Living well with tooth loss

If you are living in the Ross-on-Wye area and you’ve experienced tooth loss, or you are worried about the possibility of it as you age, you may know something about dental implants in Herefordshire.

Untreated tooth loss can lead to decreasing bone density in the jaw, other teeth crowding in to fill the gap and it also increases the risk of decay and bacterial build-up. Dental implants can help to address this.

dental-implantsThis smart piece of dental technology is a very effective way of replacing lost teeth. It’s successful in 95% of cases and is a long-lasting solution. At Warrendale Dental in Herefordshire, we’ve been offering implant surgery for more than a decade, so it is an established part of our practice.

What is a dental implant?

If you have missing or loose teeth in Herefordshire, dental implants are worth exploring. The implant is a small titanium screw that is fitted into the jawbone. The bone then bonds with the implant, growing around it and securing it in place. After a healing period of two to three months, a replacement tooth is fitted onto the implant.

Is it for me?

Implants are suitable for a wide range of patients but there are factors that need to be taken into consideration, including:

  • You need to be in good general health as having implants fitted is a surgical procedure, albeit a minor one, done under local anaesthetic.
  • Good oral health: your other teeth and gums need to be in good condition to successfully receive the implant. Gum disease and other issues must be treated before the implants are fitted.
  • Some medical conditions rule out implants, such as: blood clotting disorders, some bone diseases, immune deficiencies, severe systemic illnesses and uncontrolled diabetes.
  • Smoking and drug abuse can also affect the success of implant surgery and it is preferable to quit before hand if possible.
  • You need to have sufficient bone density in your jawbone for the implant to be secure. If you don’t, implants may still be possible after a bone graft or sinus lift.

Find out more

We know you must have many more questions about dental implants in Herefordshire and whether it is the right procedure for you. Drop into the surgery or give us a call today and speak to our implant dentists, who can talk you through every aspect of the process.