Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular way to replace missing teeth. Single teeth can be replaced with just one dental implant, while multiple teeth can be replaced with multiple implants that are used to support a denture or bridge.
Dental implants will generally be suitable for anyone in reasonable dental and general health. Many older people can benefit from this treatment, particularly as it can be useful in securing loose lower dentures in place. Treatment may not be suitable for anyone with a systemic disease or who smokes.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Of all the options available to replace a natural tooth which has been lost, the implant supported tooth behaves the most like a natural tooth allowing one to chew hard with confidence and providing the greatest comfort.
Compared with a partial or full denture, an implant supported tooth has no bulky plate to extend over your palate or under your tongue.
Bridges, another common option to replace teeth, require the adjacent teeth to be cut down to receive crowns as part of the bridge, which then puts those teeth at risk of future complications such as decay. Additionally, bridges are usually harder to clean and are not as strong as implanted teeth.
When you bite down on natural teeth, the forces generated are transmitted through the tooth, into the tooth roots and out into the surrounding bone which stimulates it to continue renewing old bone cells. Once teeth are extracted this cannot happen. Dental implants can be an advantageous way to replace teeth as they act like an artificial tooth root stimulating the surrounding bone which helps to preserve it.
What is a Dental Implant and how is it Placed?
A dental implant consists of a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone during a small surgical procedure. The implant post has to be left to heal for several months to enable it to fully integrate with the jawbone. This process is called Osseo integration and is essential for firmly anchoring the post in the jaw so it becomes part of the jawbone. Afterwards it is very like an artificial tooth root. Once Osseo integration is completed the post can be restored with an implant crown, bridge or denture.
Enfield Dental Practice will refer you to an appropriate surgeon for implant planning and placement. This process is quite involved as you will need to have x-rays and a CT scan. These diagnostic tests enable your dentist to fully assess your jawbone as it is important the implant is surrounded by plenty of healthy bone, and surgery must be planned to avoid essential structures such as nerves and sinuses. The actual process to place the implant is quite quick
As soon as the implant has healed, which typically takes between three and six months, you can return to our practice for the final restoration. With proper care, dental implants can give many years of trouble-free use, and they typically have a very high success rate as patients are carefully screened before being recommended for this treatment.