An overview of dental implants and what they can offer

A summary by Derby dentist, Dr Darren Bywater

Dental implants, in Derby, are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to dentures, especially partial dentures, as well as dental bridges. There are a number of reasons for this, but perhaps the main one is that they are an almost permanent solution for a lost tooth which provides both security and also feels almost the same as a natural tooth. Essentially, they are a screw like object which is made from titanium and this is then placed into the jawbone prior to a crown being attached.

Benefits

The benefits of a dental implant are immense. Whilst bridges and dentures do offer a solution to replace a lost tooth, it is dental implants that are by far the most effective. Because the implant is made from titanium, the bone actually grows around it once it has been put into place. This means that, in essence, it almost be comes a part of your jaw and therefore provides a very secure base indeed for the crown to be attached to. Because of this, providing that good care is taken of the dental implant, it can last for up to, and occasionally more than, thirty years. Nearly all will last for twenty years or more though if looked after. Although the initial outlay may be more, the benefits outweigh this and is probably the reason that more and more people are choosing to have dental implants in Derby.

Although there is a healing period of around three months once the implant has been placed, during which time to bone will bond to the implant, this is well worth a little patience to leave you with an excellent new tooth. The benefits of this are that you will feel the confidence to smile again without having to worry about your partial denture becoming loose at a particularly embarrassing moment. It will also enable you to eat more confidently and, once you have become used to your new implant, you should find that you will be able to eat anything that you want to do. Unlike having a dental bridge too, a dental implant requires no work to be done to otherwise healthy teeth and so will not affect the surrounding teeth. They are not suitable however, for growing children as placing them in the jaw can cause disfigurement to the mouth as they grow.

Aftercare

Before we discuss aftercare, it should be noted that perhaps the biggest single risk factor to dental implants is gum disease. Because of this, you will be advised to cease smoking altogether for a period of time before and after the procedure, usually around 3 months. Smoking slows down the blood supply to the gums and significantly increases the risk of infections of the gum and the vast majority of implants that fail to take (which is only around 2%) can be put down to smoking. If you can stop smoking all together, then so much the better for your teeth as well as your general health.

Once you have had the dental implant, it is advisable to eat softer foods or at least foods cut into smaller pieces for a short time after the procedure. This is because there may be a little tenderness but more importantly, it gives a little time to become accustomed to them. Although the crown itself is made from porcelain, and therefore won’t decay, it is still important to clean the implant and especially the gums around it to prevent any build up of plaque and other bacteria which may lead to infection and possible loss of the implant.

You should, of course, choose a qualified dentist to do your dental implant in Derby, so why not contact Dr. Darren Bywater to arrange a consultation?

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