Cosmetically, it can be embarrassing to lose a tooth, especially a front tooth, but more importantly and from a practical point of view, tooth loss can be debilitating. The loss of even one tooth can impact how a patient chews and affect their remaining teeth. Teeth in a full set tend to support each other, so when one is removed, this weakens the gum and causes the other teeth to move or lean into the gap left behind. The advancements made in dental implants Nottingham can definitely not only replace the missing tooth but help to rehabilitate the gum.
Over six decades of evolution
When dental implants first made their appearance way back in 1955 they were regarded as a breakthrough but with some scepticism. Fast forward to 2022 and the amazing development in dentistry, dental implants have become the treatment of choice. It’s not only the equipment that has made dental implants a truly successful treatment but the techniques and training that have enhanced the procedures.
More than just dentistry
Dental implant treatment is much more than purely a dental procedure; it requires a certain amount of artistry to design and colour a prosthetic tooth so that it matches the patient’s normal teeth so as to be undetectable. The crown must also be fitted correctly because the pressure exerted by the human jaw is immense, and the crown must be able to withstand this pressure. While it is of course of enormous aesthetic importance that a patient is able to smile without feeling self-conscious, a dentist’s priority is to restore the function of the teeth. A dentist, therefore, has the responsibility of restoring not only a patient’s dental health but their mental health as well. By calling on their artistic side, the dentist must ensure that the tooth replacement they produce does not cause any embarrassment to the patient.
The implantation procedure
The implantation procedure used to be considered a complex one, but today, it is almost routine. Careful assessment of the patient’s condition both from a dental and general health point of view must be considered. There are still a few patients who may be considered unsuitable for this form of treatment. Cancer patients and those with haemophilia, HIV and diabetes will require careful consideration. Once it has been decided that the patient is a suitable candidate, the procedure can commence. A small incision is made into the gum, and a hole is drilled into the jawbone under local anaesthesia. A titanium post is then placed into the hole, and a temporary abutment is placed on top. A healing period of four to six months will then be required before proceeding to the next step. At the end of the healing period, the temporary abutment is removed and a permanent one is inserted; this provides stability for the crown, which is then placed onto the abutment. The patient is then recommended to avoid hard foods for about three weeks to a month. After this period, another visit to the surgery will allow the dentist to confirm that the new implant will perform just as well as the patient’s normal teeth.
Your dental health restored
The patient is now able to eat and drink comfortably and brush and floss in the same way as they do their normal teeth. It will be possible to smile naturally and without any self-consciousness.
