For many years having a missing tooth, especially a front tooth, could only really be compensated using a denture or a bridge. Over the past decades development of a revolutionary new method, which was first discovered in the 1950s, has become the solution of choice. Around the world dental implants Leicester are becoming the more acceptable solution. As technology has raced ahead dental science has benefitted and replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth by implantation has become more routine.
What is a dental implant?
What is a dental implant? This is a valid question that is being asked repeatedly. The main objective of any tooth replacement is to restore, as naturally as possible, a functional and aesthetically accurate replica. Dentures and bridges achieved this to some degree, but never really satisfied both criteria. Dentures are not one hundred per cent stable and a bridge requires teeth on either side to be adjusted, to allow for the bridge to be fitted. Scientists looked at the way our teeth work. They use a root which is embedded into our jawbone as an anchor to achieve a solid base. This is the basis on which an implant works. A titanium screw, which acts as the root, is screwed into the jawbone and a crown is fitted to the top to mimic the tooth.
What is involved in getting a dental implant?
A very thorough examination of the oral cavity is made involving scans and X-rays to determine if this is the correct treatment for a particular patient. Past medical history and medications prescribed are all taken into account, as are the results of the scans and X-rays. The density of the bone is important as it has to support the titanium screw. The latest research has resulted in new ways to increase bone density making implants accessible to more patients. Once the patient and dentist have agreed to proceed, the latest computer aided equipment allows for the exact placing of the titanium screw. A small incision is made in the gum and a hole is drilled into the jawbone and the screw inserted. There is then a healing period which is anything from three to six months to allow the gum and jawbone to heal and for the bone to fuse with the titanium screw. This is what will create stability and is a very important phase of the procedure. The next phase is the placing of an abutment on top of the screw, this provides a platform for the crown. The digital scans that were taken allow for prosthetic teeth to be made that are shaped and coloured to match the natural teeth as closely as possible. The prosthetic tooth/teeth are then screwed into the abutment providing a stable and natural-looking replacement. It is possible to replace four teeth in a row on a single implant. It is also possible to replace an entire mouth full of teeth on just four dental implants.
Restoring a patient’s smile and dental functionality
This procedure means that none of the natural teeth have to be filed down or adjusted in any way as the implant stands completely alone. There is a healing period of a few weeks when it is necessary to give the implant time to heal and settle. After that it is possible to enjoy eating and drinking, brushing and flossing as with the natural teeth. This is a solution that brings a return to a normal way of eating and drinking. It is also an aesthetic solution allowing you to smile broadly and confidently.
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