Dental or Denture Implants can often be a suitable option for replacing missing teeth. Implants are placed directly into the jawbone, so they hold false teeth in place in the same way that the roots support your natural teeth.

Traditionally a dental implant placed into your jawbone supports a single crown and this is known as a single tooth implant. However if you have several missing teeth you do not necessarily need an implant for every missing tooth, one implant can support several teeth via a bridge, partial dentures, or if necessary, a complete set of dentures.

Before any dental implants are placed it is important for your dentist to assess the health of your teeth and gums, if there are any signs of gum disease or decay this must be treated first.

Following this, your treatment is planned with several x-rays to assess bone quality and check for nearby anatomical structures to avoid before any drilling.

Your dentist will cut the gum where the implant is to be placed and lifted and will drill a small hole in the jawbone. He will fit a titanium implant tightly into this socket and stitch the gum back over the implant. If there is insufficient bone material to accommodate the dental implant the dentist may use smaller sized mini implants or a bone graft. The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthestic.

The dental implant is then left to heal and fuse with the jawbone for approximately 6 weeks. The bone tissue will grow and anchor itself into the surface of the dental implant. During the healing period patients are given temporary teeth (bridges) or continue to wear dentures. It’s important that any temporary teeth do not exert any force on the healing implant as this may cause permanent damage. After the healing period, an incision is made into the gum and a post is attached to the implant complete with a temporary crown. Four to six weeks later (when the surrounding gum tissue has healed) the final, permanent, porcelain crown can be fitted to the implant.

Advantages of dental / denture implants over normal dentures and bridges?

If you lose a tooth, you will be left with a hole where your tooth root used to be. The bone around this area will slowly begin to disappear (atrophy) and may change the shape of your jaw. Having a dental implant placed can actually stimulate bone growth and prevent loss of valuable bone structure.

Once dental implants are fully integrated into your jaw they function just as well as your own natural teeth and you can eat the foods you want and speak with complete confidence. Dentures can be supported by implants or mini-implants which will improve function, enabling patients to eat the foods they want with complete confidence without having to worry about bone loss and loose, worn-out dentures falling out.

Unlike normal bridges and dentures which require special cleaning instructions and extra attention, dental implants need regular brushing, flossing and hygiene appointments just like your natural teeth.

Typical mass produced dentures can become loose and look unnatural and some bridges and dentures have unsightly metal clasps to hold them in place. Dental implants provide a much better cosmetic and functional end result.

Most healthy individuals that maintain a good oral hygiene program are suitable for dental implants. Circumstances where implants may not be suitable include heavy smoking – this slows down the healing process of gums, excessive alcohol intake – disrupts healing of the gums, gum disease – all active gum disease must be treated prior to any dental implant procedure to ensure treatment is successful. In addition, dental implants may not suit people who grind their teeth heavily at night (bruxism).

Dental implants have been used for over 30 years to replace missing teeth and they can last a very long time, depending upon how you look after them.

The Smile Centre UK can fit dentures on to existing denture implants. Please note that the surgical fitting of dental implants or indeed any surgical procedure cannot be carried out by The Smile Centre.

For a free consultation or more information about denture implants, please call us today on 0800 525 114 or visit our website at http://www.thesmilecentreuk.co.uk/

Author Bio: The Smile Centre UK can fit dentures on to existing denture implants. Please note that the surgical fitting of dental implants or indeed any surgical procedure cannot be carried out by The Smile Centre. For a free consultation or more information about denture implants, please call us today on 0800 525 114 or visit our website at http://www.thesmilecentreuk.co.uk/

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Implants, Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist Surgery, Cosmetics, The Smile Centre UK, Manchester