Dental Treatments: Why Dental Implants?

Advances in dental implants themselves as well as placement techniques and aftercare have lead to them becoming the foremost option for replacement of missing teeth. Coupled with these advances, as well as the increasing number of trained cosmetic dentistry specialists, the cost of dental implants has also dramatically increased.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are so called as they are titanium rods that are implanted into the jaw bone. A porcelain crown is placed on top of the rod to give the look and feel of a natural tooth. As they are implanted they provide a long lasting and aesthetically pleasing option for the replacement of missing teeth.

How are dental implants placed?

A dental implant assessment needs to take place before placement. This is to check whether enough bone is present for the dental implant to be effectively secured. If bone has been lost, which may be the case after an accident or decay, then a bone augmentation may need to be undertaken. This can actually be carried out at the same time as implant placement. The procedure is normally carried out under local anaesthetic or for those of a nervous temperament it can be carried out under general.

Dental implant treatment is carried out in two stages; the first stage is the placement of the titanium rod (and possible bone augmentation) and the second is the addition of the porcelain crown. Whilst waiting for the rod to heal into place a temporary bridge or denture is placed to protect the gum and surrounding teeth. The area may be swollen slightly for a short period upon placement of the rod, however once the porcelain crown is placed the implant is ready to go within a few days.

So why dental implants?

Dental implants are safe, aesthetically pleasing and the closest thing to a natural tooth as you can get. They have an amazing lifespan of over 25 years and restore natural chewing as well as bone and facial structure. Cleaning dental implants is just the same as cleaning teeth, with no special attention needed. Dental implants are also very affordable and can be paid for in monthly installments at cosmetic dentists such as Care Dental.