Implants, what are they and how do they work?

02/08/2016

Implants, what are they and how do they work?

If you have missing teeth, one option to replace them is by having dental implants. Dental implants offer you replacement teeth that are closer to the real thing. They are recommended as replacement option for either one or a number of your teeth, depending on the condition. Pieces are colour-matched to your natural teeth and a titanium root is bonded to your jaw bone. These provide both the look and functionality of normal teeth.

When you lose a tooth, you need to have two parts replaced: the root, which is under the gum, and the crown, which is above the gum. Dentists use a tiny titanium cylinder for root replacements. The primary advantage of using titanium is that it’s proven to be “bone-friendly”, which means it has the ability to easily fuse with bone in a process which is called “osseointegration”.

Titanium cylinder is the most ideal material used in dental implants because as it interlocks with the jaw bone, it becomes a fully functioning and stable root on its own. Like a normal root, the titanium cylinder root can support a single tooth crown or can be supported under a denture to avoid having loose dentures.

There are other options for replacing missing teeth. These include dental bridges and dentures. Both also have their disadvantages. Having bridgework done may also include affecting healthy tooth tissue to make room for a bridge, which may result in weakening already healthy teeth. Some patients wouldn’t want to risk that. When it comes to having dentures, there’s an issue of discomfort for some. Since dentures are removable and should also be removed or adjusted at some point, this becomes bothersome for some patients. Dentures that do not have the right fit may become unstable over time, causing discomfort and sores. It is precisely this unstable characteristic of dentures that bother most patients since they have no idea when their dentures might suddenly slip out of place and cause them embarrassment. If you do not prefer either option, your dentist may recommend dental implants for you after thorough assessment.

Benefits of having dental implants include the following:

• regaining the look, feel, and functionality of your natural or normal teeth
• improved facial structure especially of the jaw line, lips, and cheeks, which also means regaining your natural, normal lines
• improved taste and appetite as a result of no more pain when chewing
• elimination or lessening of bone atrophy—a condition linked to tooth loss
• overall improved quality of life and health
• increased confidence and assurance since nobody would notice much of a difference between your dental implants and natural teeth, plus, you won’t have to worry about dentures suddenly slipping out of place

You can discuss dental implants with Dr Neil Paryani at their Weybridge Dental Clinic. All you need to do is set up an appointment for dental examination to determine the condition of your teeth and your suitability for dental implants. Before starting the treatment, you have the opportunity to discuss the treatment and other questions or concerns you might have with your dental implant surgeon.