Tooth loss is a very common oral health problem that can cause many problems if left untreated. Missing and badly decayed teeth cause the jawbone to weaken, deteriorate and lose its shape and elasticity, while maintaining a balanced diet can be really difficult. Moreover, missing teeth are responsible for biting and speech problems and have a broader impact on the overall health of a patient.
Patients already missing or on the brink of losing one or several teeth, can benefit from dental implants in Herefordshire. Unlike other tooth restoration treatments that merely sit on the gums, dental implants have the ability to fuse with the jawbone and create a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. In Herefordshire, dental implants are used by Warrendale Dental to fix a different number of problems related to tooth loss.
But how do they work?
Dental implants are small titanium posts which are surgically positioned into the jawbone in order to replace missing tooth roots. Because they are made of titanium, a substance that is well-matched with human body tissue, they encourage the jawbone to attach to them over the period of a few weeks (or months). This way, a firm and solid foundation for replacement teeth such as individual crowns, bridges or dentures is created.
Dental implants require good care in order to remain functional. In general, they are the closest replacement to real teeth, and they are great for maintaining the health of the jawbone and the wellbeing of the natural teeth.
Why are dental implants so significant for oral health?
Dental implant benefits are numerous and range from aesthetic to purely medical. Implant surgery is risk-free and has a big success rate (over 95%). Patients who have undergone implant surgery have witnessed that it hurts less than a routine tooth extraction and the area is put under local anaesthetic to numb the pain. Not to mention that patients have the choice to be sedated in advance.
More importantly, unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants protect the jawbone and help it regenerate. Without a tooth root present, the jawbone will gradually decompose leading to facial changes and a limited oral capacity.