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Missing Teeth? Your Dental Implant Options Explained
This article explains why dental implants are considered the most effective solution for replacing missing teeth and outlines the different implant options available depending on how many teeth have been lost. It begins by acknowledging that tooth loss can happen for many reasons, including accidents, tooth decay, and gum disease, and that missing teeth can affect chewing, speech, and confidence. Dental implants are described as titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots. These biocompatible implants fuse with the jawbone to provide strong, long-lasting support for replacement teeth. Once integrated, implants allow patients to eat, smile, and speak comfortably, often feeling no different from natural teeth. For patients missing a single tooth, a single dental implant is often the ideal solution. After the implant is placed and the bone has healed around it, a custom-made crown is attached. This crown is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. In cases where bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be recommended before implant placement. If several teeth are missing in the same area, implant-retained bridges may be a better option. These use two or more implants to support a row of connected replacement teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, implant-retained bridges do not rely on neighbouring natural teeth for support, preserving the remaining tooth structure. For patients missing many teeth or an entire arch, implant-retained dentures provide a secure and comfortable solution. These dentures are supported by multiple implants, preventing movement and improving stability compared to traditional dentures. While removable for cleaning, they offer significantly greater confidence when eating and speaking. The article concludes by emphasising that Harley Private Dental offers a range of dental implant solutions tailored to individual needs. Patients are encouraged to book a consultation to explore their options and determine whether dental implants are the right choice for restoring their smile.
Missing Teeth? Your Dental Implant Options Explained
There are many reasons why you might lose teeth. An accident could lead to the loss of several teeth, while tooth decay and gum disease are also common causes. Whatever the reason, you’ll likely want to replace your missing teeth and restore your smile.
Dental implants are the most effective way of rebuilding your smile. They can be used to replace a single tooth or to support an entire arch. By replacing your teeth with implants, you’ll retain the ability to chew, smile, and laugh.
But there are several different dental implant options available, how do you know which one is right for you?
Let’s discuss the various ways dental implants can be used to restore your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that bind realistic replacement teeth tight to your jawbone. They essentially do the same job that the roots of your natural teeth do.
The strong biocompatible implants fuse with your jawbone creating unparalleled support. Once bound to your jaw, the implants will allow you to eat confidently as though you’d never even lost a tooth.
Single Implants
If you’ve lost just one tooth, you can have a single implant. We’ll place the implant into your jaw and let the bone surround it. Once we’re happy that it’s stable, we’ll place a made-to-measure crown onto the implant.
The crown will look exactly like one of your natural teeth. Nobody will know it’s a replacement.
Before we can place a dental implant, we need to ensure that your jaw is strong enough to take it. If the bone has deteriorated following the loss of the tooth, we might suggest a bone graft to rebuild it ahead of the implant placement procedure.
Implant- Retained Bridges
If you have lost a few teeth in the same area of the mouth, implant-retained bridges are a good option. With an implant-retained bridge, we’ll place at least two titanium implants to support a group of teeth that are connected to each other.
Like traditional bridges, the restoration consists of crowns and pontics that ‘bridge’ a gap. Unlike traditional bridges, the crowns are placed onto implants instead of your natural teeth.
Implant-retained bridges offer a good degree of support to your teeth.
Implant-Retained Dentures
If you’ve lost several teeth or an entire arch, implant-retained dentures can help. Here, we can provide you with a custom-made set of dentures supported by four or more dental implants.
Each implant will be strategically placed to provide the maximum support for the dentures. Just like traditional dentures, you can unclip your false teeth and remove them for cleaning. The difference between implanted dentures and traditional false teeth is that implants prevent your replacement teeth from moving about in your mouth, giving you greater confidence.
Dental Implants at Harley Private Dental
Dental implants are the most effective way to replace one or more missing teeth. At Harley Private Dental, we offer a flexible range of options to suit your needs.
If you’d like to learn more about the implant placement procedure or want to find out whether you’re a suitable candidate, get in touch with our friendly team and arrange a consultation today.
