Dental implants are dental appliances made out of titanium, which is a special metal, as it can be perceived by the body as its own tissue, and thus it can integrate into the tissues surrounding the site of the implantation. This process is called osseointegration. This makes dental implants a long term solution for replacing missing teeth, as they are capable of bearing the huge amounts of pressure exerted on them while chewing. In case you need dental implants, a dental clinic in Herefordshire called Warrendale Dental Care can provide you with them.
What causes tooth loss?
As probably all of us know, diets high in sugar have serious health implications: they can lead to diabetes, obesity and various other metabolic diseases. However, they can also cause the bacteria making up the oral cavity’s microflora to overgrow, which in turn produces more organic acids as a metabolic byproduct. This can result in the teeth’s mineral content to be slowly dissolved, resulting in tooth decay.
Another leading cause of tooth loss is gum disease: this is also caused by bacterial overgrowth, however it is primarily mediated by our body’s inflammatory immune response to them. Chronic inflammation can damage every tissue, including the gingiva, or gum tissue. This can make the tissues holding the teeth disintegrate, and thus make teeth loosen, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Injuries can also cause tooth loss: certain contact sports and some occupations are associated with higher risks of dental injuries, which in some cases can go further than the chipping of teeth and result in complete tooth loss. Tooth loss is sadly a very common condition, and it cannot only hinder you in normal everyday activities like eating or speaking, but it can also cause mental health issues as well. An efficient long term solution for the replacement of missing teeth is dental implants.
How does the surgery work?
Prior to the surgery a consultation session is necessary to evaluate your individual circumstances. You should mention to your doctor if you have any allergies, as some people can be allergic to titanium or other metals and pharmaceuticals as well. If you are an anxious person, there is no reason to worry. First of all, this surgery counts as a relatively small surgery. Secondly, you will always be given a local anaesthetic, which mitigates most of the pain. If you need it you may be given sedative medication, which puts you into a relaxed, dreamy state of mind thus mitigating the anxious feelings you might have.
Before the start of the surgery, if you have some type of gum disease, this must be treated first. Once your dentist has confirmed that you are good to go ahead with the surgery, a hole will be drilled into your jawbone, into which the screw-like dental implants will be inserted subsequently. Once this is done, your jaw and tissues need to heal, after which you have to return to your dentist to adhere the artificial teeth onto the implants. Specific aftercare after this is done is not required – you should just take care of your oral hygiene as normal by brushing, flossing and using antibacterial mouthwashes on a regular basis.
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