If you have lost a tooth, either due to decay or as the result of an accident, you will be aware of the pain and anxiety it can cause. Missing teeth in the dental arc are very obvious and can really ruin the appearance of an otherwise perfect smile. There are also a number of medical reasons why missing teeth are a major problem. They encourage the movement of other teeth in the mouth that can cause bite interruptions. Teeth also act as support for facial tissue, so if one is missing it can cause a sagging, sunken appearance.
For these reasons, dentists always try and advise patients to replace the missing tooth with a dental substitution. There are a variety of options but perhaps the most popular is the dental implant. Dental implants are small metal screws, usually made of titanium, that are anchored directly into the jawbone. In this way they replicate the structure of a real tooth that has its base in the bone and gum tissue. Dental implants are the only replacement that actually restores the structure of the whole tooth and not just the crown. This makes them more lifelike and realistic than other substitutes such as dental bridges. It also means they are more solid and less likely to break when eating certain foods.
The procedure involves drilling the screw into the bone before allowing it time to fuse with the bone and gum tissue. Once this has taken place, after about four to six weeks, the implant can then be used as a base for a post and crown, which are firmly attached. It is also possible to use the implant as a base for more than one tooth. Ask a City of Leeds dentist for more information about dental implants at your next appointment and see if you are a suitable candidate.
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