People are living longer than ever and while regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups allow many to maintain a natural smile for a lifetime, sometimes problems nonetheless arise. If a tooth or teeth are lost due to injury or disease, dental implants in Buckinghamshire at a dental practice such as Smile Design Dental can restore the smile and improve oral health.
Dental implants in Buckinghamshire are artificial tooth roots in the shape of posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. The ‘root’ is made of titanium: the same material used in many replacement hips and knees and a metal that is ideally suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed on top of the post. Depending on patient’s choice, the tooth can be either permanently attached or removable.
The ideal candidate for dental implants in Buckinghamshire is a non-smoker who has good oral health, including a strong jawbone and healthy gums, with no sign of gum disease.
Single and multiple implants
Dental implants in Buckinghamshire are versatile. For patients who are only missing one tooth, one implant plus one replacement tooth will do the job. If several teeth in a row are missing, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge (a set of replacement teeth). Similarly, if all teeth have been lost, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed into the mouth using a strategic number of dental implants. This is possible because a single dental implant can support multiple replacement teeth.
Advantages over dentures and bridges
Traditional dentures are not fixed into the jawbone and can therefore be unstable. This can make it difficult for some patients to eat or smile with confidence. Dental implants in Buckinghamshire not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. As they don’t rely on neighbouring teeth for support – as bridges do – implants don’t compromise the health of the remaining natural teeth. In fact, bridges and dentures usually need replacing after several years, whereas implants can last a lifetime when cared for correctly.
