A missing tooth can leave an embarrassing gap in your smile that can be the source of self confidence issues. After all, smiling is one of the most important communication methods we have. A dental implant might be just the solution you have been looking for to repair your smile and your confidence. Dental implants are the most realistic form of dental replicas and offer a greater degree of stability than other procedures.
The implant itself is in the form of a screw that is anchored directly into the jawbone which acts as a stable base to attach a crown. Usually made of titanium or other lightweight substances suitable for use in the human body, implants offer a genuine substitute for real teeth. Suitable for most patients, dental implants have been around for some years but due to recent advances in technology and surgery methods they are rapidly becoming the choice option to replace missing teeth.
Due to the sturdy nature of a dental implant no messy adhesive or dental bonding is needed and certain foods, which are difficult to eat with other dental substitutes, are not a problem for a dental implant. Also, because of the extra stability there is little chance of profile loss or facial shrinking that can occur when teeth are missing.
The implant procedure usually has three steps. Firstly the screw is implanted into the jaw so it is just proud of the gumline. It is then left so it can fuse with the bone and gum to become solid in a process called osseointergration. Next, a post is attached to which, in the final stage, the dentist will attach the realistic ceramic crown.
Dental implants work especially well for patients who have strong existing jaw and gums. With a commitment to good oral hygiene they can last as long as a real tooth and will look almost exactly the same. If you are suffering with a missing tooth from decay or an accident, an Aintree dentist might be able to bring back your smile with a dental implant.