There are few things that can undermine your confidence more than a missing tooth. It can ruin an otherwise beautiful smile. It can also have a serious impact on your self-esteem, as well as increasing the risk of further problems if not correctly addressed. Luckily, here at Regent Dental Centre in Altrincham, we offer the very best in dental implants to help you regain your smile, no matter how many teeth are missing. If you are not familiar with dental implants, this article will answer many of your questions.
Dental implants may sound complicated but they’re not. A dental implant is a titanium screw that is used to replace the root of a tooth when it fails. It is used to support one or more false teeth. It’s mounted into the jawbone to replace the original root, providing a safe and secure way to rebuild your smile. Implants are highly versatile and can be used to secure single teeth, multiple teeth or even a completely new set.
It is natural that you should be worried about whether or not the procedure will hurt. Do not fear – like all dental procedures, there is always a risk of some discomfort. However, the process of fitting implants is usually conducted under a local anaesthetic. In most cases, it is actually easier and less painful than a tooth extraction. In addition, the vast majority of patients report that it is more than worth it for the end result. All of the dental implant specialists at Regent Dental Centre are highly experienced and able to assure you the very best care throughout the process.
One of the many attractions of dental implants is that they are suitable for almost all patients. One of the most important factors for success is the condition of the bone in the jaw. An implant specialist will always conduct a thorough dental investigation before proceeding. This includes special tests to see if there is enough bone, and if it is in good enough condition. However, don’t panic – there are still options (see below) even if issues are identified.
Even if there’s not a sufficient amount of bone, or if health issues are identified, it is still often possible to place implants. Modern dentistry techniques allow a procedure known as a bone graft to be performed. This involves either taking some donor bone from adjacent areas or using bone from other sources and placing it in the deficient area. After a few months, the bone will bond sufficiently with the surrounding bone to support the implant. Whilst it may sound complicated and daunting, it is actually quite straightforward and not painful.
Because every patient is a unique individual, there is no fixed time for the process to be complete. In most cases, however, it is reasonable to expect the whole process to take three to four months. If a bone graft is required, this will add some time and you should allow approximately six months for completion. Once implants have been fitted, the jaw bone needs to grow around them to fuse them into place before teeth can be supported. If your dentist is happy that the implant is stable enough, he or she may be able to fit the replacement teeth sooner. However, the key to a successful, long-lasting outcome is patience.
Providing you follow your dentist’s guidelines, you can expect a smile that lasts for years. In fact, implants can often last as long as your natural teeth. For implant surgery to be fully effective, it is important to keep them properly clean. Visit your dentist for regular check-ups – just as you normally would. Treat them with the same respect as your natural teeth and you will be able to smile with confidence for years to come.
At Regent Dental Centre in Altrincham, we are proud to have been offering the very best in dental care for over 30 years. Our experienced and enthusiastic team is able to offer a full spectrum of dental services, from routine check-ups to full mouth reconstructions. To book an appointment now or enquire about becoming a member, call us on Altrincham 0161 941 2143 or contact us online here.
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