A dental implant is a restorative procedure aimed at restoring the cosmetic and functional appearance of a missing tooth or teeth. The implant itself is a small titanium screw (used because this is one the few metals suitable for use in the human body), which is secured directly into the jawbone. This is then left to fuse with the surrounding tissue in a process called osseointergration, which usually takes a number of weeks to a month. Once set firm, the implant is then used as a base for a post and artificial tooth or teeth.
There are a number of other restorative dental procedures, such as dental bridges and partial dentures but more and more dentists and patients are opting for a dental implant because of the distinct advantages it has over the other substitutes. But just what are these advantages that makes the dental implant so much better than other restorations?
Well firstly, the dental implant is the only restoration that replaces the whole of the tooth from root to crown. The implant is anchored into the jawbone in the same way a tooth root is secured. This provides a very stable base and one that will never fall out, break or come loose as it is attached directly to the bone and gum tissue. Dental bridges and partial dentures only replace the crown of the tooth, namely the part that can be seen above the gum line. This means that although attached by crowns and plates, these are often susceptible to breaking and never feel completely secure.
Implants are also the most realistic replacements in terms of both appearance and feel. Because they replace the root, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between an implant and a real tooth. They also look more realistic as the crown can be chosen to match the colour and shape of the existing teeth. Visit a City of Leeds dentist to find out more about the benefits of dental implants.
