Advantages of Dental Implant Surgery

In the past the only options for replacing missing teeth were to either have a partial or full denture, or to have a bridge, but nowadays dental implant surgery is becoming far more popular, and with good reason. An implant closely replicates a natural tooth, and is by far the most effective and long-lasting way of replacing teeth.

A single implant can be used to replace a single tooth, while multiple implants can be used to replace several teeth, or even a complete arch of missing teeth. The technology behind implant surgery is tried and tested, and the success rate is generally between 95% and 98%, provided you are in good general health, and look after your implant properly.

Benefits of having dental implants can include the following:

• A dental implant does not require any healthy tooth structure to be removed from adjacent teeth, unlike a bridge or a partial denture
• If your implants are to replace dentures, then you will enjoy better nutrition as you will be able to eat a wider range of foods
• Former denture wearers often enjoy improved speech, as implant supported dentures or bridges are firmly fixed in place and will not move around
• Improved self-confidence and self-esteem as dental implants feel secure, will not move around and support the cheeks and lips properly
• A dental implant can be a cost-effective solution in the long run as it should last a very long time provided it is looked after properly

Although the reasons above are all very valid, there is one that is even more important, and that is the benefit to your oral health. Your teeth have a very important role to play in helping to maintain your jawbone.

Every time you bite down on natural teeth these biting forces are transmitted to the tooth root, stimulating the surrounding bone so it continues to grow and remain healthy. Once the tooth root is removed, the jawbone no longer receives this stimulation and will gradually resorb (lose bone). Dental implants effectively replace the missing tooth root so the bone continues to receive this stimulation, helping to ensure it remains healthy and strong.

Before You Have Dental Implant Surgery

Before you can have an implant you will need to have a full consultation. We will need to check that you are a suitable candidate for dental implant surgery, and that you have sufficient bone density in your jaw. It is not suitable for everyone as implants are more likely to fail in smokers and in people with conditions affecting their immune system such as diabetes. This is because these conditions interfere with the healing process. Once you have been given the all clear you will be able to have the surgery.

Having Dental Implant Surgery

A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone during a small surgical process. The gum is opened up to expose the bone so the titanium post can be inserted. Afterwards the titanium post needs time for osseointegration to take place. This is the process whereby bone cells begin to grow on the surface of the post, anchoring it firmly into place.

After the area has been allowed to heal then we will be able to attach an abutment to the titanium post. This protrudes out of the gum line rather like the stump of a tooth, and is used to support the crown or bridge. The final restoration should look extremely aesthetically pleasing, and your dental implant should be virtually indiscernible from a natural tooth.

In our practice, dental implant surgery and restoration are done by specialists, so you can be assured of getting the best end result possible.