If you have a missing tooth, or if your dentures are loose, then dental implants could be the perfect solution for you! There’s no denying that dental implants are a dentistry wonder, as both their cosmetic and functional results can produce replicas that look and feel as normal as natural teeth.
When you have dental implant treatment, your new teeth can last for many years, leaving you with a vibrant, confident smile. At Rhodes Street Dental, we offer all our dental implant patients some really exciting benefits and often provide them with a life-changing experience.
Our principal dentist, Dr Umar Sharif, has been placing dental implants at our practice since 2018, using the dentistry-renowned Straumann implants. Rest assured that by choosing Rhodes Street Dental for your dental implant treatment, we will always achieve the best outcome for you and your smile.
So what exactly are dental implants and their various types, and what benefits can they add to you if you have missing teeth or dentures? In the blog below, we’ll answer all of these questions, as well as explaining why you should choose Rhodes Street Dental to carry out your teeth implant treatment in Manchester!
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are essentially an artificial replacement for natural teeth lost to either gum disease, tooth decay or injury. A dental implant is a medical-grade titanium rod that acts like a tooth root, which is surgically placed into your jaw bone.
A false tooth, either a crown or bridge, is then attached to the titanium rod as a substitute for your missing one. Dental implants like these are the closest thing that we have in dentistry to replace a natural tooth. Titanium itself is a very safe material that fuses effortlessly to your gum that will support artificial teeth.
With correct care and maintenance, your implants can last up to thirty years!
Our dental implants for missing teeth
At Rhodes Street Dental, we use Straumann implants. Straumann dental implants are a pioneer and global leader in implant dentistry and oral tissue regeneration.
Benefits of Straumann over other types of dental implant include:
- They restore your mouth as closely as possible to its natural state
- They increase comfort by eliminating loose fitting dentures
- With Straussman, you avoid filing down healthy neighbouring teeth (as with a conventional bridge)
- They also reserve facial structure by virtually stopping the deterioration of the jaw
Can I have dental implants?
Anyone can end up with one of the below problems, whether it be from a sports injury or gum disease.
So why would you need dental implants? Dental implants are ideal for anyone who has:
- Lost part of or a whole tooth
- Fractured a tooth
- Loose teeth
Dental implants are a great solution to many issues. But we will be open and honest, especially in your consultation; they aren’t always the best option for everyone.
For example, if you have inadequate bone tissue quality, a specific gum condition, an autoimmune disease, teeth grinding or if you excessively smoke or consume alcohol, then dental implants might not work. This is because all of these things can impact the success rate of the fusion of the implant to the bone and the healing process.
At Rhodes Street Dental, you can meet one of our outstanding dentists who will take all your circumstances into account before identifying if you need dental implants or not. Together, we will then discuss what options are available to you, so you end up with the best solution.
How will my dental implant be fitted?
If we decide dental implants are right for you, they will need to be fitted. Dental implants are a relatively straightforward treatment. After an initial consultation, a full dental examination will take place, as well as carrying out x-rays and CT scans. The actual procedure for fitting the dental implant only takes about an hour, and you will be given a local anaesthetic so that you won’t feel any pain during or immediately after.
There will then be a three to six month healing period following the implant surgery. Afterwards, an impression can be taken to have your artificial tooth placed onto the implant. Depending on how many implants have been placed, this will either be a crown or bridge.
Two weeks later, after that appointment, you’ll have a fully functioning tooth that feels and looks like your old one!
Types of dental implants
There are three common types of dental implants. They are:
SINGLE DENTAL IMPLANT
If you are missing just one tooth, a single dental implant and a replica crown can replace it. It will replace both your lost natural tooth and its root. This method is the most commonly used in dentistry.
DENTAL BRIDGE
A dental bridge is usually false teeth held in place by your existing teeth around your missing tooth area. Like dental veneers, they’re usually made from porcelain (or even plastic) to match your natural tooth colour.
IMPLANT-RETAINED DENTURE
An implant-retained denture is when you place a small number of dental implants in your gum, allowing you to ‘lock’ your denture into place without the need for a sticky adhesive. They are stable in function but can still be easily removed for cleaning purposes.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
REDUCE BONE LOSS
Missing teeth can lead to losing bone mass in your jaw. Dental implants can prevent that bone loss, and they’re currently the only option for tackling this.
BITE RESTORATION
Dental implants are anchored into your jaw, which means you can bite with the same force as natural teeth. This anchorage keeps everything secure, allowing you to eat everything from apples to toffee, safe in the knowledge you’ll have no problems!
THEY MATCH YOUR EXISTING TEETH
A dental implant can be any shape or size, and colour to fit the look of your surrounding teeth. This means that no one but you will know that it’s not your natural teeth.
CLEAR SPEECH
Missing teeth can change the way you talk as your tongue moves differently due to the gaps. Dental implants feel and function like your original teeth, so your speech is unaffected.
NO MORE CAVITIES
While you will need to look after your dental implants as you would your natural teeth, they will never decay due to the hard-wearing material they’re made from.
NO DENTURE SLIPS
Dentures sometimes slip or move unexpectedly when you eat or speak because they’re not anchored into the mouth. Dental implants are screwed into the jaw bone, so they’re secure and stable at all times. You’ll never have to worry when you eat, smile, speak, or laugh!
ADDED TOOTH SUPPORT
Gaps in your teeth often lead to movement in your remaining teeth that cause misalignment throughout your mouth. With a dental implant, your teeth remain supported, and your smile remains even.
THEY’RE EASY TO LOOK AFTER!
There are no special products necessary to keep your implants clean and looking beautiful. You brush and floss in the same way you do your natural teeth to keep them looking good.
RHODES ST DENTAL PRACTICE – THE LEADING PRIVATE DENTAL CLINIC IN OLDHAM
To book in your dental venner consultation today call 0161 823 5329. Our highly qualified and experienced team adhere to guidance from the General Dental Council (GDC) ‘Standards For Dental Professionals’ so you can rest assured you’ll be in the safest of hands.
