Solving tooth loss with dental implants

A dental implant gives you a second chance by replacing a lost tooth. But how does it work? And what are the benefits of having one?

Implanting wisdom

Dental implants are a common treatment option for tooth loss. In the UK, over 130,000 dental implants are placed each year. The treatment time varies, but will often require several appointments to plan, execute and track the process.

A missing tooth can impact how you chew your food, leading to dissatisfaction. The gap it leaves can also increase the risk of gum disease and lead to bone loss. An implant fills this space, keeping the mouth healthy and functional.

What happens in implant treatment

A basic implant treatment follows several key steps. Firstly, an implant is placed into the gum where the lost tooth was. This is either ceramic or made from titanium for safe and long-lasting results.

Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the jawbone. A connecting piece, known as an abutment, is then placed on the implant. To this a natural-looking crown is attached, completing your new smile.

However, everyone’s mouth is unique and so the treatment may involve other steps. For instance, if the damaged tooth is still rooted in the mouth, this will need extracting first. As a successful implant also relies on the fusion with the jawbone, there must be enough bone for a solid base. If the jawbone is too thin for an implant, a bone graft may be needed. The time between these steps can differ between patients. An implant could be inserted on the day of extraction, or it could be a few weeks depending on healing time. A bone graft can also take several months before being ready for implant placement. Speaking with your dentist will give you an idea of what is best for you and the timeframes involved.

The big benefits of an implant

With the lost tooth replaced, the benefits of a dental implant can be instant. Chewing food will be easier and more comfortable. Your confidence will also likely skyrocket as implants can look as natural as the rest of your teeth. The crown can be further polished to best match the shade of the surrounding teeth too. A dental implant may also improve speech quality.

Compared to other treatments for tooth loss, such as dental bridges, implants don’t damage the neighbouring teeth. This minimises the risk of further problems. Moreover, a gap in the teeth can cause the adjacent teeth to move towards that empty space. This can cause your bite to change, affecting how you eat. By filling the gap with an implant, it keeps the other teeth in check and protects your oral health.

Implant success

The success rate of implant treatment is very high – 97% of implants at least last ten years. For comparison, a dental bridge may need replacing every five to 15 years.

Looking after your implant is essential for extending its lifespan. Immediately after treatment, you should only eat soft foods in the first week. This supports the implant’s fusion with the jaw by not putting any pressure on it. You should also keep your mouth as clean as possible by rinsing with a recommended mouthwash several times a day.

In the long-term, you should follow a consistent oral hygiene routine. This includes toothbrushing twice a day and interdental cleaning.

Implants are a reliable and effective treatment to tooth loss. At Clyde Munro Dental Group, we offer a variety of dental implant treatment options. We can replace a single tooth, a series of teeth or even an entire smile. Using the latest technology, we can deliver implants that fit seamlessly with the look and feel of your mouth. By improving your oral health we hope to improve your quality of life here.