Filling in your dental options
Dental implants are one of the most consistently proven ways of successfully and permanently restoring both the aesthetics and functionality in smiles of those who have lost one or more teeth.
Over the last year receiving treatments such as dental implants Richmond has been harder than ever, given the implications of the pandemic and national lockdown measures making dental practices operate at a reduced service.
Now, however, practices across the country are reopening their doors to patients looking for restorative dental treatments such as dental implants and anybody who has been living with either one or multiple missing teeth is being advised to contact a local provider and get the care they need.
What actually are dental implants?
Most people are familiar with more conventional treatments and methodologies for restoring one or more lost teeth – such as crowns and dental bridges or veneers.
However these are only some options, and all work through similar methods by relying on strength and support from the patient’s existing teeth. Additionally, these treatments all often call for repeat visits to the dental chair, as they are not permanent and are prone to shifting or moving over time.
Dental implants offer an alternative solution that is practically permanent and does not rely on the patient’s surrounding teeth for strength or support. Rather, as dental implants are surgically embedded, they look and feel completely natural, so much so that patients often forget they are there to begin with!
How do implants work?
Understanding how dental implants work is actually quite simple, as they work in a way that is almost identical to natural teeth, with the primary, defining difference being the tooth root is artificial.
By initially surgically embedding an artificial tooth root – made from titanium alloy for its unique biocompatibility – within the patient’s jawbone, the root can then act as a sturdy and permanently fixed anchor onto which a prosthetic can be attached.
As dental implants are fixed within the patient’s jawbone, they can use them with the same strength and functionality as they would if the tooth was real. Similarly, the prosthetics used with dental implants are specifically colour matched so they perfectly blend in with the patient’s surrounding teeth – giving them not only the ability to smile and eat freely, but the confidence to do so too.
How do I get dental implants?
If you are missing one or more teeth, whether the loss happened recently or several years ago, it’s always advisable to speak to an expert about getting dental implants.
As a surgical procedure is needed to successfully bond the titanium-alloy socket with the patient’s jawbone, not everyone will be eligible for dental implants if their teeth are in a poor condition or their gums are infected.
This is why the dental implant process always begins with a consultation and thorough examination of every patient’s current oral condition. If there are any signs of gum disease or decay, these will likely have to be treated prior to installing the implants.
Anybody that is keen on finding out more on dental implants or determining their eligibility should contact a local, reputable provider today and book an examination. Doing so may just help you restore your smile, and give you the confidence to use it.
