Losing one, some or all of your teeth can be a very traumatic experience. Whether it is due to disease, dental decay or just as the result of an accident, the toothless smile is never a good look for anyone of any age. There are also a number of health reasons besides the aesthetic that mean that missing teeth are bad.
Even one missing tooth can cause further problems to occur with the other teeth. This is because the hollow left by teeth can act as a breeding ground for decay-causing bacteria which will attack the other teeth. The other remaining teeth will also be encouraged to move about in the mouth causing bite interruptions and sagging of facial tissue.
Luckily, there are a number of options available to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges and partial dentures are good for replacing one or two missing teeth and, of course, full dentures restore the appearance of a full set. But perhaps the most effective dental substitute is the dental implant. This is a small metal screw that is placed firmly into the jawbone to act as a base for the new dental crown. Implants can be used on their own to replace single of up to three missing teeth but they can also be used in larger numbers to act as a base for a full set of dentures.
These so-called mini-implants act as a stable clip to which you can attach your dentures so they are set firm in the mouth when you need them to be, but can also be removed at night or for cleaning purposes. Mini-implants or multiple implants remove the need for any messy or complicated denture adhesives and make it easier to eat the foods you want to eat. For more information about the possibilities of dental implants, make an appointment to see a Leeds dentist who can assess if you are a suitable candidate.
Tags: bacteria, decay, dental implants, Dentures, missing teeth
