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.
Tags: dental implant, facial tissue, tmj, tooth decay
