Dental implants have taken the world of dentistry by storm and they are widely regarded as the best long-term solution for missing and damaged teeth.
People lose teeth all the time, either through dental trauma, sports injuries or as a result of decay or advanced gum disease. It is important to replace missing teeth for aesthetic reasons, as well as functional purposes – gaps in the teeth can look unsightly and they also increase the risk of oral health diseases and reduce the function of the teeth. Gaps in the teeth can also increase pressure on other teeth and the spaces left may cause the remaining teeth to move and become misaligned.
Dental implants are titanium rods which are designed to substitute the root portion of the missing tooth. The implant is screwed into a pre-drilled socket in the jaw bone. Once the implant has been inserted, it will be left to heal and settle into the jaw bone. Then, once it has integrated fully, a new restoration such as a crown, dentures or a dental bridge can be attached. Once the restoration has been fixed in place, the tooth will function in exactly the same way as a natural tooth.
Dental implants are regarded as a better treatment than dental bridges and dentures because they last longer and provide exceptional functionality. Once the implant has integrated into the jaw bone, the tooth will function as effectively as a natural tooth. Implants also enhance the aesthetics of the smile because they look like natural teeth and are designed to blend in with the rest of the teeth. Dental implants also reduce bone loss and provide support for the cheeks and lips, which helps to prevent sagging around the jaw and help prevent signs of ageing.
Dental bridges can be damaged quite easily and they do not last as long as dental implants. Dental implants are also more durable than dentures and there is no risk of the implant irritating the gums or causing soreness, which can happen if the dentures start to lose their shape.
