There are several options available to replace missing teeth. Some patients opt to have a partial denture, others choose to have a fixed dental bridge. Both dental bridges and dentures have their advantages, most notably that they are both relatively affordable.
However, they both also suffer from a degree of impermanency and are at times prone to breaking. Some patients are looking for a dental substitute with a greater degree of solidity. This is one of the reasons why dental implants are becoming the option of choice for patients to replace missing teeth.
A missing tooth can be a source of embarrassment. It can make people reluctant to smile for fear of exposing what is a very visible flaw. Missing teeth can also be damaging to your dental health. The hollows left by missing teeth can be breeding grounds for decay-causing bacteria. Gaps in the teeth can also encourage existing teeth to lean, causing painful interruptions in the bite, which could even cause the painful jaw disorder TMJ. Missing teeth can also be the cause of facial tissue sinking and loss of profile. For these reasons, it is important to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible and a dental implant is the most secure method of doing just that.
A dental implant takes the form of a cylindrical screw that is anchored into the jawbone. This acts as a solid base for a post and artificial tooth, or crown, to be attached. They work particularly well for patients who have strong and healthy jawbones and teeth. Because they are so solid dental implants do not prohibit the eating of certain foods that other dental substitutes can. Neither do dental implants require any kind of messy dental bonding or adhesives.
A dental implant will take two or three sessions to fix. There will need to be a two or three-week wait after the screw has been implanted to allow the screw and the bone to fuse in a process called osseointergration. On subsequent visits, the dentist will attach the post and crown.
A dental implant is the most realistic substitute for a real tooth. Many patients opt for implants, despite the extra cost, because of the feeling of security and permanency they provide. If you have a missing tooth or are considering changing an existing artificial dental appliance, visit a City of London dentist and ask about dental implants.