Dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement. Though they have been around for quite a few years, modern dental implants are more effective than ever, offering many advantages to patients who wish to replace their missing teeth with long-term results. In Leeds, dental implants are available in quite a few dental practices, including Enhancedental.
For many years, the only treatment options available for replacing missing teeth were bridges and dentures. Although some people have been using these treatments with success, others find them uncomfortable and detrimental to their oral health in the long run. Bridges require the grinding down of healthy neighbouring teeth in order to gain support. Dentures tend to become loose over time.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants are surgically embedded into the jawbone. Most dental implants look like tiny screws because their bevelled surface offers many small crevices for new bone tissue to grow into. In the months following their placement, new bone tissue slowly forms around the dental implants, stabilising them and fusing them with the jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, is what makes dental implants long-lasting. When this process is complete, dental implants are as stable as natural tooth roots and a prosthetic teeth can be attached to them.
Dental implant eligibility
Most patients are good candidates for dental implants as long as they enjoy good oral and general health. Moreover, healthy gums are essential, because gum disease is a major cause of implant loss. More importantly, patients who are interested in dental implants in Leeds, need to have sufficient bone left in their jawbone. If there is too little jaw bone or if the structure of the bone has become too soft then there will not be sufficient support for the dental implant. Patients can opt for special procedures to rebuild their bone or have a different implant treatment that can be completed even with bone loss (i.e. All-on-4).
Although dental implant surgery is safe, pregnant women are advised against it. Smokers also have fewer chances of successful dental implants. Finally, patients with diabetes and heart disease can still have dental implants if their condition is controlled prior to implant surgery.
