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.
There has always been a suspected link between heart disease and gum disease but the evidence of recent studies has seemingly conclusively proved this connection. Patients with bad cases of gum disease were twice as likely to suffer from serious heart conditions, so cleaning your teeth and having healthy gums really could save your life.