Whether it’s a single missing tooth or several gaps in your smile, it’s no secret that tooth loss can have a huge impact on how you feel about yourself. For many of our patients, missing teeth can even lead to further oral health complications, eventually leading to further tooth and bone loss.
But the good news is that there is a wide range of options available to you, with dental implants able to completely transform the way your smile looks, feels and performs. But how do you know what option will work best for you?
If you’ve got one or more missing teeth, but are unsure about where to begin – keep reading to find out more.
What are dental implants?
Advances in technology mean that dental implants can be done in the space of a day, providing patients with fully functioning teeth without having to attend several dental appointments. Sounds good, doesn’t it? But what are they?
Dental implants are long-term solutions for when natural teeth have fallen out. They are made using a titanium screw, which goes into the jawbone and is topped with a false tooth that is designed to match the appearance of your remaining teeth. The finished result is often one that is discreet and natural-looking.
The benefit of using a titanium screw is that it’s one of the few materials that will be readily accepted by the surrounding gum. This process is known as osseointegration, where the titanium implant fuses with the bone over time. Once this process is complete, the new tooth will perform and feel natural, as if it was one of your own.
Pros and cons of dental implants
Like with any expensive dental work, you will want to feel confident that you’ve weighed up all the pros and cons first. Whilst there are a number of different types of dental implants available, the general list of advantages and disadvantages include:
Pros:
- Natural feel and appearance
- Restore facial contours
- Can last a lifetime
- Prevent bone loss
- Are easy to look after
- Cost-effective
- Can let you eat and drink freely
Cons:
- You will need to meet certain criteria to be eligible
- The process of getting dental implants can be a long one
- They are an investment
- There is a risk of dental implants failing
What are the different types of dental implants?
There are a number of different dental implant types available, ranging from the most common and simple to more complex types that are less readily available. The three most common include:
- Endosteal implants – these are the most common type of implants, and they are usually the best suited to most types of tooth loss. This type of implant goes directly into the jawbone, so it is necessary that the patient has enough healthy bone present.
- Subperiosteal implants – for patients who may have lost a lot of their natural jawbone, this type of implant may be recommended as instead of being fixed directly into the jawbone, they instead rest on the bone that’s still under the gum. To ensure the implants are stable, a metal frame is placed beneath the gum with posts that hold your new teeth in place.
- Zygomatic implants – this type of implant is fairly rare and very specialised. They are a good option where there has been significant jawbone deterioration as they are placed into the cheekbone rather than the jawbone.
Not every type of dental implant will always be suitable, so it’s important to speak with your dentist who will be able to examine your mouth and advise on the best option for you.
Think you could benefit from dental implants?
If you’re suffering from tooth loss – then it’s highly likely. Dental implants are ideal for patients with missing teeth or 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 are certain criteria that you must meet.
For instance, an ideal candidate is someone that is healthy and doesn’t smoke (or is willing to quit before the procedure).
The best way to find out whether dental implants are right for you is to get in touch with a dentistry clinic that specialises in this particular treatment, like Hockerill Dental, which specialises in dental implants in Bishops Stortford. Interested in finding out more? Give them a call today to book your first consultation.
