Dental implants are a common method to replace missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the jaw to serve as an anchor for a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on the number of teeth to be replaced.
This month the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will discuss the benefits of dental implants and the procedure involved in restoring teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants:
- Dental implants are the closest possible replacement to natural teeth and, if cared for properly, can last for over 10 years.
- Dental implants have a high success rate among implantation treatments, though no treatment has a 100% guarantee of success.
- Dental implants can support crowns, bridges, or dentures, reducing the need for individual dental implants for each missing tooth.
- Dental implants help stabilize the jaw, promote new bone growth, and reduce the risk of bone loss, which can prevent sagging and premature aging of the face.
- Dental implants blend seamlessly with natural teeth, making it difficult to distinguish restorations from original teeth.
- Over the long term, dental implants can be cost-effective compared to dentures or bridges, which need to be replaced every 5-7 years.
- Dental implants can securely anchor a denture, preventing movement when talking, eating, or smiling.
Dental Implant Treatment:
Before any treatment, the dentist will assess your teeth and gums and take x-rays to determine the health of the jawbone. If the bone is not sufficient, a bone graft may be necessary before implant placement.
Dental implants are placed under local anaesthesia. Some discomfort may occur in the week following surgery as the bone fuses to the implant, but this is manageable with over-the-counter pain killers. The implant is left for 3-5 months to form a secure foundation as the bone grows around it.
Once the implant has healed, an abutment is fitted to support a crown, bridge, or denture.
Prior to treatment, the dentist will provide a written treatment plan outlining the procedures and estimated costs.
A dental implant should be maintained with good oral hygiene and regular dental and hygienist appointments.
For more information or to see if dental implants are suitable for you, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 to book a consultation.
