What Are Dental Implants & Do I Really Need Them?

When you’re missing teeth, having a smiling picture taken can be daunting. Have you lost a tooth due to enamel erosion, cracking or possibly an accident? Do you take measures to hide your smile? Don’t feel that you have to accept your missing tooth and carry on with daily life despite the discomfort. At Harwood Dental Care, we have years of experience in restorative dentistry and work hard to give our patients the confidence of a beautiful smile. We recommend Dental Implants as a solution for tooth loss; but what are they – and are they right for you?

What Are Dental Implants?

As a treatment that has been used successfully by dentists for more than 40 years, dental implants are a dependable, safe and medically recognised solution to missing teeth. Dental implants are the closest alternative to a natural tooth when restoring a patient’s smile. Designed from titanium, a screw is designed to connect to the jaw bone in order to replace the root of a failing tooth. They provide a strong, durable foundation for artificial teeth. Dentures and dental bridges are connected directly to implants creating a more natural feel than traditional bridges and dentures; massively reducing issues with speech and eating.

Are Dental Implants a Permanent Solution?

Dental Implants can be relied upon as a long-term solution to missing teeth, and patients should care for them with the same method as their natural teeth. Regular cleaning and attendance at maintenance appointments will have an incredible effect on the longevity of your treatment. With attentive care and awareness these dental implants can last for many years – but as with any surgical implant, there is no lifetime guarantee.

If patients disregard their implants, a coating of bacteria begins to grow, and if overlooked, this bacterial coating can evolve to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and day to day discomfort and stress – similar to issues with natural teeth.

My Missing Tooth Does Not Bother Me, is a Dental Implant Really Necessary?

When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth have to adapt to the increased stress. This hike in pressure can make you vulnerable to further cracking teeth, cavities and infection.

Here’s an example of dental stress. Many patients with back tooth loss, adjust their bite by only chewing on one side; thus putting extra strain on one side, causing jaw and bone muscles to weaken. Like the rest of our body, our jaw bone is kept healthy and competent through exercise. When we neglect the jaw, even on one side, inner bone and connective tissue becomes delicate.

Teeth support each other and prevent surrounding teeth from moving apart. When one is lost, they begin to drift away causing misalignment and further sensitivity. Tooth implants work as a duplicate to natural teeth, and restore the tender balance of a patient’s dental structure.

Therefore, it is important to take action to keep dental structure and hygiene intact.

Am I The Right Age To Have Dental Implants?

Harwood Dental Care are proud to offer Dental Implants to patients of any age, depending on medical fitness and lifestyle. It is possible to insert implants the moment that the jaw stops growing, but in younger patients, treatment can only begin once the jaw bone is completely developed.

If you’re looking for cosmetic dental implants in Bury, Bolton- Harwood Dental Care provides an outstanding, credible service. If would like to know more about Dental Implants, or would like to book a free consultation please contact our fantastic team; who will be happy to provide you with additional information.

You can also find out more about the advantages of dental implants in one of our other blogs.