What are dental implants?

What are dental implants?

If you have a missing tooth that bothers you and you’ve wanted to do something about it for a while, maybe now is the time to look into what treatment is available to you. One of the most popular ways of covering a missing tooth is by using a dental implant. At the Eye & Dental Clinic, we are experts in dental implants, and we’re here to tell you everything there is to know about them so you can make a decision. For more information, book a consultation with us.

About dental implants

Dental implants are artificial roots placed into the patient’s jawbone to support an artificial tooth, such as a crown, bridge or denture. The purpose of dental implants is to replace missing teeth that have been lost through tooth decay, accidents or other reasons. They are a popular long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide the same stability, appearance and functionality as natural teeth.

Getting a dental implant can be a lengthy process from the first consultation to the final artificial tooth fitting, as your jaw and gums need time to heal after the root has been fitted. This procedure is considered dental surgery and will be carried out by a dental surgeon. The majority of people who have a dental implant don’t need further treatment once they have healed and continue as normal with their new artificial tooth to replace a gap.

Who is suitable for dental implants?

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants, as there are a few things that need to be checked before getting the go-ahead from a dental professional. The dentist or oral surgeon will assess you to see if you’re suitable for dental implants. These are a few things they’re looking for:

• Good jawbone density – you need to have a suitable foundation for that implant, and that means taking X-rays of your jawbone to make sure there is enough bone density and that your bone is healthy and strong enough to withstand the implant.
• Good oral health – you can’t get veneers with gum disease, which means you’ll have to rid your mouth of this first; this also includes dental infections.
• Good general health – certain medical conditions or medications may prevent you from being a suitable candidate for dental implants. Your dentist may also ask if you’re a smoker or a non-smoker, as smoking can increase the risk of complications.
• A suitable gap – dental implants are ideal for replacing missing teeth, so your dentist will check that the gap is large enough for a full artificial tooth replacement.

The benefits of dental implants

There are several benefits to getting a dental implant, including:

• Durable and long-lasting, usually for many years and often even a lifetime with proper care.
• They look and feel just like natural teeth; therefore, they provide excellent aesthetics and functionality.
• They help to preserve jawbone health by stimulating bone growth, as often when a tooth is missing, it can cause bone loss.
• They don’t rely on existing teeth for support, unlike other cosmetic dental treatments, like veneers, which help preserve the surrounding teeth.

It’s for these reasons that so many people are turning to dental implants to replace missing teeth, and why, if you feel self-conscious about your missing tooth or teeth, you should consider the treatment too.

The structure of a dental implant

There are several parts that make up the structure of a dental implant, and these consist of the dental implant body (or the implant fixture) and the abutment, and it may also include fixing screws. Once the artificial root is firmly fixed to your jawbone and is fully healed, a crown, bridge or denture is attached to it to create the appearance of a natural tooth.

Implant fixture

This is the foundation of the dental implant and is the part that is surgically placed into the jawbone. This part is typically made out of titanium, and it acts as an artificial root. Over time, this part fuses with the surrounding bone tissue, providing support and stability for the artificial tooth.

Abutment

The abutment is the piece that connects to the implant fixture. It protrudes above the gum line and acts as a platform for the artificial tooth to attach to. These are available in different shapes and sizes to suit the tooth that will be fitted.

Artificial tooth

There are several types of artificial teeth to choose from: a crown, a bridge or a denture. A crown is usually the most popular option as it acts as a standalone tooth, whereas a bridge literally acts as a bridge between teeth and replaces either a single or multiple teeth, and finally, a denture is used to replace multiple teeth too.

Things to consider before getting dental implants

There are a few things to consider before getting dental implants. First of all, consider your oral and overall health. If you have gum disease or you don’t practice good oral hygiene, now is a good time to start, as it only takes a couple of weeks or so to get rid of gum disease and for teeth and gums to look and feel healthier.

Here are a few things you can do to practice good oral health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an intact toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Use interdental brushes and dental floss regularly.
• Use mouthwash specifically designed for gum disease.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
• Visit your dental hygienist twice a year for a thorough cleaning.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet with reduced sugar.

Another thing to think about is which dental practice you’re going to go to for the treatment. This is one of the most important decisions you will make, and you must make sure you go to a surgery that has an experienced oral surgeon. Look no further than the Eye & Dental Clinic, a dental implant specialist.

Eye & Dental Clinic

At the Eye & Dental Clinic, we are experts in perfecting smiles, and that includes dental implants. But, we offer more than just that; we’re here to fit veneers, carry out composite bonding and fix dental emergencies, to name just a few of our treatment options.

Replace missing teeth with dental implants in Bury, Lancashire, at the Eye & Dental Clinic. Call us on 0161 524 5802 111. To learn more about the world’s best solution for replacing loose dentures or missing teeth through advanced Dental Implants and Implant-retained dentures. We have an excellent reputation for dental implants and have many years of experience in performing the procedure.

 Other cosmetic dental treatment options

If you’re looking for an alternative to dental implants and you don’t have missing teeth but want that winning smile you’ve always dreamed of, then veneers might be a good option for you. There are two different types of veneers that we offer, porcelain veneers and composite veneers, each comes with its own advantages and prices to suit all budgets.

The way veneers are fitted depends on the type, as porcelain is slightly different from composite resin, but either way, they act as caps on top of your existing teeth; they aren’t suitable for people with missing teeth.

Porcelain veneers are likely what you have heard of before, as they provide a celebrity-level smile. The cost of porcelain veneers can be quite high, but the benefits outweigh the cost as they’re long-lasting, natural-looking and will give you the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted. Expect to pay thousands for a full set of veneers and a few hundred for one.

The second option is composite veneers, which include using a composite resin to act as a cap over the top of your existing teeth to improve the appearance. The cost of composite veneers is less than that of porcelain veneers, but they don’t last quite as long. Expect to pay around £200 per tooth and a few hundred to a thousand for a full set.

For more information about dental implants, book a consultation with us, and we will be happy to discuss any questions you have.

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