Having missing teeth can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing, and if you are experiencing this, you will most likely be asking your dentist Liverpool for a treatment to help fix it. This is where dental implants come in, and they can really make a difference. Dental implants are a very popular option when it comes to replacing teeth, and you can see why from patients’ results.
What are they?
Whether you decide to have one or multiple implants, the main parts of it usually stay the same no matter what. This firstly consists of an implant screw, which is the piece that is inserted into your jawbone and creates the foundation. The second piece is the abutment, which is the part that is slightly exposed, and this is what will hold your new tooth/teeth in place.
How many teeth you are looking to replace will determine which dental appliance is used; it could be a crown, bridge or denture. If you are looking to replace a single tooth, you will be provided with a crown, which is a tooth-shaped piece of porcelain. When replacing up to 4 teeth, a bridge will be used, which is multiple crowns attached to each other. Suppose you are dealing with a more severe case of tooth loss and may need a whole set of teeth replaced, an implant-supported denture can be provided to totally transform your smile.
The process
As with any dental treatment, you will first need to have a consultation appointment with your dentist to allow them to examine your mouth, take scans and photos/videos and determine whether you are eligible. To be eligible for dental implants, you will need to have enough bone left in the area to support them. If it turns out you don’t have enough bone, there are options such as bone grafting to allow you to have implants in future.
If all goes well and you are eligible for the treatment, the scans taken during the consultation appointment will be sent off so that your crown/bridge/dentures can be created. Your dental team can also then have your first surgical appointment with you to begin the process. This involves the insertion of the implants into your jawbone. Once this is done, it will be left for a few months to allow your bone to fuse with the implant; this part of the process is very important in ensuring that a strong foundation for your new tooth is created. After the fusion period, your dental team will invite you back to their practice so that they can attach your crown/bridge/dentures. This is when you will really see the difference that implants can make to your smile.
Maintaining your new smile
You are probably wondering how you take care of your new teeth once they are in. Due to your implants acting and feeling like your natural teeth, looking after them isn’t any different. It’s as simple as making sure you brush and floss regularly and make regular visits to a dental clinic as you normally would.