Filling in the gaps on the importance of dental implants in Richmond
Grinning and bearing it
Although the number of people who are seeking dental implants in Richmond from us here at Sheen Dental Implants are rising, there are still a vast amount of people who are unaware of the benefits of such treatment, and the negative impact that not seeking treatment can have. A recent study found that as many as 27 million adults across the country live each day with one or more missing teeth within their mouths. Here at Sheen Dental, we feel it is our duty to inform and educate those who suffer from an untreated missing tooth with why it is paramount they seek out the treatment they desperately require.
A hole lot of problems
Whilst those with an untreated missing tooth may feel that it does not affect their daily lives too much, the truth is that they may just be in the latent stages of a number of developing problems. One of these issues, which can have a vastly detrimental effect on a patient’s outward appearance, which, in turn have a negative effect on their self-esteem and confidence, is bone loss. This takes place as the bone tissue around a missing tooth is reabsorbed over time, if the gap is not bridged. This can result in the entire facial structure of the patient being altered, and their perceived age being vastly increased. It is estimated that over 25% of a patient’s bone density can be reabsorbed within the first year of having an untreated missing tooth – which can result in their outward appearance being greatly affected in an almost irreversible way. Another, obvious issue which can arise from having an untreated missing tooth, is the loss of speech. This is an issue which is slow to begin, but can result in a great deal of social anxiety and self-esteem issues as the develops.
Filling in the gaps
Luckily, here at Sheen Dental Implants in Richmond, we have a team of implant specialists who can fully restore a patient’s smile and self-esteem in a way which is far more permanent than crowns or bridges, through the installation of dental implants. Implants are a prosthetic response to patients who have irreversibly damaged their teeth, or lost them entirely. Implant treatment addresses the issue of gaps within a patient’s smile at it’s very root rather than just at a superficial level. The initial stage of receiving dental implants in Richmond begins with a consultation period between the patient and their trusted dental practitioner. This allows the dentist to assess and establish the patient’s eligibility for treatment, as well as gauge the extent of treatment that is necessary and the positive effects that patients can expect it to have. Thereafter, provided the patient agrees to proceed with the process, the installation will begin. This initially starts with a hole being surgically drilled into the patient’s jaw – whilst under local or general anesthetic – where their missing teeth are. Then, a titanium-alloy socket is placed within this newly drilled hole, and is left to allow the healing process to begin. During the short healing period that follows, fusion takes place. Finally, a replica tooth is then inserted into the socket and fixed firmly in place. Thus the gap within the patient’s smile is filled with an indistinguishable, sturdy tooth which will keep the patient smiling to their fullest potential for many years to come.