A lost tooth can have a big impact on your facial features, your oral health, and your self-esteem. Nobody wants gaps in their smile, and while it may sound superficial to someone fortunate enough to have all their teeth, even a single missing tooth can put a great deal of emotional stress on us. For that reason, Define Clinic is pleased to offer dental implants that restore confidence and support your replacement teeth.

Before you get dental implants, it’s important to understand what they are,  what will happen during the procedure, and what you can expect during the recovery process.

To help, we’ve put together this guide. Read on to learn everything you need to know about dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

When we look at our teeth, we often focus on the part we can see. This is called the crown. Beneath the surface lies the root. This holds the tooth in place and is firmly fixed to the jaw.

But when you’ve lost an entire tooth, finding the level of support a natural root provides is a challenge. This is where implants come in.

Dental implants act as a replacement for missing tooth roots. They’re made of strong, biocompatible titanium which anchors a restoration such as a crown to the jaw using a process called osseointegration.

This fusing of implant to bone can take some time; however, the results are astounding. Your replacement tooth will have the rigidity and strength of your natural teeth. 

What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?

At Define Clinic, we offer traditional dental implants as well as Same Day Teeth, or All-on-4s. Traditional implants are used to replace a single tooth, whereas All-on-4s use four well-placed implants to support up to an entire arch of teeth.

Traditional implants can take several appointments to place; however, All-on-4s can be placed in just one day.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Implants are a highly effective solution for supporting replacement teeth: They offer the following benefits:

• Implants provide unparalleled support for your replacement teeth
• Titanium is a lightweight and biocompatible material that can last for many years
• Teeth supported by implants look great
• Having implants prevents the reabsorption of your jaw
• Replacing missing teeth with implants reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
• Filling the gap left by missing teeth will prevent the movement of neighbouring teeth, which could otherwise shift and tilt as a result of chewing

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

Initially, we’ll assess your jaw to make sure it’s able to take the implant. When you’ve lost a tooth, there’s a chance that the underlying bone structure will deteriorate as resorption occurs. In this instance, a bone graft or sinus lift may be necessary.

If we’re carrying out a grafting procedure to improve your bone density, it can take a few months for your jaw to gain the strength required for implant placement.

To place the actual implant, we’ll give an anaesthetic. First, we’ll need to make a small incision in your gums. Next, we’ll create a space in your jaw where the implant will be positioned. Finally, the implant will be put into position.

Once we’re happy with the placement, an abutment will be placed before we take impressions to start work on your made-to-measure crown.

Dental Implant Recovery

As you’d imagine, there’s a certain degree of recovery associated with getting dental implants. Both your gums and jaw bone will need to heal. During the recovery phase, you’ll need to pay attention to what you’re eating.

While eventually, you’ll be able to eat whatever you want; straight after the procedure, you’ll need to stick to soft food. As your teeth and gums may be quite sensitive, anything hot might also be a problem. 

Start off eating foods such as soup and yoghurt and work your way up to mashed potato, pasta, rice, and ground mince as recovery progresses. Once you’ve got the strength back in your bite, you can reintroduce the missing elements of your usual diet.

Caring for Dental Implants

Just like your natural teeth, your dental implants could last for your entire life if cared for properly. A good standard of oral hygiene is important, so make sure you brush twice daily, floss, and use mouth wash.

We’d also suggest making regular visits to see your dentist and hygienist. Having a checkup every six months will give us the opportunity to identify any issues early.

Dental Implants at Define

When you choose to have dental implants at Define Clinic in Buckinghamshire, you’ll be in the best hands. Dr Alfonso Rao is not only a member of the Association of Dental Implantology, but he’s an award-winning dentist responsible for restoring countless smiles.

To schedule a consultation and to discuss getting dental implants, get in touch today.