Tooth loss: it’s not always about not brushing properly or forgetting your appointment with your hygienist Richmond. Tooth loss can be the result of age, gender, medication, certain illnesses, or having an accident to name but a few of the causes. While regularly visiting your dentist and dental hygienist is a really important factor in taking care of your teeth and gums properly, there are sometimes issues that arise and are beyond your control. If you need to replace missing teeth and want to have a solution that allows you to feel like you have your natural teeth again, dental implants could be the treatment you need.
Dental implants
Dental implants are metal screws that are attached to the jawbone and are used to provide a stable post for your teeth to be attached to. The implants become fixed into position when the body’s tissues heal around them. As such, the replacement teeth shouldn’t move whether you’re talking or eating. Replacement teeth can be either crowns, bridges or dentures, depending on the number of teeth you are having replaced. Typically speaking, crowns are used to replace a single tooth, whereas a bridge may be used for several teeth. Dentures are used for whole mouth replacements.
Dental implants: the advantages
If you are eligible for dental implants, the great thing is you won’t be electing for major surgery. In fact, dental implants only require local anaesthetic. During the first appointment, you will have your implants fitted and temporary replacement teeth attached to them. There is then a period of several weeks, while your gums heal and fuse with the screws, after which you will then need to go for a second appointment to have the permanent replacement teeth attached. This means that in just a couple of visits, you will have your new smile. Of course, it is also advantageous that it should be very easy to maintain your smile too. Dental implants simply need to be taken care of by brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly for routine checkups. If you do all of this, you might even have your implants for the rest of your life!
Carefree and sassy!
For many patients, the beauty of dental implants is the fact that nobody will realise you don’t have a full set of natural teeth, and that they can rely on them to stay put no matter what they eat or how much they are talking. This can increase your self-esteem and confidence, knowing that your teeth are going to be reliable and function like your natural teeth.
Health benefits
But, it’s not just about how great your smile will look. Replacing your missing teeth is also important for your oral health and both your dentist and hygienist can advise on the benefits of doing so. By having implants fitted, you are protecting the remaining natural teeth you have, and the gums, from being overexposed to bacteria. You could even look younger as you add structure back into your face when you fill in the gaps in your smile.
Find out more
If you are interested in finding out more about dental implants and want to know if this treatment is appropriate for you, book in for an initial consultation at a dental practice offering this treatment and they will examine you and advise if this is the right treatment for you. Choosing dental implants could be something you love and your mouth will too!