What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium screws that are anchored directly into the jawbone to act as a base for an artificial tooth. There is also a smaller variety called a mini-implant that is used in groups of five to act as a secure base for dentures.

Why might I need dental implants?
If you have suffered a lost tooth either due to decay or disease or simply as the result of a dental trauma or accident, a dental implant could help to restore the natural appearance of your teeth and prevent a whole series of other dental complications. Missing teeth can be responsible for many further problems such as rotated teeth and bite issues, as well as acting as a breeding ground for bacteria, which could cause further tooth loss. Dental implants could also help to restore the structure and appearance of facial tissue that may have been lost due to missing teeth. You can also have mini-implants to help alleviate the anxiety of loose dentures.

What does the procedure involve?
The Leeds dentist will drill down into the jawbone, providing it is in a healthy enough condition to support the implant. The implant will then be screwed directly into the bone tissue. It will then need to be left for several weeks to fuse with the bone and surrounding tissue. The whole process will take place under anaesthetic and should involve little more than a mild discomfort.

What advantages do dental implants have over other dental replacements?
The dental implant is the only artificial substitute that replaces the whole of the tooth from top to bottom. The implant itself acts as the tooth root and then a post and artificial tooth are attached to it; this gives a very sturdy and natural feel to a dental implant. They also last a whole lifetime if properly fitted without the need to be replaced at any point. This can be an issue with other structures such as dental bridges and partial dentures.