What Exactly Are Fixed And Removable Dental Implants?
If you’ve been considering a dental implant in Richmond and doing a little research, you may have come across the terms ‘fixed’ and ‘removable’ when reading about dental implants. This can be a little confusing and lead some patients to misunderstand the exact nature of dental implants. So we thought we’d take this opportunity to clarify what is exactly meant.
Dental Implants Are Always Fixed
The confusion lies in patients thinking that a dental implant is itself a replacement tooth. In fact, the implant is instead a small titanium rod which is surgically fixed into the jawbone and acts in a similar fashion to a tooth root. It fuses with the surrounding bone and soft tissues in a process known as osseointegration to become a permanent fixture in the mouth and as a result cannot be taken in and out of the mouth. Replacement teeth (prosthesis) are secured to the dental implants and it’s these which are referred to as being fixed or removable. In other words, a patient can get a prosthesis which is cemented securely into place or they can opt for a prosthesis which snaps on and off the dental implants.
We offer both
Here at Sheen Dental we offer fixed and removable prostheses for your implants. The fixed prostheses is made from porcelain which has qualities very similar to natural teeth. Not only does it look really natural, but it feels and functions just like a natural tooth and is cared for in the same way, by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and flossing once a day. This is the very best method of replacing single or multiple teeth that are damaged or missing.
The removable option is what we refer to as implant supported dentures and these are designed to snap on and off your dental implants. They’re a far better alternative to traditional dentures which tend to slip and slide in the mouth. Unlike traditional dentures they have dental implants which stimulate the bone and put a halt to bone loss. The result is a set of dentures which feel more secure and allow the wearer to eat their favourite foods without any problems.
If you’d like to learn more about how dental implants in Richmond could help you, then why not book a free implant consultation with Sheen Dental whereby you can meet Dr. Harmit Kalsi and the team, and get all of your questions answered. Call us today on 020 8876 5277 or contact us online at www.sheendentalimplants.co.uk.