The Benefits of Dental Implant Treatment

Basically, there are four choices for a person who has lost a tooth or multiple teeth, namely leaving the gap as it is, having dentures, having a bridge or having a dental implant placed. No matter how inconspicuous it is, the first option is not recommended. This is because leaving a gap might result in problems like misaligned teeth over time.

While both bridges and dentures help replace damaged or missing teeth, they both have their own disadvantages. At One two three Dental, our dental implant experts in Leeds believe that dental implants are the best option for most patients. The procedure involves minor surgery with a 3–6-month healing time, this treatment is probably the best long-term solution to replace a missing tooth or restore any number of teeth to improve function as well as complete your smile.

Continue reading as we explore this procedure in depth, along with its benefits.

What are Dental Implants? onetwothreedental_The Benefits of Dental Implant Treatment

A dental implant is a structure used to replace a missing tooth. In dental implant treatment, the surgeon places a screw-like implant (made of titanium) into the jawbone, which serves as an anchor for an artificial tooth, called an implant crown.

An abutment is used to connect the artificial tooth to the implant. The crown is tailored to fit the individual’s mouth and blended with the natural colour of the rest of their teeth. Crowns mimic the appearance, feel and function of real teeth.

Although dental implants offer dental health and cosmetic benefits over dentures, they are not ideal for everyone. The implant needs to integrate with the bone, so healthy bones are essential before undergoing implant surgery.

Types of Dental Implants

Mainly, dental implant treatment is of the following two types:

  • Endosteal (Within the Bone): This is the most common type of dental implant. It comes in various forms, such as cylinders, blades and screws that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Each implant can support one or more prosthetic teeth. This option is typically suitable for patients who are currently using bridges or removable dentures.

Types of Dental Implant Procedures

Based on your specific condition and the type of implant selected, your dental implant surgeon will design a bespoke treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Here are some potential treatment options depending on your situation:

  • Single Tooth Dental Implants: If you are missing a single tooth, it can be replaced with single dental implant treatment.
  • Multiple Tooth Dental Implants: If the patient is missing several teeth, multiple dental implant treatment can be used to replace them.
  • Full Mouth Dental Implants: If all your teeth are missing, full mouth dental implants are perhaps the best teeth restoration method.
  • Sinus Augmentation: The success of a dental implant often depends on the quality and quantity of the bone in the area to be treated. The upper back jaw can be challenging due to limited bone and proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation helps by raising the floor of the sinus while developing bone for implant placement.
  • Ridge Modification: Deformities in the lower or upper jaw can result in insufficient bone for implant placement. To address this, the gum is lifted to expose the area where bone is lacking, and the space is filled with bone or a bone substitute to build up the ridge. Ridge modification may help with jaw restoration, enhance the appearance of the jaw while increasing the success rate of implants.

Also Read: All You Need to Know about Dental Implant Risks and Complications

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Benefits of Dental Implant Treatment

Let us explore some of the most prominent advantages of choosing dental implants replace missing teeth.

  1. Enhanced Aesthetics: Ready to flash that smile? Dental implants are custom-made to match the colour, shape and size of your natural teeth, seamlessly restoring –or even creating – a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
  2. Prevention of Bone Loss: Dental implant treatment plays a crucial role in preventing bone loss. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath can begin to deteriorate. Implants stimulate the jawbone, which helps preserve its structure and help maintain the facial shape.
  3. Improved Chewing Ability: Unlike dentures that can shift or move while eating, dental implants function like natural teeth, helping you to restore full chewing capabilities. This allows you to enjoy a variety of foods without the discomfort or limitations often associated with dentures.
  4. Support for Adjacent Teeth: Dental implants help stabilise the teeth adjacent to the implant. Without an implant, neighbouring teeth may shift into the gap, causing bite issues and affecting the appearance of your smile. Implants maintain the alignment and integrity of your natural teeth.
  5. Convenience: Dental implants become a permanent fixture in your mouth, eliminating the need for adhesives or nightly removal, as required with dentures. Plus, there is no risk of them slipping out of the mouth, providing peace of mind and confidence.
  6. Clearer Speech: Missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures can hinder your speech. Because dental implants are securely attached and customised to your jaw, they allow for more natural speech, thereby improving your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  7. Maintained Bite Strength: Your bite strength depends on the alignment between your upper and lower teeth. Missing teeth can disrupt this balance, leading to jaw discomfort and difficulty chewing. Dental implants, being firmly anchored, allow you to bite with greater force and confidence.
  8. Enhanced Comfort: Dental implants often provide greater comfort compared to other dental solutions for missing teeth. Being permanently affixed to the jaw, they offer enhanced oral comfort; unlike dentures that might slip or cause irritation.
  9. Personalised Treatment: Dental implants can be tailored to suit your specific needs. Whether replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth – or supporting an entire arch, implants can be customised to blend perfectly with your natural teeth in shape, colour and size.
  10. Simplified Oral Care: Dental implants contribute to better oral hygiene. Since they replace individual teeth, each implant can be cleaned just like a natural tooth through regular brushing and flossing. Specific implant cleaning aids are also reccomended when the treatment is complete.
  11. Long-Lasting Results: While dental implants may require a higher initial investment compared to other options, they come with a success rate of up to 98%. Plus, they can last a lifetime with proper care. On the contrary, dental bridges and dentures might require periodic replacement or adjustment.

