Archive for the ‘dental implants’ Category

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Dental implant Q and A from city of Leeds dentist

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Dental implants are an innovative and revolutionary way of restoring lost or missing teeth. They closely resemble real teeth, both in feel and appearance and better yet, they are permanent. Here are a few commonly asked questions about dental implants.

What are dental implants?

They are artificial replacement teeth that are anchored directly into the jawbone to look and feel like real teeth. They are custom made to fit your mouth and are the most solid form of dental restoration. They can help you to eat and speak more easily and restore the cosmetic appearance of your smile.

What does the procedure involve?

A small titanium screw is drilled directly into the jaw and left to fuse with the bone and gum tissue over several weeks. This then acts as an anchor for an artificial dental crown, which will be attached during a subsequent appointment. The procedure is relatively painless, especially when you consider the possible benefits of the implant.

Why are they better than traditional restorations?

Although dentures and dental bridges have their place, nothing can compare the solid nature of a dental implant. Because they are the only restoration to be anchored directly to the jawbone they feel more like a real tooth than any other dental substitute.

Am I a candidate for a dental implant?

If you have missing teeth and your jaw and gums are in relatively good condition you may well be a candidate for a dental implant. Make an appointment with a City of Leeds dentist to see if you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant.

How long do they last?

A dental implant can last you for the rest of your life.

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Lifelike dental restoration with dental implant from Leeds dentist

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Dental implants are the most realistic way to restore a missing tooth as they replace the whole tooth including the root. Unlike some other dental restorations like partial dentures and dental bridges, which although are more affordable, do not offer the same degree of anxiety-free results.

Dental implants themselves are the small titanium screws that dentists screw directly into the jawbone. This replaces the natural tooth root, which is attached to the bone by cartilage. This small screw then bonds with the bone and gum tissue forging it solid so that it can be used as a stable base for a dental crown or artificial tooth.

Dental implants from Leeds dentists can cost a lot more than other restorations but then they will also last significantly longer. A successful dental implant will last a lifetime if properly cared for making it the ideal for any patients keen to avoid the hassle of replacing restorations every ten years or so. The success rate for dental implants is also higher than almost all other dental treatments. For both upper and lower dental arcs the rate of successful treatment is around the mid 90% mark.

Possible problems can involve the chance of infection but all these issues can usually be spotted and dealt with good post-operative care from your dentist. If you are considering having a dental replacement due to a missing tooth then ask your dentist to further explain the benefits of having a dental implant.

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Dental implant from City of Leeds dentist looks and feels like real tooth

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

One of the main problems patients have experienced with dental replacements over the years is that they never quite look or feel like real teeth. Dental bridges and partial dentures serve a purpose in restoring to some degree the appearance of missing teeth and enable the patient to eat slightly easier, whilst protecting the position of the remaining teeth. But they never quite feel natural. This is mostly because they only replace the part of the tooth visible above the gum. A real tooth has a root that is anchored deep into the bone and gum tissue of the face. This is what makes a tooth sturdy and gives it its strength.

One dental replacement however, replaces the whole tooth including the root and offers an incredibly lifelike replacement. Dental implants are small metal screws, usually titanium, which are anchored into the jawbone itself to act as a base. The surgery is quite straight forward and once complete will require several weeks rest in order to allow the implants and bone to fuse together. Once this has happened the implant has essentially become part of the bone and plays exactly the same role as the missing root.

Onto the implant is attached a post and finally a porcelain crown which is designed to look exactly the same size, shape and colour as the lost tooth. Because there is not need to attach anything else to the tooth once it is screwed to the post from underneath it will look incredibly lifelike. Dental implants from City of Leeds dentists last a lifetime and do not need replacing like many other dental substitutes.

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Replace your missing tooth with a dental implant from a Central Leeds dentist

Monday, January 11th, 2010

You might have heard about dental implants as a replacement for missing teeth but you may not have heard about the many advantages they offer over other types of treatment.

Having a knocked out tooth or losing a tooth to decay is not a pleasant experience. Firstly, you have all the pain and discomfort but then comes the anxiety that your teeth will never be the same and that a lifetime of dental repair and sacrifice awaits. This may be the case with some other forms of dental prosthetics such as dental bridges, which have an average life span of between ten and twenty years and are prone to breaking, but a dental implant offers the most realistic alternative to a real tooth.

Dental implants are the only kind of dental replacement that offer a complete substitute for the whole tooth from the root to the crown. The implant itself is anchored into the jawbone to simulate a real tooth root. This is then allowed time to fuse with the bone and gum tissue, again like a real tooth would be, before the artificial crown is attached. The results of dental implants are very successful and they are one of the most reliable dental procedures available. With the right care and cleaning, an implant can last a whole lifetime leaving you free from the worry of replacing it or having to adjust your lifestyle around it.

