Once upon a time you only had access to bridges and dentures if you were unfortunate enough to lose a tooth. The wonders of dental science and modern technology have created another option. Since the 1950s when implantology was introduced, development of the procedure, equipment and techniques has evolved. Here at Teddington Dental Practice we have a team which includes multiple implant dentistry clinicians and an implantologist. The experience and skills that this team brings to the treatment ensures that you will receive the best dental implants Teddington treatment available.
Problems with tooth loss
Losing a tooth is tragic enough in itself, but in addition you will also lose 25% of your jawbone in the area where the tooth once stood during the first year afterwards. Your jawbone will continue to experience resorption from then onwards. This will cause your face to take on a sunken appearance in that area of your face. Unfortunately a bridge or dentures will not revive the bone, because they rest above your gum and consequently your jawbone. Implantology has discovered that by inserting a titanium post into your jawbone to perform a similar function as the root of your tooth, bone resorption can be reversed. Titanium fuses with your jawbone and will encourage your body to send the necessary nutrients to that area.
Eligibility
A detailed examination is always the starting point and a comprehensive questionnaire to identify a patient's medical history forms part of this examination. Progress has meant that it is becoming increasingly rare for a patient to be ineligible for dental implants Teddington. Jawbone density was a problem in the past, but new techniques in bone grafting have improved so much that more patients are now eligible. Age was an area of concern and now it is only the under 18 year olds that are considered ineligible because their bones are still developing. Dentists will however consider under eighteen year olds on a case-by-case basis, depending on the level of development of the jawbone. Medication is important when considering any surgical procedure, especially anything that affects anesthesia. Any medication, even aspirin, which thins your blood must be disclosed, to ensure that you don’t suffer from excessive bleeding. It is advisable to refrain from tobacco products, recreational drugs and alcohol which can affect healing of your gums and jawbone. Patients who suffer from diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and some autoimmune diseases could be at higher risk of infection. Psychological problems can pose huge complications, so patients with these conditions will most likely be declined.
Efficient and effective
Dental implants Teddington provide an effective and efficient way to replace lost teeth. One tooth or four in a row can be replaced with a single implant and it will sometimes only require four to replace an entire mouthful of teeth. The average time it takes to perform the procedure is around one to two hours. The treatment period is around six months because of the healing period after the gum incision and the drilling of the hole. How long your new crown and implant last depends on how well you take care of them and your oral hygiene and care will determine this period. They should last for 20 to 30 years with a proper oral hygiene regime. Call our practice to discover more about this treatment.