Advantages of dental implants

Most of us take our teeth for granted. They are so much more than just tools for eating. There are a number of good reasons to choose dental implants:

Dental implants can change your face for the better:
Teeth provide the face with structure. You'll know what that means if you've ever seen someone without their full set of teeth. Their mouth has that 'caved in' look until they put their dentures in. Having dental implants will take years off your face and give a youthful appearance.

Dental implants can boost your self-confidence:
Most importantly, dental implants have the power to transform the way a person feels about himself/herself. Some people shy away from looking another in the eye because of their bad teeth or lack of teeth. They may have trouble communicating because of the tendency to talk with their mouths partially closed. They may not smile as much or try to suppress a smile because of the lack of, or (state of) their teeth.

Dental implants will help you to enjoy food again:
You can, once again, enjoy food previously off-limits because of the lack of teeth. Dental implants mean that you'll be able to eat food without hurting your gums.

Dental implants can help to protect your other teeth:
Dental implants will also minimise the danger of breaking other teeth because of the gaps.

Dental implants help to stimulate bone growth:
The natural root and tooth form a unit which had been anchored by bone underneath. When a tooth is removed because the bone has nothing to support, it shrinks at the spot.

No damage to neighbouring teeth:
Healthy teeth, next to an empty cavity, have to be prepared for bridges or crowns. Sometimes the healthy teeth can be damaged during the preparation. Often they have to be cut to reduce their size and this shortens their life. With dental implants, no preparation is required that will affect neighbouring teeth. Only the empty tooth cavity is dealt with.

Better dental hygiene:
No special treatments are required here. Your implants will be easy to take care of. Just treat them as you would normal teeth. Brush them well and regularly, using a good brand of toothpaste. Flossing and regular visits to your local dentist will keep them in good condition. Early signs of trouble can be spotted by your dentist and dealt with.

For patient testimonials please go to our testimonials section

Dental Implant Guide

A dental implant is a small screw or cylinder which looks like a thin metal rod. This acts as a replacement ‘root’ of a tooth and is able to support a single or several false teeth, known as ‘restorations’. These implants can fuse with the bone of the patient’s jaw via a healing process called ‘osseointegration’.

Once a suitable period of time has elapsed to allow healing, you will be ready for the placement of your replacement tooth/teeth or restoration.The screw form of implant looks very similar to the screws used in normal, everyday activities. It is comprised of a main body and a ‘collar’ which sits at the top of the implant. There are several types of collar such as ‘external hex’, ‘internal hex’ and ‘internal taper’ which all allow the dentist to join the implant to a replacement tooth (or teeth). There are many different brands of implant such as Nobel Biocare, Intra-Lock and Straumann. As with any industry, marketing plays a big part and all these brands have their advantages and disadvantages. Some brands are long established such as Nobel Biocare who was the first to manufacture dental implants. Sterri-Oss is another established brand. And then we have newcomers such as Intra-Lock. You will find that your dentist will have his or her favourite type of brand.

Implant treatment often involves crowns, bridges or dentures these are used as replacements for missing teeth and behave in much the same way as natural teeth. Most people have heard of these dental items but are not always familiar with what they actually are.

For more information please also see the guidance film  in our treatments section of the website click here

For more details please call  the practice on 01962 733580 or email us at enquiries@alresforddentalcare.co.ukto arrange a no obligations consultation with one of the implant experts in our team.