Introduction to Dental Implants by Kathryn Dawson

Dental implants are artificial tooth replacement methods used to counteract the effects of tooth loss. The procedure itself can be placed in two categories, namely prosthetic dentistry or cosmetic dentistry. It is the only restorative medical procedure that has proven to be both functionally effective and durable when it comes to treating missing teeth. However, such procedures should be conducted under the medical supervision of a fully qualified dentist.

The first step of a dental implants procedure involves inserting a small dental implant into the jaws. This implant is generally composed of a screw and crown made of titanium. This is lowered into the jaws through a small diameter hole that is first made in the required place. Great skill and expertise are required for effectively conducting this service so as to prevent the jaw from any damage. After the placing of both the screw and its protective cover, the jaw is given time to heal. During this process, the bones take root in the screw and the filling is solidified.

Following the resting period, a temporary crown is placed on the screw after removing its cover. Soon the gums grow around this crown to make it look and feel 100% real. These implants are virtually indistinguishable from the original teeth because of the close functional and structural resemblance of the implant and the living bone.

Do You Require Dental Implants?

Teeth not only provide structural support to our facial muscles, but also play a very important role in digestion. However, once they begin to fall victim to cavities, accidents or other medical conditions, we start to adjust to the situation. There is absolutely no reason to do this. Dental implants are a safe and proven method for recovering lost teeth. Listed below are some of the conditions in which dental implants have shown positive results:

• If you are missing one or more teeth

• There is a lot of space between your teeth

• If you have trouble speaking and/or chewing

• If you are unwilling to use dentures

• If the existing bridges or crowns are causing you trouble

• The teeth that hold your crown or bridges are loosening

Addressing Dental Implants FAQs

Here are some questions that patients typically ask about dental implants:

• Will it cost a fortune?

• Will I lose my teeth at some point in time?

• How much will it hurt?

• What is the success rate?

• How long will it last?

The answers to these questions depend heavily on the dentist you are referring to. Dental implants need not be expensive; in fact some of the leading dental institutions in the UK provide highly competitive prices for their services. They deploy modern techniques of making dental insertions which have made these procedures hurt even less than removing a tooth. These implants often come with a guarantee of 10-15 years.

Cosmetic Dental Treatment and Its Advantages

Cosmetic dental treatment can be taken advantage of by just about anyone, irrespective of whether or not they need dental implants. This treatment also makes use of similar titanium based screw and a crown to install the fittings, the only difference being that the objective is to beautify the present set of teeth.

The overall jaw structure can suffer disfiguration due to various factors like childhood injury or late growth of some teeth. Now even such patients can go for dental implants and get themselves a fresh smile, custom made in the dentist's lab. The treatment is mostly painless due to the use of anesthesia and the fact that the jaw has limited nerve sensitivity. The new set of teeth, placed by cosmetic dental treatment, will require regular teeth whitening measures like brushing, flossing and regular trips to the dentist.