One or more missing teeth doesn’t just ruin the appearance of your smile, it can also cause many problems for your oral health too. This is because missing teeth can affect your overall oral functioning and make chewing more difficult.
Most people missing teeth at the front of their mouth will want them replaced for appearance. However some people may not realise the importance of replacing back teeth to maintain chewing function and reduce stress and wear on the front teeth. These teeth are important long-term to maintain harmony in chewing function and appearance.
Dental implants work by placing titanium metal roots into the jawbone which are then used to support one or more false teeth. The implants have to be placed in a small surgical procedure and it can also be performed under sedation if your case is more complex or you are a very nervous patient. You shouldn’t feel any pain during the surgery, although you may experience some minimal discomfort in the healing period a few days after.
Treatment usually takes around 3 to 6 months after the implants are fitted, but some implant systems mean you can now have them fitted in as short a time as 3 months or less.
The dental implants bond with the bone is a process known as osseointegration which can take 3-6 months. During the healing process a temporary restoration will be added to the implant site while you wait for the permanent crown to be placed.
It’s very important during this time to keep your implants clean by brushing your mouth properly and not touching or poking the implant site. This will ensure the site doesn’t get infected. Cleaning your teeth shouldn’t be any more difficult than usual, although some areas can be more difficult to reach. A dental hygienist will be able to talk you through this process.
At Parrock Dental and Implant Centre, Dr Rik Trivedi is highly trained to assess your suitability for dental implants. As a member of the Association of Dental Implantology, you can feel assured that you’ll be treated in the best of hands.
If you’re looking for dental implants, Kent based Parrock Dental and Implant Centre can help. Please call 01474 537 191 to book your appointment. Our opening hours are Monday and Wednesday from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 8pm, Friday from 9am to 3pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm.