Everything You Need To Know About Missing Tooth Replacement
From a patient’s perspective most people with missing teeth who have visited a dentist usually do so because of the aesthetic and cosmetic implications of having a gap. However for any dentist dealing in dental implants in Richmond per se, there are three other reasons why you might want to replace your missing teeth using an implant-based restoration.
It prevents adjacent teeth from drifting into the gap- It prevents bite problems from developing later on
- It prevents further bone loss (known as resorption)
A dental implant is the only form of teeth replacement that has the ability to prevent all of the above and in doing so, the patient stands a far greater chance of having healthier teeth in later life. The good news is that dental implants come in various forms.
- Firstly they can replace a single tooth in a ‘one for one’ type replacement
- Secondly they can be used to fill two or more adjacent gaps by supporting a dental bridge
- Finally they can be used to support a partial plate or whole arch of teeth in the form of a denture.
So why use a dental implant for bridges and dentures over conventional methods?
Let’s take the dental bridge first!
With a conventional bridge adjacent healthy teeth either side of the gap are used to support the framework for the central prosthetic. In doing so they have to be ground down and reshaped. This could mean that otherwise healthy teeth are compromised. Clearly this isn’t ideal. Conversely, a dental implant is secured directly into the jaw bone and because of its strength it becomes a stand-alone factor. As such it has the ability to support a bridging framework carrying one or more prosthetic teeth without compromising any other existing teeth.
When it comes to dentures then the circumstances are slightly different. While it’s true that conventional dentures can give you back your smile, they aren’t a permanent fixture in the mouth. Instead they sit on top of the gum line using both suction and dental adhesive to keep them in place. The main problem is that as bone resorption continues to shrink and change your jaw, once ‘snug fitting’ dentures become loose over time. This is why they need continual adjustment and eventually need to be replaced. Alternatively an implant retained denture is supported by a series of permanent implants which are strategically placed along the jaw. While the implants themselves stop the bone loss process, they also stabilise loose dentures by keeping them firmly in place. This gives the wearer total peace-of-mind.
While dental implants may seen initially expensive, the truth is that if cared for correctly, they can outlast other forms of missing teeth by many years.
To find out more about how dental implants in Richmond can help your missing teeth contact Sheen dental on 020 8876 5277, or alternatively visit our website at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk for further details.