Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth.
They look, feel and work just like natural teeth and can be used to replace one tooth, many teeth, or an entire set. They can also provide a secure anchor for dentures and bridges, allowing you to wave goodbye to your denture glue for good!
Implants are a safe, well established, tried-and-tested treatment. It's true to say that implants, much like natural teeth, will last for as long as you care for them. At Brucegate Dental Practice we use Nobel Biocare implants, which have a long, proven track record of quality, safety and success. Nobel Biocare is a global leader in implants, which means wherever you are in the world you will be able to find a dentist to maintain or repair your implants now and for the lifetime of the implants.
Read on to learn; What dental implants are, The process, and how to take of your implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants consist of two parts:
- A titanium post, just like a tooth root, which is placed into the jawbone, below the gum line
- A replacement tooth, bridge or denture is attached to the top of the post.
A single tooth or many teeth can be replaced with implants. You do not necessarily need to replace each tooth with an implant as often an implant can support more than one tooth. They act as permanent teeth, and unlike dentures, do not need to be removed once they have been fitted.
Images courtesy of Nobel Biocare
Dental Implant Process
Depending upon your overall plan, implants can be used for replacing a single missing tooth, for securing dentures, or for making the transition from failing teeth to an implant supported bridge.
Once the titanium post is rooted in your jawbone, it has the strength of a real tooth and is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Individual replacement teeth are then screwed into each of the implants, or a full arch of teeth is attached.
Taking Care of Your Implants
How well you look after your implants - and whether you attend your regular maintenance appointments - will have the biggest impact on how long they will last. If your implants are well looked after, and if the bone they are fitted to is strong and healthy, you can expect them to last for many years.
The implant aftercare at Brucegate Dental Practice also includes an implant "passport", which details the codes of your implants and procedures, so wherever you are in the world, you have the information to allow another dentist to assist you with your care, should you need it.
Uncared for implants can result in gum disease, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort. To prevent this we encourage regular visits to one of our hygienists who can advise on the best home maintenance regime and provide professional cleaning.