A Quick Guide Into The Why’s and Wherefores of Dental Implants
There’s no getting away from the fact that over the last few years patients seeking dental implants in Richmond, and indeed everywhere else in the country are on the rise. For those who want to know a little more about the process and what’s involved we thought it would be a good idea to give you a quick guide into the why’s and wherefores of the procedure.
The history
The success of dental implants is based around a natural process known as osseointegration. This is where bone tissue merges and fuses with a man made product (in this case titanium) in order to create a super-strong platform upon which to attach a dental crown or bridge, or to support a row of dentures. The process itself was accidentally discovered by Swedish scientist Per Ingvar Branemark back in the mid 1950’s when he was looking into the effects that titanium splints had on rabbits. When he went to remove the splints, he realised he couldn’t because the natural bone tissue had fused with them over time. After much development the Branemark system is now the blueprint for all dental implants that are carried out today.
How successful are they?
Over the last 50 years or so, the implantation process has been honed and perfected and as such success rates can exceed 95%. The process itself is very safe and thousands of patients and dentists alike agree that dental implants are by far the most natural-looking form of teeth replacement that modern dentistry allows. That said, one of the main issues that causes implant problems is the failure by wearers to maintain their implants in the long-term.
So why are they better than dentures?
Teeth that are replaced by implants are fixed into the jaw using a titanium rod. Aside from looking life-like beyond comparison, they also free you from the natural bone shrinkage associated with tooth loss and dentures. You also don’t have the issues that dentures can throw up such as gum irritation or the movement that can often occur when dentures no longer fit the contours of the mouth. As a result implant wearers often enjoy a hassle free experience that can last for many years. In fact for most implant wearers, they forget that their replacement teeth are in fact false and as such can lead a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.
The only downside to undergoing treatment for dental implants in Richmond, or anywhere else in the country is that it can be initially expensive. That said, many clinics now have various payment plans where you can spread the cost.
If you’re looking for a natural-looking form of tooth replacement that can bring back your confidence then you should consider a dental implant. In Richmond here at Sheen Dental we’ve been successfully fitting them for decades and as such, have the experience and the know-how to recreate a great looking smile. Check out our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk or contact us on 020 8876 5277 to book yourself a free no -obligation consultation today.