Dental implants are artificial roots that are placed directly into the jawbone by dentists to act as solid anchors for artificial teeth. Unlike partial dentures or dental bridges, which only replace the tooth from the gum up, a dental implant is a complete replacement for the whole of the tooth and as such acts and feels a lot more like a real tooth.
Anyone who has lost a tooth to decay or dental injury knows the amount of pain and anxiety it can cause. Dental replacements like partial dentures and bridges restore the cosmetic appearance of the tooth but never really feel like real teeth. Patients are always conscious that they have an artificial replacement and have to adapt their lifestyle accordingly. This means staying away from foods likely to cause damage to these structures. A dental implant provides a much more rigid alternative that does not involve any degree of sacrifice on the patient’s behalf.
The implant itself is a small titanium screw that is drilled into the bone through the gum. This is then left to fuse with the tissue and become more stable. When satisfied that the screw has been assimilated into the bone tissue thoroughly, the dentist can then attach the artificial tooth, designed to closely resemble the colour and appearance of the other teeth. Implants can be used to secure one or more teeth, or a series of mini implants can be used as a base for a complete denture.
A dental implant from a Weston-super-Mare dentist can last a whole lifetime, if properly cared for. Many patients even forget that they are there such is the level of realism provided by the implant. If you have a missing tooth or are considering replacing a previous restoration ask a dentist about dental implants.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry