Losing a tooth is a distressing experience. It can happen for all sorts of reasons – from tooth decay to accident or injury. No matter what the reason, if you’ve lost a tooth you’ll know how traumatic it can be, particularly if the missing tooth is near the front of your mouth. You may suddenly find yourself embarrassed to smile or laugh in public, and your general confidence can plummet.
Dental implants are a popular way to replace missing teeth. They are the only permanent solution to a missing tooth and, with proper care, can last many years – even a lifetime.
There are more than just cosmetic reasons to replace a missing tooth with dental implants. Over time, the bone beneath gaps left by missing teeth will start to recede. Other teeth may also move into the gap, becoming crooked and difficult to clean, which can lead to further dental health problems. You may also find your speech and your ability to enjoy a healthy diet is affected.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a bionic tooth root. It’s a small, titanium screw that is placed directly into the jaw bone with a minor surgical procedure. After a healing period, a replacement tooth is then attached, restoring the appearance of your smile and providing all the functionality of a natural tooth, meaning you can bite, chew and smile with renewed confidence.
In most cases when we replace a single tooth with a dental implant, a crown is placed on top to complete the restoration. This crown will be matched to the natural shade of your teeth, so it will look fully authentic.
When you come in for an implant consultation, we will first assess you to make sure you are suitable for dental implants. Most patients are, although if you have suffered bone loss you may need a bone graft or sinus lift first.
Your dentist will then place your implant in your jaw bone. This can be done under local anaesthetic or sedation, depending on your preference. After a healing period of a few months, an abutment is attached to your implant and your crown is placed on top. Your dentist or hygienist will provide you with detailed advice on how to look after your implant to ensure you have a smile to be proud of for many years to come.
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