The purpose of dental implants Nottingham is to provide a long-term solution to missing or broken teeth. Dental implants are metal screws that get placed directly into the jawbone and they act as an artificial replacement for the missing teeth. Dental implants support crowns and dentures in the same way that the root supports the natural tooth.
Why do people get dental implants?
Losing one or more teeth often causes people discomfort and upset and can also cause a sense of embarrassment. Therefore most people opt for dental implants rather than dentures, as they enable them to get on with their daily lives and continue to eat their favourite foods without any discomfort. The dental implant itself is not visible – the only part of the implant that can be seen is the crown.
Dental implants are like natural teeth. They are made of titanium which is a metal that can fuse with the natural jawbone. The implant is secured into the jawbone by a simple procedure that is undertaken by the dentist and it takes several months for the implant to be properly fused into the bone. In addition once the implant has properly fused it becomes indistinguishable from the patient’s natural teeth.
An additional benefit of dental implants is that they protect the bone from getting damaged. Missing teeth often lead to bone decay, so the sooner that patients have dental implants inserted the less likely it is that there will be any bone damage. They also provide support and structure to the adjacent teeth so there is less risk of them falling out. People experience an improvement in their speech and appearance giving them confidence and the ability to lead their daily lifestyles as normal again.
Dental implants are much more long-lasting than dentures and bridges which only last for a few years at a time before needing to be replaced. Also there is a risk of dentures and bridges getting damaged or broken, or even lost! Dental implants are therefore more economical and financially viable for patients in the long-run.
What is the procedure?
The first thing that the dentist will offer is a detailed treatment plan at the initial consultation. This will vary on a case-by-case basis for each patient, but the dentist will ensure that the treatment plan is designed to meet the individual patient’s personal needs and requirements. The titanium screw is placed into the jawbone and it takes 6-12 weeks for the jawbone to heal and grow around the implant, securing it into the jaw. The dentist will match the colour of the new teeth with the patient’s natural teeth. This means that the replacement teeth will look, feel, and function exactly like normal teeth.
How much do dental implants cost?
Dental implants are not covered under the NHS and the cost of them will depend on a patient’s individual circumstances and be based on how many implants are required and the complexity of the procedure. Patients should speak to their dentist at the initial consultation and discuss the best option available to them.
