18 August 2023
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are an increasingly popular and highly successful solution to replace one or more missing teeth permanently. They can also be used to replace a full set of teeth, replacing removable dentures with a fixed alternative. If you have been considering having dental implants but would like to know a little more about that they are and how they work, then read on to discover everything you need to know.
Are dental implants a good idea?
If you are struggling with missing teeth and want a long term solution, then dental implants are definitely a good idea to consider. They are suitable for almost everybody and are proven to be extremely reliable. Looked after properly, your new teeth can easily last a lifetime.
There are many reasons to choose dental implants. Firstly, when you lose a tooth, your jawbone can become weaker and start to shrink. Over time, this can result in your face aging more quickly than it would if you had all of your teeth.
Gaps in your teeth can also cause the remaining teeth to shift position. These gaps can trap food and be difficult to clean, meaning you can be at risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease, as well as being at risk of losing further teeth.
Replacing missing teeth can also help to boost your confidence and self-esteem. When you have gaps within your smile, you can often feel the need to cover your mouth when you speak or smile. In some cases, this can have a real detrimental effect on your professional and personal life. Dental implants will allow you to eat, smile and speak with confidence.
What is a dental implant?
Most people think of dental implants as replacement teeth, however it is important to understand exactly what a dental implant really is. There are actually three components that work together – the implant, the abutment and the crown.
The implant is the key component. It serves to replace the root of your missing tooth, providing a strong base for your replacement tooth or teeth and helping to restore the strength in your jaw. The implant is a titanium screw which is placed into the jawbone and is able to bond with the natural bone.
After this bonding process has taken place and the implant has fully healed, the abutment will be fitted, which connects the implant and the crown.
Finally, the crown will be fitted. This is the visible tooth, and will look and feel just like your natural teeth.
Is dental implant treatment painful?
The dental implant procedure itself is carried out under anaesthetic and you will feel nothing at all during the treatment itself. It is important to bear in mind that dental implant treatment is a minor surgical procedure and therefore some patients may experience mild discomfort during healing.
Don’t be put off by this however – your implant team will make sure you have a plan in place to ensure fast and comfortable healing, and the results once your treatment is complete will be well worth it – as you will see in our testimonials.
How long does dental implant treatment take?
Dental implant treatment usually takes place over two to three dental visits. This will include an initial consultation, having your implants fitted and getting your new teeth fitted. The most important factor in determining how long this entire process takes is how long it takes for the titanium implants to fully fuse with the bone in the jaw. In most cases, this will take around four to six months.
Some patients may need a bone graft in order to provide enough strength for their replacement teeth. In this case, the treatment may take a little longer. In the vast majority of cases, patients can expect to be enjoying their new smile in around six months.
To find out more about dental implant treatment, we invite you to get in touch with the expert team at Ibbott&Co Dental Practice today. Call us now on 01892 782300.
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