If you or someone around you has lost a tooth, it is important that you are aware of the various treatment options and solutions which are now available. Whilst in the past, options to replace missing teeth were severely limited by the lack of technology and engineering, nowadays it is possible to reconstruct an entirely new tooth which functions almost identically to that which has been lost – through dental implants in Melbourne.
Many people out there who require dental implants are not actually even aware that the treatment exists, or just how affordable and accessible it can be. Due to this lack of awareness about the options available to them, many people who have lost teeth simply opt for crowns or bridges to fill in lost space. These treatments are good on a surface level, but can lead to structural issues and large amounts of discomfort in the long-term.
Why get a space filled?
If you have lost a tooth – particularly if the loss is not in a visible section of your mouth – it can be tempting, from a financial standpoint, to avoid getting any treatment altogether. However, those who do refrain from getting a space in their mouths filled, open themselves up to a wide range of potentially damaging health consequences which can even go beyond the dental.
One of most common problems which can be faced by those who do not have a space in their mouths filled, is the shifting of their other teeth. As there is a missing space, the surrounding teeth slowly begin to shift out of place to take up the extra room. This results in patients developing a far higher susceptibility to developing gum problems or infections such as periodontal disease.
Another problem which can have a damaging impact on a patient’s self-esteem or confidence as a result of not replacing a lost tooth, is the loss of bone density in their face. This happens as the bone around the missing tooth becomes unstimulated and therefore is absorbed by their bodies. This can result in the whole facial shape of the patient being altered, and have a seriously damaging impact on their confidence levels.
How do dental implants work?
Unlike crowns and bridges – which operate though sitting on the patient’s gums and blocking the hole at an aesthetic level – dental implants address the issue structurally. This is achieved through the embedding of a new tooth-root which is made from titanium-alloy. This tooth root is surgically placed deeply within the jaw structure of the patient, where they are missing a tooth. As this new tooth root is made of titanium-alloy metal, given time it will bond itself together with the existing bone within the patient’s jaw. As such, it will end up being permanently fixed in place as it has become one with the patient’s jawbone.
After this fusion has taken place, the new tooth root can act as an anchor point onto which a denture is then fixed. This denture will therefore both look and feel exactly like a natural tooth and allow the patient to eat whatever they want and not have to worry about their tooth causing them any discomfort.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Leave a Reply