Dental implants have come a long way in the last fifty years. Although various things have been implanted into mouths for centuries, the first titanium implant was performed in 1965. It was this implant that opened up new possibilities and effectively made possible the level of dental care available today!
Now, with the aid of a reputable dentist Meadowbank, you can choose a dental implant that suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
What Is An Implant?
An implant is simply a replacement tooth. The old tooth is fully removed and the area is thoroughly cleaned. This will allow the dentist to surgically add a small titanium screw to your jawbone. Titanium fuses with bone, making it a permanent part of your mouth.
The dentist can then create an implant that matches your missing tooth or teeth. It adheres to the titanium screw and, if properly looked after, will last the rest of your life.
Types of Implant
There are three main types of implants that you need to know about.
- Single Tooth
A single tooth implant refers to when only one tooth is lost or damaged beyond repair. The tooth is extracted and the implant replaces it. This process takes several months as the titanium screw must be allowed to fuse with your bone before the crown of the tooth is fitted.
The crown is the visible part of the tooth, it slots onto the screw and holds fast. They are usually made from ceramic material and will match the rest of your teeth.
- Multiple teeth
If you’ve lost several teeth then multiple implants will be needed.
In general, the implanted screws are positioned on every other tooth. This reduces stress on your jawbone during the fitting and maximizes the strength of your new teeth.
Again, it will take several months to position the posts and let them heal, the crown will be two or three teeth long and fasten over the screw posts, providing a permanent solution to your missing teeth.
- All Teeth
When you’re missing all of your teeth then the dentist can create a denture that represents your new teeth. However, instead of the old-fashioned dentures that are removed at night and even fall out, these are secured to your mouth in the same way as an individual implant.
Your dentist will decide how many screw posts you need to be implanted. They will then be fitted and your dentures made up to attach to them. While the posts are healing you’ll need to continue wearing your current dentures with a slight modification to allow for the screws.
Again, this process will take several months but, with good care, the dentures will last for a lifetime.
You should note that dental implants are the best way to deal with missing teeth. They provide a natural look and you’ll be guided by your dentist regarding what works best for you. But, they are also an expensive option. You’ll need to be prepared for the cost before you have the work undertaken.
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