A radiant smile has the power to fill you with confidence and ensure you always make a first impression that is memorable for all the right reasons – but what if it’s something that doesn’t come naturally? Not everyone is blessed with the perfect set of pearly whites, and even those who are may encounter dental health issues later in life that leave their teeth looking less than their best. Tooth decay can often result in the need for extractions, and then there are the accidents that can occur and leave you with one or two missing – but thanks to dental implants, the good news is that it’s something that can be fixed so that you can smile with confidence again.
Dental implants have become one of the most popular and effective solutions for replacing missing teeth, and offer a natural-looking alternative to dentures or bridges. They’re durable, too, which means they’re designed to last, and for many, they are the answer they’ve been waiting for.
If you’re looking for a solution for missing teeth then they might be for you, too. Here, we take a closer look at all you need to know about dental implants so that you can make the right decision about the future of your oral health.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Over time, the titanium fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a sturdy foundation for an artificial tooth (a crown) or even an entire set of artificial teeth.
Implants are often recommended by dentist to those who have lost one or more teeth as a result of injury, decay, or periodontal disease, and can be used to replace as many as needed, from single tooth right up to full mouth reconstruction.
The benefits of dental implants
But with such a plethora of other cosmetic dentistry and tooth replacements available, why would you specifically choose dental implants?
Well, for starters, their natural look and feel wins them extra points. Dental implants closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth and can be shade matched to ensure that they blend right in and are undetectable in the mouth. They also mimic the function of natural teeth, so as well as looking seamless, they feel it too.
For those needing a full mouth reconstruction, a growing number of individuals are turning to dental implants over dentures, because they offer a more permanent solution and are more stable and secure. Because they are fixed directly into the jawbone, there’s no shifting or coming loose to contend with, which means no need to worry about them staying in place when you’re talking or eating or having to avoid certain foods.
One of the other great things about dental implants is that adjacent teeth are unaffected by them. While other methods may require them to be reduced or altered, with implants, there’s no need, so the health and structure of your remaining teeth remains untouched.
Plus, with the right care, dental implants will last a lifetime.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
According to Evo Dental, who offer dental implants in Glasgow, it’s worth bearing in mind that not everyone is the right candidate for dental implants, but if you have healthy gums and ample jawbone density to support them then they might be a viable option for replacing your missing teeth. You’ll also need to be in good health overall to ensure you have the best possible chances of healing correctly after the procedure is done, and be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene moving forward. That means brushing and flossing twice daily and attending regular check-ups with your dentist. If you smoke, you’ll also need to be willing to kick the habit, as doing so may interfere with the healing process and increase the possibility of your implants failing and having to be removed.
The procedure
If you meet the requirements and have decided that dental implants are for you, then you might be wondering what the process actually entails.
It all starts with a consultation, where you’ll undergo an oral assessment to determine the right course of action for your individual needs. Your dentist or oral surgeon will take 3D images or X-rays to get a thorough picture of your oral structure and health so that they can then go ahead and devise your treatment plan.
Once that’s done and you’re happy with the proposed route ahead, it’s time for the procedure itself. On the day, the surgeon will make a small incision into your gum to expose your jawbone and drill a hole for the implant before placing in the titanium post and stitching the incision up.
It might sound rather gruesome, but it’s all done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel a thing.
Post surgery, the osseointegration process can take between three and six months and during this time, good oral care is essential to keep the mouth, teeth and gums clean and allow the implants to integrate and the incisions to heal.
But that’s not all, because once this phase is complete, an abutment – a small connector piece – will then be attached to each implant. The gum will need a little more time to heal again after this before the crowns – in other words, the teeth – can be attached and the process is finally over.
Post-procedure
Once your dental implants are fully in place, you’ll be able to enjoy a natural looking set of teeth that match the colour, shape and size of any of your remaining natural teeth, as well as all the benefits that come with them.
You’ll need to continue with a consistent oral health routine moving forward and be sure to visit your dentist for regular check-ups to ensure that your implants and teeth remain healthy.
When well looked after, dental implants are an effective, practical and aesthetically appealing solution that promise to give you that beautiful smile back again.
