Dental implants have become the most sought-after tooth replacement option in the UK over the years. This is because tooth implants are highly durable and offer lifelike aesthetics. But have you ever wondered why dental implants are the best solution for missing teeth? This blog will answer this question. So, continue reading to learn about what makes dental implants such a popular choice for tooth replacement.
What Are Dental Implants?
According to the Oral Health Foundation, an implant is a titanium-based, screw-shaped fixture which serves as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant is inserted, it promotes bone formation around it and provides a solid foundation for any prosthesis or final restoration attached to it for replacing missing teeth.
What Are The Steps Of Dental Implants?
The placement of dental implants is typically carried out in multiple steps. However, in some cases, dentists may also place them in a single sitting. Here are the steps involved in getting tooth implants:
- Clinical Examination and Treatment Planning – the first step in implant therapy is a detailed clinical examination. Your dentist will examine your teeth and look at their X-ray images and digital models. This helps them prepare an in-depth, fully customised treatment plan for every patient. This treatment plan includes information such as the type, number, location, and angulation of the implants required for tooth replacement.
- The Implant Procedure – in the next appointment, your dentist will surgically place the implants at pre-determined locations. First, they will administer local anaesthesia to make you pain-free. Next, they will make incisions over the soft tissues where implant placement is planned. Once the underlying bone tissue is exposed, they will carefully screw-in the implants using pre-fabricated surgical templates. These templates are used to ensure precise positioning and angulation of the implants.
- The Healing Phase – once the implants have been placed, your dentist will attach healing collars over them to ensure uninterrupted healing. Your dentist will also place temporary crowns on the implants to restore the aesthetics. However, they shouldn’t be used for eating.
Afterwards, the implant site is then left undisturbed for 4-6 months. This is to ensure that optimal bone forms around the implant to anchor it firmly. Once the implants are firmly embedded into the jawbone, your dentist will remove the temporary crowns and replace them with the final prosthesis.
That’s it. Now you can smile with confidence and enjoy all your favourite foods without any restrictions.
What Is The Difference Between Crowns And Dental Implants?
A crown is a restoration used to restore the damaged portion of a natural tooth. We can consider a crown as a cap that sits on the tooth and restores its structure, strength, and aesthetics. On the other hand, an implant is a cylindrical structure which is inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. So, a crown is used for “restoring or strengthening” a damaged natural tooth, while an implant is used for tooth replacement.
Are Dental Implants Safe, And How Long Do They Last?
Dental implants are a very safe tooth replacement option, according to Healthline. Why? Because dental implants are made of titanium, which is known for its safety, Titanium is considered a safe material that doesn’t induce any allergic reaction or adverse effect in the oral cavity or human body. So, if you’re concerned about the safety of dental implants, don’t be; they are absolutely safe!
Can Dental Implants Last A Lifetime?
Dental implants have the highest survival rates among all tooth replacement options. With proper care and oral hygiene maintenance, you can expect your implants to last a lifetime.
Can You Get Dental Implants If You Don’t Have Any Teeth?
Whether you have a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all your teeth missing, you can benefit from dental implants. For someone who has lost all their teeth, dentists can replace them with a fixed complete denture supported by only 4 or 6 implants placed at strategic locations. This type of prosthesis is called All-on-4 or All-on-6, depending on the number of supporting implants used.
Do Teeth Implants Need Maintenance?
Dental implants require the same maintenance and care as natural teeth. By ensuring optimal oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing, you can prevent common dental issues in your natural teeth and ensure that your implants last a lifetime.
What Is Bone Grafting In Dental Implant Treatment?
Bone grafting is a procedure in which dentists insert natural or artificial bone into regions in the jaw where there is insufficient bone density to support an implant. A bone graft helps replenish the quality and density of the bone, thereby helping in the optimal anchoring of the implant in the jawbone.
Are Dental Implants Worth The Cost?
Dental implants are by far the most long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing option for replacing missing teeth. So, despite their relatively higher cost compared to other treatment options, they are still worth it. The only thing to consider is that you should visit a qualified and experienced dentist for dental implants. You may find numerous dental practices in Didcot offering cheap implant therapy, but you should beware! Most of them have novice dentists, or they use substandard materials to cut costs.
If you’re looking for the best dental implant practice in Didcot, your first choice should be The Oxford Smile Clinics. We have highly trained and experienced dentists who are there to take care of all your general and implant dentistry-related problems. So, book a free consultation and begin your journey towards a healthy, charming, and lasting smile.