What are dental implants?

A dental implant is used to replace a single tooth or many teeth that have been lost. They provide function in the same way that natural teeth would.

What are dental implants?

Lots of patients ask “What are dental implants?”. A dental implant fixture is a titanium screw – it acts a bit like a raw plug that you would use in a wall. The fixture serves as the replacement for the tooth root which is missing. The dental implant fixture is inserted into your jawbone, and then a small screw is inserted into it which allows you to have a crown, bridge or denture placed painlessly over it.

Although this procedure may sound daunting, it is a relatively common procedure performed in many dental practices across the world. When carried out by an appropriately trained dental surgeon, the procedure itself is painless. There will be some mild discomfort whilst the surgical site is healing, but this should be no worse than the discomfort experienced after having a tooth extracted. The dental implant fixture needs to “osseointegrate” to function. This is the process of fusing with the bone, and will usually take around 2 to 5 months depending on each specific case. Once fully integrated, the fixture can serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth, bridge or denture.

Can anyone have Dental Implants?

In most cases, if you are healthy and can undergo a routine dental extraction then you can be considered for a dental implant. Treatment with dental implants needs to be carefully planned, and may not be suitable for all.

Here at the Rock House Dental Practice, we ensure that a detailed and comprehensive examination is carried out to ensure you are suitable and that the dental implants will be successful. Once you are aware of “What are dental implants? you will be able to decide if the treatment is right for you. We will consider such things as:

Are your gums healthy enough?

• Do you smoke?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Whether the amount of bone that you have to support the dental implant is appropriate.
• Do you need any other dental treatment carrying out?
• What is your risk to dental disease?

We will report our findings to you, and make a structured plan to deal with all of your dental issues, and only incorporate dental implants if this is appropriate for you.

Why choose Implants?

Nobody wants bridges, dentures or dental implants, they want teeth! What are dental implants? Dental implant treatment is a way of providing you with a long lasting natural looking replacement for missing teeth.

• Comfort – The implant becomes part of you! You will not need to worry about it falling out or the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Appearance – As dental implants are permanent they look just like normal, natural teeth.
• Oral health – They are a minimalistic treatment option! Other treatments to replace missing teeth can be quite destructive to the oral environment. Bridges commonly need adjacent tooth preparation, and dentures can cause damage to your gums. As dental implants do not involve any other teeth in your mouth, no damage is done and more of your own teeth are left intact!
• Durability – They are very durable and offer you another chance to have fixed teeth!
• Convenience – Dental implants negate having to remove dentures on a daily basis, as well as fiddling with glue to hold your dentures in place.
• Eating – You can eat your favourite food as you would do with normal teeth and not have to worry about dentures making chewing difficult.
• Speech – Some dentures can cause problems with slurring or mumbling of words. Dental implants will not slip and cause you any speech problems.
• Improved self-esteem – dental implants can help you regain your confidence and smile again which in turn will make you feel happier.

How do I care for my dental implants?

In short, the same way that you care for your natural teeth. If you were to stop brushing your natural teeth, they wouldn’t last for very long, and the same applies to dental implants. Here at Rock House Dental Practice, we pride ourselves in educating and empowering you to look after and maintain your teeth, gums and dental implants to the best of your abilities, ensuring an excellent prognosis.

Which dentist do I go to?

We are biased and would say come and see us here at Rock House Dental Practice! Dr Nandra is highly qualified and experienced in the field of dental implant dentistry, and will ensure that the solution provided for you is the right one for you.

If you cannot come and see us, then talk to your normal dentist. You may find that they provide dental implants.

Whoever you choose, ensure that they have the correct training for dental implants. Find out what training they have done, and where. Ask them how long they have been placing implants for, and also talk to them about their success rates. Ask the surgeon what implant system they use. There are hundreds of dental implant systems available, but my advice would be to ensure that you choose to have one of the long-standing and reputable brands.

Wondering “What are dental implants?” Contact us now on info@rockdental.co.uk or click here to get in touch and to find out more!