Dental Implants - an alternative to dentures
As with all dental treatment you must attend an initial consultation with your dentist who will advise you of the best course of treatment for your particular condition. Dental Implants Golders Green can be a good substitute for dentures or for a bridge both of which often require ongoing fitting adjustments. You may be advised that you have insufficient roots to allow for a stable base on which to build denture or bridge teeth replacements. The manner in which dental surgery is performed is dependent on the type of implant and the general condition of your jawbone.
Am I a suitable candidate for dental implants
Your dentist will conduct a thorough and complete examination of your teeth, gums and jawbone to assess your suitability for dental implants Golders Green. Generally the conditions that might be suitable for this type of treatment are if you have one or numerous teeth missing. Your jawbone is sufficiently stable and solid enough having achieved full growth. The general condition of your mouth and oral tissue is healthy enough to sustain effective bone healing. You are a non-smoker and that you are willing to commit to a process that could take several months.
Why dental implants
Stability is of utmost importance for our teeth especially when we are chewing our food. Dental implants Golders Green are surgically inserted to your jawbone to take the place of the missing tooth and root. The material used is partly titanium and this particular material allows the implant to fuse with the jawbone causing a stable base. This is particularly important because the implant will not be able to move and movement can cause bone damage in the long run. In addition the materials used are protected and will not decay in the same way that your teeth will over time.
The planning stage
As with all surgery there is normally a team who will be responsible for different stages of the treatment and therefore planning is essential. Before they begin your procedure they will require a detailed report on your condition, where the implants must be inserted and how many. They also need to know about you as a person, if you are nervous or calm and how you react to different medications etc. A complete examination of the mouth, teeth, gums and jaw, which will include X-rays and a 3D scan, will be conducted. Your medical history is reviewed and they will have checked back and asked numerous questions to compile an extensive final report. Utilising all this knowledge and their dental knowledge the team will design the treatment around your specific needs. You may require a bone graft if they find that your jawbone is not solid enough. This is to ensure that when you chew the implant will be able to support the powerful pressure that is exerted.
The implant procedure
Your surgeon will expose your jawbone by making an incision in your gum, where he will drill a hole to accommodate the titanium implant post. This will take the place of your previous root so it needs to be planted deep into your jawbone. If required a temporary tooth can be placed on top of the implant, this is usually done when a front tooth is being treated.
Receiving your new tooth or teeth
It can take a few months for your gums to heal but once you are at this stage you will need to return to the surgery. This is the stage where an impression of your tooth is taken to ensure that the new tooth or teeth match the shape of your existing teeth. You can decide on fixed or removable teeth.