What are dental implants and when can they be useful?

Tooth loss

dental-implants-maintanance

Tooth loss is surprisingly common and can be an extremely inconvenient and frustrating condition. It mostly occurs as a complication of advanced tooth decay or gum disease, however tooth loss can also be the result of an accident, or aging in general. Tooth decay and gum disease mainly occur because of the large amounts of sugar found in Western diets, which is a perfect feeding ground for bacteria in the oral cavity. This results in bacterial overgrowth, which can affect your oral health in different ways. The acids that the bacteria produce can contribute to tooth decay and the bacterial presence can lead to inflammation in the gum tissue. If these are left untreated, they ultimately lead to tooth loss. Maintaining good oral health by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help you prevent tooth loss. When tooth loss does occur, the teeth are often replaced with dental implants, which is one of the best treatment solutions, according to many patients and dentists alike. If you think you would like to get dental implants or you already have them and would like dental implant maintenance in Marylebone, do not hesitate to contact our dentistry.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are small, screw-like appliances, which are surgically inserted into the jawbone during implantation. As they are made out of a special metal called titanium, they are capable of “tricking” the body into thinking that the implant is your own bone tissue, allowing for the integration of the implant into the jawbone. This feature makes dental implants an extremely useful, strong and durable solution for tooth loss. After the dental implants have been implanted, a few months time is given for the wound to heal. Once this time is over and the wound has healed, the artificial teeth are inserted onto the dental implants, which act as artificial roots. If a patient has gum disease or tooth decay present then these must be treated before the surgery.

If you or your loved one would like to get dental implants or you already have them but would like dental implant maintenance in Marylebone, book an appointment with our dentistry.

What are its benefits?

Dental implants are an extremely durable and long-lasting tooth loss solution, often lasting for a lifetime. They are able to withstand the large amounts of pressure exerted on them through chewing, so you can comfortably eat whatever you would like. They also look and behave like natural teeth so you can happily brush them as you would normally do.

Are there any risks?

As with every surgical procedure, dental implants do have their own risks too. For example, an infection may occur at the site of the implantation or the nerves or neighbouring teeth can be damaged during the surgery. Dental implants inserted into the upper jaw can in rare cases cause sinus problems. Smoking is extremely ill-advised, as it decreases the chances of successful surgery by lessening the gum tissues ability to heal and regenerate. Finally be sure to make your doctor aware of any drug or metal allergies before getting dental implants.