Have you got a missing tooth or several missing teeth? The loss of one or more teeth can make a person feel very self-conscious and can have a big impact, not only on a person’s life but also on their oral health.
There are several options available nowadays that are well-established, safe and long-term solutions to help restore both the aesthetics and overall function of your mouth and to replace those missing teeth.
Dental bridges and dentures are suitable options to help replace those missing teeth, but today, we are looking at dental implants as a great solution.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are used to replace one or more false teeth. A titanium screw is used to replace the root of the tooth. The screw is placed into the jawbone, usually using a local anaesthetic. As you heal, your implant will fuse together with your jawbone. This process can take a few months. This fusion forms a very strong and long-lasting base to place your new crown, which will replace your missing tooth.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
- Improved appearance – they are strong and look and feel like your natural teeth
- Improved speech – there is nothing to change your speech. With poor fitting dentures, people can become conscious that their speech changes slightly and can be self-conscious that the dentures may slip.
- More comfort – the implants are fused with your natural jawbone, so they feel like your natural teeth.
- Easier eating – you can eat all your favourite foods without the need to worry as the implants act like your usual teeth.
- Improved self-esteem – you can smile with confidence as your teeth are restored, and you no longer have gaps.
- Better oral health – your teeth either side of the implant are not usually altered during your fitting, which improves your oral health as the teeth are left intact. Plus, individual implants allow easier access between the teeth, which improves your oral hygiene.
- Greater durability – they can last a lifetime if they are looked after properly.
- More convenience – they don’t need to be removed as dentures do and there is no need for adhesives.
- What are the Disadvantages of Dental implants?
- Take time – the majority of dental implants take three to four months to complete as the implant fuses with your jawbone.
- Expense – they are more expensive than dentures for example.
- Fracture of the dental implant crown – there is a slightly higher chance of the crown fracturing on a dental implant, rather than if a crown is placed on a natural tooth.
