Traditionally when one had a missing tooth, the only options available were dental bridges or Dentures. Primary causes of teeth loss can include age, trauma, dental decay or gum disease, and a lot of people lose teeth as they progress through the years.

With the advancement of research and technology in recent years, Dental Implants are now the treatment of choice as well as the gold standard for tooth replacement. Having a dental implant enables you to chew and function confidently and does not adversely impact the teeth on either side.

Let us learn more about dental implants.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium fixtures engineered to be gently placed into your jawbone. Dental implants are designed with unique features and come in a range of sizes and resemble a raw plug to which a tooth can be attached in the later stages. Dental implants are the closest replacement to a natural tooth.

What is the Process of Getting a Dental Implant?

Step #1- Creating a Plan: Initially, a 3D CBCT scan is taken to measure the quality and quantity of the bone you have and its suitability for dental implant treatment. Sometimes a bone graft is required to build up the bone volume using various materials and techniques, and this will be discussed with you as part of a detailed treatment plan.

Once the Dental implant is placed within the jaw bone, it is allowed to integrate with the natural bone which attaches to it similar to the root of a tooth. After a few months, a tooth is screwed into the implant so that you can bite and chew on it.

Step #2- Placing tooth root implant: Next step is the surgical phase of treatment. Patients are offered intravenous dental sedation, which puts them into a sleep-like state making them largely unaware of the whole procedure. During surgery, the dental implant is gently placed into the jaw bone and covered over with gum, and some stitches are placed to allow it to heal. As the jawbone heals, it grows around the implant, anchoring it tightly in the jaw. The healing process can take anywhere from six to twelve weeks.

Step #3- Attaching the abutment: When the implant bonds with the jawbone, a small connector post called the abutment is attached to it. This is responsible for holding the new tooth in place. An abutment is used to correctly angle the tooth which is to be secured on the Dental implant.

Step #4- Developing new tooth: The dentist will take your biting impressions and create your teeth model. The new tooth is developed based on this model and attached to the abutment.

What are the Advantages of a Dental Implant?

Dental implants have various advantages like:

• Improved comfort and confidence
• Easier eating and chewing ability
• Improved oral health
• Improved self-esteem

What are the Risks of a Dental Implant?

• Infection
• Failure of the implant to integrate naturally with the jaw bone
• Gum disease around the implant at a later stage.

Risks of dental implant treatment are individual to each patient and depend on their smoking habits, genetics, medical health and dental hygiene. Any threats will be highlighted and discussed during the initial treatment planning phase, and necessary steps will be taken to mitigate them.

Does My Dental or Medical Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Unfortunately, dental insurance does not cover the costs of dental implants at present. However, depending on a few factors, your medical insurance might be able to cover them. These factors are the exact cause of tooth loss and the type of medical insurance you have. Talk to your dentist and insurance provider for more details.

About Fresh Dental Smile Clinic-

Want to achieve a perfect smile? Visit Fresh Dental Smile Clinic. We are dedicated to creating happy patients with healthy mouths and beautiful smiles, as well as committed to providing you with good value, consistent, reliable, award-winning dentistry. Our practice, situated just off the York inner ring road, has been designed with patient care and comfort in mind to ensure your dental experience is a pleasure. We offer a full range of cosmetic dentistry as well as high-end general dental treatments, including dental implants, Invisalign, teeth straightening and cosmetic dentistry. Visit our website, call us at 01904 623687, or email us for more information or to book an appointment.