Implants may cost slightly more than other replacements but because they last a lifetime the one-off payment now will probably end up saving you money in the future, and can you really put a price on having healthy teeth. It would seem not as more and more patients at Central Leeds dentists opt for dental implants to replace their missing teeth

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Central Leeds dentist replaces missing tooth with dental implants

Monday, January 4th, 2010

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is implanted into the jawbone to act as a solid base for an artificial tooth. They are used to replace one or more missing teeth or in a series of five as a base for dentures.

What makes a dental implant better than other dental replacements?

They are a lot sturdier than other replacements like partial dentures and dental bridges as they are attached to the bone itself, rather than just other teeth. Because the implant replaces the whole of the tooth including the root it also looks and feels more like a real tooth. This means that patients are not limited in what they can eat which can be a problem for the less structural replacements. Because the implant is attached to the bone and not the tooth, no unnecessary damage is done to the adjacent teeth, which can happen when fitting a bridge. Dental implants are also very reliable, having one of the highest surgery success rates of any dental treatment.

Who are implants suitable for?

Dental implants are most suitable for patients with otherwise good oral health, including a strong jawbone and healthy gums. The implant fuses with gum tissue so it is very important the gum is free from disease and as healthy as possible. A Central Leeds dentist will be able to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant.

How long do dental implants last?

If properly maintained a dental implant can easily last for the rest of your life, unlike a bridge or partial denture that will last between ten and fifteen years on average. Because implants are so sturdy, any damage to the artificial crown can easily be repaired.

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Experience benefits of dental implants at City of Leeds dentist

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Nobody wants to lose teeth, either due to decay or because of an accident, but the likelihood of losing at least one tooth is something that nearly half of us will face at some stage in our lives. Missing teeth can look unpleasant and particularly in younger patients cause a loss of confidence and self esteem. There are also several very important medical reasons why it is important to replace missing teeth.

Missing teeth can cause teeth to move in the dental arc, interrupting bite and causing painful jaw conditions. It is also very bad for the other teeth as they are exposed to more plaque and bacteria. More and more teeth are now being artificially replaced with a procedure called a dental implant. Implants are small titanium screws fixed directly into the jawbone to act as a solid base for an artificial tooth.

Dental implants have several key advantages over other forms of dental restoration. Firstly, because they replace the root of the tooth as well as the crown they are much more stable than dental bridges or partial dentures. This means that patients are able to eat whatever foods they want without the anxiety of breaking any part of the restoration.

Implants also look and feel a lot more realistic as they replace more of the original tooth preventing further bone loss and gum recession. A well-fitted dental implant will also last a lifetime compared tot the ten to fifteen year average of a bridge or denture. For these reasons and many others, dental implants are the number one choice of dental restoration at City of Leeds dentists.

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A Leeds dentist tells why dental implants are a great solution

Friday, December 25th, 2009

What is a dental implant and how can I benefit from one? That is a question that a dentist in Leeds is asked a lot. He explains it as an artificial tooth that has all the qualities of a natural one, but with some vast improvements that are unique to the patient. The sort of teeth he usually replaces with implants are either damaged beyond repair, discoloured or misshapen teeth. It is ideal for a patient who requires an individual or a few separate teeth replaced. The procedure is quite simple too; first X-rays are taken to ascertain the strength of the jaw bone below or above the rogue tooth. Then a tooth is made to fit perfectly into the gap left by the removal of the damaged tooth. A drilled hole is made in the jaw and a base is placed in the hole. This has a pre-prepared screwed insert running up the centre, into this is screwed and glued the new tooth, how easy is that? It not only provides the patient with better eating habits, it has a tendency to also give them back some confidence they might have lost through the rogue tooth. An improved and confident smile is one of the first benefits; it also alleviates the need to replace a whole row of teeth for the sake of a few bad ones. False teeth are O.K. in most cases and patients adapt to them really well, but implants are the definitive answer in a lot of cases that in the past would have resulted in more expensive, and long term treatment. Chewing has also been reported by patients to have been drastically improved in many cases, and that in itself is a healthy improvement against decay and gum disease.

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Dental implant from Central Leeds dentist lasts a lifetime

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

There are many reasons why people loose teeth. It could be due to a dental trauma, possibly as the result of a sporting injury, through tooth decay or even just due to old age. Whatever the reason, missing teeth can have serious negative aesthetic and health related consequences.

Missing teeth leave hollows in the dental arc very difficult to clean with conventional brushes. These hollows become breeding grounds for bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. This can seriously damage the health of other remaining teeth in the mouth. Missing teeth can also cause existing teeth to move around in the mouth causing interruptions to bite. This can cause painful jaw conditions known as TMJs and sub-conscious teeth grinding called bruxism. If several teeth are missing it can cause facial tissue to sag, which becomes permanent if not supported by some rigid structure.

