Mind the Gap
16 September 2021
Dr Paul Hanna, an experienced specialist in oral implants at Clinic 43 Dental & Implant Centre, Eastbourne, looks at the key benefits of dental implants.
Recent research shows that a surprising 90% of people make negative judgements about a person’s social and intellectual abilities if they have decayed or discoloured teeth.
We all know that poor dental care not only leads to bad breath, stained and decayed teeth, but in many cases, can cause actual tooth loss. What may come as a surprise, is that the loss of even one tooth can have far-reaching effects. It can compromise eating habits and speech, and can even change the appearance and shape of one’s mouth and face.
However, thanks to key advances in dental care, the development of dental implant procedures provides a fantastic solution to dental ‘gaps’.
What are implants?
Dental implants are usually small titanium screws fixed into the jawbone to ultimately act as the root of a natural tooth. Implants allow the tooth to function completely independently of the adjacent teeth, providing a permanent, healthy and attractive solution.
An implant can also be used to improve the stability of a removable prosthesis/denture. Normally, five or six implants are used to replace all the teeth in one jaw, as each implant can usually support two teeth.
Benefits of implants Implants preserve the integrity of your facial structure and replicate your natural teeth as closely as possible, both in function and appearance. They also overcome the inherent disadvantages of bridges and dentures that do not preserve bone and can necessitate the grinding down of adjacent teeth to fit.
How is the procedure carried out?
Oral implants are generally carried out in two phases. First, the titan sheath is fitted into the bone. Thanks to analgesics, this procedure is pain-free. Following a period of three to six months of healing, during which the patient is given a provisional prosthesis, the permanent prosthesis is then fitted to the implant.
What is your advice to implant candidates?
Before embarking on this treatment, it is important to establish exactly what procedure is proposed, what experience the dentist has in this field of work, the total cost of the treatment and what the alternatives are. You will be spending a lot of time, effort and money, so be sure that you know what you are getting at the end of the treatment.
For further information on dental implants, or to arrange a FREE consultation with Dr Paul Hanna, contact Clinic 43 Dental & Implant Centre, on 01323 725 224.
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