arduous cleaning unlike dentures for instance. We’ll look at the process of cleaning implants in a bit later.
Stability and strength
Dentures and bridges provide a certain level of strength, they come nowhere as strong as teeth implants. This means that, once fully integrated, you are able to use your dental implant as you would a healthy natural tooth. The strength of the implant is also linked to the durability in the dental. Although dentures do slide around the mouth but the implant replaces the root of the lost tooth and offers a solid anchor for the crown to attach.
Comfort
There may be a brief time after the placement of the implant where things might appear to be a bit off but once you’ve grown familiar with your new tooth, there’s no reason to not think about it anymore on a day to day basis other than cleaning it up properly. The majority of our patients who have had this treatment some years ago say that they now see it as “just another tooth’.
Appearance
It is made from titanium and is usually hidden beneath the gum line. What you can actually see is the crown that is attached to it. We only use high-end dental crowns that are durable as well as stain-resistant and natural in appearance.
Ability to be able to eat
One of the biggest disadvantages of having dentures is that when you try a bit some, people tend to stop eating certain foods due to the fact that they’re not easy to chew using their dentures. This is not the case with dental implants. there is no reason why you shouldn’t try your favourite food, no matter how difficult it can be to chew. Implants that are healthy will handle the same way as a natural healthy tooth would.
Jawbone retention
A major difference between both bridges/dentures and implants is that the implant is the only one that replaces not just the crown portion of the tooth, but the root too. Implanting an artificial tooth root means that the bone in that region is not absorbed into the body in the same way as is the case with bridges and dentures. This avoids the likelihood of teeth movement and changes to the shape of the face.
Easy cleaning
Dentures and bridges are rather difficult to clean, and can make such a tedious task. Implants however, require nothing and are able to be cleaned as you would a natural tooth.
Even though the crown and implant are made of artificial materials, it’s important to take the time to clean both your teeth and your implant regularly. Although the implant itself can’t get worse, the gums or surrounding bone can still degrade by suffering from periodontal issues. This could result in weakening the bond between implant and bone. This may lead to the implant breaking down. Regularly brushing, flossing and visiting a dental hygienist each six months should be sufficient to maintain the health of your tooth implant.
If you would like to find out more about implant surgery or have questions regarding the procedure, we are able to assist. An initial appointment with our implant dentist may be scheduled for patients who are considering the procedure that is so popular. For more information, call our clinic today.