There are many ways to replace a missing tooth but one of the most sturdy and realistic is a dental implant. This is an artificial dental root implanted into the jawbone to act as a support for a dental crown. Usually made from titanium or other strong metal not harmful to the human body, dental implants are cylindrical screws secured into a pre-drilled socket.

Implants are only suitable for patients with strong existing gum and bone structures. A dentist will be able to ascertain the strength on the jawbone using a series of x-rays and scans. For patients with insufficient bone structure to support an implant it is possible to have a bone graft to increase the strength of the jaw.

Once the implant has been secured it is left to fuse with the bone and existing tissue, for a period ranging from six weeks to six months, in a process called osseointergration. During this period, a dentist may fix a temporary dental bridge to protect the implant and create the appearance of a full set of teeth. When fused, the implant can then be used as a base to attach a permanent dental crown.

Dental implants provide the only realistic alternative to an original tooth. Because they are anchored to the jawbone itself the crown acts and feels like a real tooth. Implants have been used for about 30 years to replace missing teeth and if properly maintained can last a lifetime. If you are suffering from a missing tooth or looking to replace an old dental substitute, make an appointment with a Central Leeds dentist to discuss the possibility of a dental implant.

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Central Leeds dentist replaces tooth with dental implant

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

3177562_blogWe all want a beautiful smile full of shiny white, straight teeth. It can make you feel confident and comfortable with your appearance. Similarly, a flawed smile can be the source of great embarrassment and self-confidence issues. This is never more true than for patients with missing teeth. A missing tooth, whether cause by sporting injury or tooth decay, carries with it a certain stigma that most of us would probably wish to avoid.

There are also physiological reasons why a missing tooth can be a problem. When a tooth is missing form the tooth line it can cause all the other teeth to lean into the space. This can cause interruptions with bite that can be irritating and even lead to painful conditions called TMJs. Teeth also act as rigid supports for facial muscles and if missing can cause the facial muscles to sag giving a sunken appearance that causes patients to look much older. However, there are several artificial dental substitutes which can be used to replace a missing tooth.

The most realistic and sturdy of all of these is called a dental implant. Although a slightly more complex procedure than a partial denture or a dental bridge, an implant provides the most realistic alternative to a natural tooth. A dental implant is a small cylindrical screw that is anchored directly into the jawbone. A post is then attached to this and then finally a dental crown. Because the implant is anchored to the bone it is very solid and provides a level of stability only beaten by a real tooth. This means that patients have an added feeling of security over the more fragile dentures and bridges. It also means patients are not prohibited from eating certain foods they might be with other dental substitutes.

After the screw has been implanted it will need to be left for several weeks to allow the bones and gums to fuse with the implant in a process called osseointergration. This requires the jawbone to be in a good condition and means that certain patients may not be suitable for dental implants.

If you are suffering form lost confidence due to a missing tooth, or feel that your existing teeth may be affected, consult a Central Leeds dentist and ask about dental implants.

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Dental implant from Central Leeds dentist replaces missing tooth

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Missing teeth can not only be a source of embarrassment, but they can have significant adverse effects on remaining teeth and facial structure. The gap left by a missing tooth can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not effectively cleaned, which can be difficult with conventional brushes. Existing teeth will also naturally lean into spaces in the tooth line. This can cause sagging of the facial muscles, giving a sunken appearance, and can also affect bite and profile. It is a good idea to consult your dentist and have the missing tooth replaced as soon as possible.

One of the options to replace a missing tooth, besides a dental bridge, is a dental implant. Although this is a more complex procedure, it does provide a more secure, long-lasting and realistic alternative to a real tooth. For this reason, dental implants are becoming more and more popular with dentists and patients alike.

Dental implants take the form of a cylindrical screw that is anchored into the jawbone, which acts as a stable base to attach a veneer, or artificial tooth. They are particularly suitable for patients with strong and healthy gums and bones, and whose existing teeth are in a good condition. The screw will usually be made form titanium, which is a very light but very strong material which has no harmful affects associated with it. Because the screw is anchored into the actual jaw, and not secured to existing teeth, it has a greater degree of stability which means there is no need for more fragile bonding or adhesives. It also means that certain foods not suitable to eat with other dental prosthetics can be eaten without any fuss.

The procedure will usually involve two or more visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the screw implant will be fixed into the jaw. This will then need to be left to heal and fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointergartion. On subsequent visits the dentist will attach a post and finally the artificial tooth.

Visit a Central Leeds dentist to see if a dental implant can be suitable to replace your missing tooth and you can restore your smile and protect your remaining teeth with one procedure.

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