When it comes to looking after your teeth, we all know the importance of daily brushing and regular checks. But what happens when something goes wrong with your teeth? If you find that you have a missing, broken or unhealthy tooth, then it may be time to discuss the idea of dental implants with your dentist.
What are dental implants?
If you need one or more false teeth, then you will need a dental implant to support this false tooth. Dental implants are titanium screws which are a man-made replacement of the root of your tooth. It will be fixed into the jawbone, and behaves just like the normal root does. They can be used to replace a single tooth, or several teeth.
Are they suitable for everyone?
Dental implants will rely on the condition of the bone within your jaw. If you have discussed having dental implants with your dentist, then they will need to perform a number of different tests, which will check the amount and condition of the bone. If there is not enough bone, or it is in poor condition, then you may need a bone graft before an implant can be placed.
What is the process?
One of the biggest concerns for people who need dental implants is the pain during the procedure. It is often easy to place in an implant then it is taking the tooth out in the first place and it can be completed under a simple local anaesthetic.
Whilst you won’t feel any pain during the procedure, thanks to the local anaesthetic, you are likely to feel a little uncomfortable for the week after the surgery.
If you are nervous about the procedure, then your dentist may offer you a sedative in order to help you feel more at ease. It is rare that you will be offered a general anaesthetic, and this is usually only in the most complicated cases.
Your false teeth will not be put in place at the same time as the implants. This is because the bone in your jaw needs to grow onto the implants and fuse to them. This process can take a few months to complete. If you are having one, two or three teeth replaced then you may be given a temporary denture whilst you wait for your dental implants to become firm enough to take the false teeth.
Once the implants are securely in place, then the implants can be fitted.
How to care for dental implants
Implants behave just like your natural teeth, and should have the same level of care. How well you look after your dental implants, as well as how regularly you attend your dental appointments, is going to have the biggest impact on how long they last. You will be shown the best ways to clean your implants and you will be advised to have regular hygienist appointments to make sure that they are looking their best!
If you do not look after your implants, then they will develop a similar coating to that on natural teeth. If this is left untreated then it can lead to gum infection, soreness and bleeding. The same type of issues that you can have with your natural teeth.
For those people that look after their dental implants, you can expect them to last for many years. Much like other types of surgical implants, there is no lifetime guarantee. However, part of your dental check-ups will be to see how your implants are looking and lasting. Check for Manchester Dentist to make your appointment today.