Dental implant: what does it involve?

Losing a tooth can have an overwhelming impact on someone’s lifestyle and can be devastating for their confidence. In addition to this, if a tooth is lost it will cause the surrounding teeth to move into the gaps created, which can lead to crooked and more difficult-to-clean teeth. Over time, the bone beneath the missing teeth will degenerate, resulting in a sunken and aged appearance on the face.

Fortunately, dental implants are clinically proven for replacing a missing tooth or a missing set of teeth. Here, one of our Top dental implant surgeons Dr Haidar Hassan explains what the dental implant procedure involves and why to choose it over other treatment options such as dentures or bridges.

How does a dental implant work?

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is surgically placed into the gap created by the missing tooth. As soon as the implant is placed, it begins to integrate with the surrounding bone and tissues, firmly anchoring itself in position.

Implants never slip, make noises or decay – and once integrated with the jawbone, they look identical to the natural teeth. The roles of dental implants are the same as the natural teeth, allowing chewing, smiling and laughing comfortably. The jawbone will remain intact over time and the loss of bone density will be prevented. However, irregular fellow up and hygiene cleaning of the implant could effect the longevity of the treatment and gradual bone loss.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants consist of three main parts: the titanium fixture, which fuses with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the titanium fixture; and the crown, which is fitted onto the abutment and looks like your natural teeth (the crown is designed to match the colour, size and shape of the teeth exactly).

Dental implants significantly increase the ability to eat food that were not possible to chew after suffering from a tooth loss. Unlike other solutions such as unsecured dentures, there is no danger of your replacement teeth slipping. Dental implants can also help to improve the ability to taste food as well as overcome some speech difficulties.

The use of high-quality restorations with dental implants helps achieve incredible aesthetic results. Having the ability to restore patient's full smiles improves their quality of life, restoring their confidence towards dental treatment and ultimately their self-esteem.

Most patients that return for regular follow up appointments report how implants feel incredibly comfortable, like having their teeth back in the jaw. In fact, some patients cannot longer differentiate the implant from an existing natural tooth after a while.

There are also health-related advantages. The ability to restore failing teeth or inadequate teeth replacements, such as ill-fitting dentures, helps to improve the overall state of the mouth. It also reduces the chance of pain or infection and aims for better oral health. In addition, implants can have a valuable nutritional benefit as patients can eat food that were not possible to chew, such as fruit or vegetables.

Why choose dental implants over other treatments?

Dental implants are considered more convenient than dentures and bridges as they help preserve the bone and treat the area of the missing tooth without involving the adjacent teeth. Only dental implants are capable of maintaining bone and gum levels and perform similarly to natural teeth. This is overall the most predictable and long-lasting option currently. Dental implants help to obtain strong, natural looking permanent teeth.

If you are interested in having a dental implant, do not hesitate to make an appointment with Dr Haidar Hassan.