Dental implants are one of the most popular types of treatment available for those with one or more missing teeth, and for good reason. Not only is this a long-term solution for tooth loss, but it’s also fixed, reliable and natural looking, unlike other treatments out there.
But there’s no denying that dental implants are a significant investment, so it can be helpful to know what to expect before you get started. If you’re suffering from tooth loss and want to learn more about the dental implant process, keep reading.
Tell me more about dental implants
Dental implants work to replace missing teeth through the use of titanium screws which are inserted directly into the jawbone and topped with a crown. The end result is a secure tooth that looks, feels and performs as your natural tooth would do.
There is a range of different kinds of dental implants out there, both for single-tooth loss and for those who have multiple missing teeth. Here at Hockerill Dental, we cater to all types of patients, offering both single-missing tooth implants and full-mouth dental implants.
How do single missing tooth implants work?
Many of the patients who come to us with just one missing tooth are concerned about how their smile looks and what treatments are available to them. The good news is that our treatments can replace a single missing tooth effectively and restore your smile in no time.
There are some deciding factors we must take into account for single-tooth implants, such as:
- The quality of bone
- How much space there is
- The amount of bone
Often, single-tooth failure will require bone grafting to increase the volume and density in the underlying bone before the implant can be placed. The healing time for a bone graft can be anywhere between 4-6 months, and the implant can only be affixed when it has fully healed.
However, in some cases, immediate loading may be required so that the tooth can be used straight after treatment has taken place. This is something your dentist will be able to discuss with you during your consultation.
How do full-mouth dental implants work?
Full-mouth dental implants may be the best solution if you’re suffering from several or all missing teeth. Usually, many missing teeth might mean more severe bone loss, but luckily there is a wide range of techniques available today which can make this less of an issue, such as our popular all-on-4 implants.
Full-mouth dental implants work much in the same way as single ones, through the process of osseointegration, which is the process of the jawbone growing around the implant.
Each restoration uses the implant, which goes into the jawbone, the post which secures the crown to the implant and the crown itself which is your new artificial tooth. Depending on the type of extraction you’ve had, we may either opt for delayed placement or immediate, so the overall time it takes to achieve your new smile can vary.
Your dentist will be able to discuss your options with you during an initial consultation and will walk you through the process in detail.
Think you could benefit from dental implants?
Dental implants are ideal for patients with missing teeth or those who are experiencing discomfort from an ill-fitting denture. They give you confidence in your smile – which reduces anxiety – and improve your bite, speech and oral health. But there is a certain criterion that you must meet.
For instance, an ideal candidate is healthy and doesn’t smoke (or is willing to quit before the procedure).
The best way to find out whether dental implants in Hertfordshire are right for you is to get in touch with a dentistry clinic that focuses on full-jaw dental implant solutions, like the team here at Hockerill Dental.
So, if you’d like to learn more, be sure to get in touch with us at 01279 652400 or email us at [email protected] and someone will get back to you.