Dental Implants
Most people are lucky enough to keep all of their teeth for life. For others however teeth will be lost (or may never develop) for a variety of reasons.
How can I replace a missing tooth?
The loss of one or more teeth can have a significant impact, not just on your everyday life but on your overall oral health too. The misery of a missing tooth or the discomfort of loose ill-fitting dentures is an all too familiar problem for many. If you are suffering from this issue then Bruntsfield Dental can offer you a number of well-established, safe and long-term options to help restore look and function to your mouth.
Dental bridges, dentures, bridges and dental implants are all potentially suitable options for the replacement of one or more teeth.
Are dental implants suitable for me?
Dental implants are generally suitable for a wide range of people and can be fitted at any age. Many people find dental implants a highly suitable option for the replacement of one, several or even all of their teeth offering a long-lasting, natural finish whilst feeling just as strong and secure as natural teeth.
When considering if dental implants are suitable for a particular patient Dr Ollerhead will take into account a number of factors:
- That you have a suitable amount of bone and supporting tissue available for the implants to be fixed to. Gum density can be affected by the loss of a tooth or previous gum disease.
- That your remaining teeth are in overall good health and that your oral care is of a high standard.
- A good level of general health is important as this will help in your recovery following surgery. Patients who have diabetes or who are heavy smokers have a higher risk of implant failure and therefore may not be suitable candidates for surgery.
How does a Dental Implant work?
Dental implants replace the roots of your natural teeth and help to support a manufactured crown or bridge. An inert biocompatible titanium ‘screw’ is implanted into the jawbone and then left to heal for 3-6 months. Once your dentist is happy that the implant is solid enough, the final restoration (crown, bridge or denture) can be fitted on top.
Some of the benefits of dental implants:
They are securely fixed;
- Some dentures have a tendency to move often causing discomfort and pain. Implants are fixed securely and therefore feel more natural.
They can improve overall oral health;
- Dental implants stop other teeth from moving (which can happen if there are gaps). When teeth move into unfavourable positions this can lead to food getting trapped in between teeth which can promote the onset of tooth decay and/or gum disease.
They can improve speech and chewing ability;
- Poorly fitting dentures and gaps in your mouth can cause speech and chewing difficulties. Dental implants can therefore help improve speech and allow you to eat and chew more easily.
They help to increase your self-confidence;
- Dental implants can greatly help to improve self-confidence – particularly in the case of very visible gaps.
They are successful;
- Dental implants are a tried and tested way of replacing one or more teeth. They are safe and permanent and they don’t affect your remaining teeth. Over 95% of implants are successful and when properly maintained they can last for many years.
If, like a number of people, you have a missing tooth or are suffering with loose, ill-fitting dentures then don’t just put up with it. Dental implants could be the appropriate solution for you.
