The team at Hartwell Dentistry are pleased to be able to bring you the latest techniques and clinical technology in dental implants.
Quite a number of our patients have undergone, or are considering dental implants. We thought we would take the opportunity to discuss dental implants in today’s post.
Of all restoration solutions, dental implants have the highest rate of success. They look, feel, and function just like real teeth and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Implants can be used to either replace missing teeth, support dental bridges or to secure dentures.
Advantages of dental implants:
- Dental implant restorations never decay.
- The implants prevent the many side effects of missing teeth occurring, like gum recession, bone loss and speech difficulties.
- You can acheive the full strength of your bite and regain proper chewing with Dental Implants.
- Grinding down your teeth on either side of the gap is not required.
- Implants can provide a secure and reliable denture, eliminating any slipping of the denture and making them comfortable to wear and use.
- As they prevent bone loss, they will preserve the appearance of your face. Some people find with bone loss, they can suffer from symptoms like sunken cheek bones and changes to facial structures.
Dental Implants considerations:
- Dental Implants may not be suitable for every patient, but after a creful examination and discussion our team at Hartwell Dentistry can help determine with you and/or any specialist is this is the right course of action for you
Stages involved with dental implants
1. Assessing suitability by Dentist and Specialist
The specialist and dentist will need to assess your gum health and bone levels. You will also require radiographs and digital imaging to determine if you will be a successful candidate.
2. Setting up times with specialist for implant placement
The implant is placed at one visit under local anaesthetic, it then needs to integrate with your natural bone, this can take 8-12 weeks. In that time, you will need to see your specialist to see how the implant is healing. Once this has occurred you are referred back to Hartwell Dentistry for the tooth/teeth to be placed.
3. Placement of final restoration
An appointment is required to take appropriate records and models. These are then sent to a master technician for fabrication of the restoration, which usually takes 3 weeks.
You then return to have the final tooth or teeth placed.
Both these appointments are done without any injections.
The new teeth are ready for immediate use.
Overall, dental implants are the best option if you are looking to replace missing teeth and to stabilise your mouth as a whole.