Preserving Natural Teeth With Dental Implants
Here at Sheen Dental we’re regularly placing dental implants in Richmond patients not just to replace one tooth, but often for several, and even all of a patient’s teeth. Tooth loss has a huge impact on a person’s dental health and can also affect their speech and biting and chewing functionality. When teeth are lost a person is often in a dilemma as to whether or not to replace them at all, particularly if they can’t be seen, or if they do decide to replace them, what should they choose. There are several options available including bridges, partial and full dentures, and dental implants.
A dental implant is considered the best form of tooth replacement because it replaces all of the natural tooth structure and as such becomes a permanent fixture in the mouth. Once implants have been surgically embedded into the jaw they can be used to support prosthetics such as dentures and bridges. Neighbouring teeth don’t have to be modified and the implant and the prosthetic prevent biological teeth from drifting into the gaps where teeth are missing.
How dental implants work
An implant is made from titanium and in many cases looks like a tiny screw. It’s used to replicate a tooth root and is placed into the jawbone during a short period of surgery and then left for a couple of months to heal. During this healing period it will fuse with the surrounding bone and soft tissues to create a strong platform which can then support a prosthetic. Once this process has occurred, then the prosthetic is fixed to an abutment. This may be a dental crown, in the case of a single missing tooth, or a bridge if several teeth are missing The dental crown replaces the missing tooth restoring the smile as well as bite functionality.
Benefits of dental implants
Dental implants offer many benefits to oral health. Firstly they support all of the mouth’s structures including teeth and bone, giving the face a fuller, more rounded appearance. Implants also support neighbouring teeth to prevent them from shifting into an empty tooth socket. Since implants are embedded into the jaw and act as a tooth root, they also prevent bone loss from occurring and can regenerate new growth too. Unlike conventional dental bridges which require for the healthy teeth on either side of the gap to be modified, dental implants are a stand alone treatment which help to preserve natural teeth. Finally, like biological teeth, dental implants are cared for with brushing and flossing.
If you’re considering a dental implant in Richmond then why not come and speak with Dr. Harmit Kalsi at Sheen Dental. He can assess your suitability for the treatment and answer your questions. To arrange a free consultation call us today on 020 8876 5277 or contact us online at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk.