Tooth implants are a ground-breaking dental procedure commonly used by top practitioners including Dentalia. Here we explain how dental implants work and why they are often needed to replace our original teeth.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial replacements to missing teeth that are held into place by the jaw and headed by a synthetic tooth. Implants are necessary because missing teeth can lead to issues such as the weakening of the jaw bone.
The ‘implant’ itself is a small screw made from titanium, a material that bonds extremely well with the bone in the jaw, making it perfect for such treatments.
Prior to the procedure a patient will undergo scans and x-rays that help to determine the bone density of their jawbone and to mark out exactly where the new implant will be inserted. If all is well, the patient will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area before a small hole is made in the jawbone ready to receive the implant.
Once the implant is fixed it will be given the vital time it needs to bond with the jawbone, typically over a period of three to five months. This important process is known as ‘osseointegration’
When the implant has bonded and healed it will form a strong and secure artificial tooth root on which a suitable dental crown is attached.
Why are teeth removed in the first place?
There are a number of reasons why it may be necessary to remove teeth from the mouth and replace them with a dental implant:
Damage: In cases where a tooth is so badly broken or ruptured that it can not be fixed with a filling, dentists will often advise that the tooth is removed and replaced.
Gum disease: Periodontal disease causes an infection of the tissue and bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. If untreated this can cause the teeth to loosen and require extraction.
Infection: When tooth decay or damage extends to the centre of the tooth (the pulp) where nerves and blood vessels are contained, the bacteria in the mouth can enter the pulp, leading to infection. In cases where infection is so severe that antibiotics are no use, extraction is often required in order to prevent the spread of infection.
To find out more about dental implants, please call the friendly team at Dentalia on 01256 353033.