Why dental implants in Herefordshire are important
Here at Warrendale Dental, we promote good oral health and getting a smile that looks great using guidance and a choice of treatments. Dental implants in Herefordshire are increasingly popular as a means of improving the smile. Here, we explain what they are and discuss why this is an important treatment.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants in Herefordshire are today’s solution to missing teeth. In previous times, when a person lost teeth, they had two options. They could either put up with the situation or they could get fitted for dentures. However, dentures merely sit on top of the gums, and can be problematic when it comes to movement and having to get them refitted at regular intervals.
Dental implants in Herefordshire provide a permanent solution for lost teeth. They delve much deeper than dentures, acting as a replacement for the whole tooth that includes the root. The new roots are made from a material called titanium. Titanium is a metal that is very durable and that is very compatible with human tissues.
The titanium roots are positioned into the jawbone during a surgical procedure. Thankfully, the patient does not experience any discomfort during this as a local anaesthetic is used. Once a healing period of two to three weeks has been completed, the new roots are topped with abutments before being finished off with the addition of natural looking artificial teeth.
Helps to prevent gum disease
When a tooth is missing, it leaves a space in the gum where the root used to be. This space is essentially a wound, that is a sensitive area that is vulnerable to becoming infected. If infection does occur, then it can cause gum disease. Gum disease significantly increases the likelihood of further tooth loss. In addition, having gum disease has an impact on the general health. If left untreated, it can cause heart and lung problems as well as arthritis and dementia.
If missing teeth and their roots are replaced using dental implants, then infection and the chances of gum disease developing can be minimised. This is because the gap is plugged by the implant, protecting the gums. This means that the patient is less likely to lose more teeth and to experience a decline in their overall health.
Keeps teeth straight
When there is a tooth or teeth missing, the other teeth surrounding it can change position. This means that teeth that have previously been straight can become crooked, further eroding the quality of the smile and decreasing the person’s confidence. Replacing missing teeth with implants prevents this from occurring and helps to keep the smile nicely straight and well aligned.
Protects the jawbone
Gaps where the teeth and their roots used to be can cause deterioration of the jawbone. This has two side effects. Firstly, the jawbone is less able to support the remaining natural teeth and they can become vulnerable. Secondly, the shrinkage that occurs due to these gaps can change the structure of the face, making a person look older.