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Also Read: Unlock Your Perfect Smile: The Benefits of Teeth Straightening Options

Is Dental Implantation the Right Choice for You?

While there are clear benefits of dental implant treatment, it is essential to understand that dental implants are not suitable for everyone. The success of the procedure depends on several factors, including your overall health, oral hygiene and the expertise of the dental implant expert.

Consult with an experienced dental professional at One two three Dental today to determine whether affordable dental implants, bridges or dentures are the best choice for your needs.

All You Need to Know about Dental Implant Risks and Complications

The most effective way to replace a missing adult tooth or multiple teeth is dental implants.
It is a small medical procedure in which the implantologist puts a titanium artificial root
inside the jawbone where the tooth was missing. Thereafter, the implantologist adds an
artificial tooth either cemented or screw retained to the titanium post to make for a natural
smile. Dental implants help towards maintaining a healthy balance to function naturally and
chewing normally.

Dental Implants perform better than dental bridges and dentures and the longevity is 15-20
years+ in a perfectly healthy mouth. In general, Implants are more comfortable and stronger,
in comparison to removable teeth. However, when considering getting dental implants this
involves multiple appointments, healing time of 3-6 months and can come with the risk of
developing complications. So, how will you detect bad dental implants? Let’s find out!

What are the Signs of Dental Implant Failure?

Dental implants are generally a reliable solution for missing teeth, but on rare occasions,
complications can arise. Can dental implants make you sick? Here are the key signs of
dental implant failure:

Dental Implant Risks

● Severe Pain and Discomfort:

Persistent or worsening pain, especially after the healing period, may indicate issues such as infection or implant rejection. While some discomfort is normal immediately after the procedure, ongoing severe pain is a red flag.

● Gum Recession around the Implant:

If the gum tissue around the implant begins to recede, it can expose the implant’s metal components. This can make the implant more vulnerable to bacterial infection, increasing the risk of implant failure.

● Difficulty While Chewing and Biting:

If you experience pain or discomfort while chewing or biting, it may indicate that the implant isn’t functioning properly or has become misaligned, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks like eating.

● Shifting and Loose Implant:

A dental implant should remain stable once it has integrated with the jawbone. If the implant feels loose or shifts, it could mean the implant hasn’t properly fused with the bone, a condition known as osseointegration failure.

● Swollen Gums:

Swelling, redness, or inflammation in the gums around the implant site could indicate infection, called peri-implantitis, or other underlying issues. Swelling should be monitored closely and reported to your implantologist if it persists.

● Implant Micro-Movements:

If the implant is moving even slightly, especially after the initial healing period, it could be a sign that it hasn’t properly fused with the bone, leading to implant failure.

dental treatment leeds

● Sudden Allergic Reactions:

Rarely, some patients may have an allergic reaction to the titanium used in implants. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling, loss of taste, or tingling sensations. This requires immediate medical attention. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s essential to contact your implantologist to address the
issue promptly. Early detection and treatment of dental implant complications can
help prevent total implant failure.

What Are the Complications of Dental Implants?

Side effects from dental implants can arise because of the following complications:

● Failure of Osseointegration:

This is said to occur when the bone grows around the implant. If it doesn’t happen, the implant will not be stable enough to hold the crown, which leads to dental implant failure. If a dental implant fails, the implant will either come out by itself or needs to be removed. In the event of a dental implant failure,
you can talk to your implantologist to decide whether you need a replacement or need to consider a different option.

● Improper Implant Placement:

Dental implants are a very intricate and skilled treatment. Implantologists are required to follow strict angles and positionings for implants to integrate successfully. Rarely, an error in placing the implant with respect to angle or location of the implant can occur and result in complications.

The implant may fail to properly attach to the bone, become loose or be too close to the adjacent teeth causing discomfort. In such a situation, the implant needs to be replaced or removed.

What are the Risks of Dental Implants?

Below are some of the common dental implant risks:

dental implant procedure

● Damage to the Sinus:

One of the dental implant side effects is sinus damage. Your upper jaw lies just below the sinus. Implants to replace your top teeth can potentially enter the sinus, resulting in infection or pain. This is why CBCT scans are essential to allow the implantologist to review the position of the sinus, nerves and angle of other teeth into the jawbone.

● Infection:

Similar to oral surgery, the dental implant procedure comes with a risk of infection. It is important to follow your implantologist’s instructions on how to look after the treated area as it heals (these are provided before and after your implant surgery). If you experience swelling and pain, or find fluid coming out of the treated site, see your implantologist without delay.

● Damage to the Nerves:

Like any surgery there are risks associated as we are working near other nerves, sinuses and facial muscles. Implant surgery can sometimes result in nerve damage although a rare occurrence. Before the procedure, the implantologist takes x-rays and an essential CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) scan to locate the essential nerves, sinus locations and angles of other teeth in the mouth. Nerve damage may have lasting consequences; hence, it is advisable to discuss the dental implants risks with your implantologist beforehand.

In rare cases implants can have an impact on the teeth around them. This is usually if the adjacent teeth already have issues like root damage or decay present, an implant procedure may worsen the situation. A general implantologist usually examines the whole mouth and teeth first and then refers to the implantologist for further investigation of the teeth/tooth in question and address any potential problems before going ahead with the implant procedure.

Before signing up for dental implants, it’s essential to discuss all potential risks and side effects with the implantologist at One Two Three Dental. Be sure to mention any pre-existing health conditions or medications you’re taking so they can determine if dental implants are the right option for you.