If you have missing teeth and think you might want implants to replace them but are not sure what is involved, what it might cost, or how it could work for you, then book a free consultation with the Medcare dentist and implantologist and get all your questions answered.
Tooth loss affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives. In fact, by the time you reach 35, you will be very much in the minority if you still have all your teeth, as 69% of 35 year olds will have at least one tooth missing. By the age of 74, 26% of adults have lost all their teeth.
So, what can you do to fill in the gaps? There are numerous options but the procedure that has revolutionised tooth replacement in recent years is implant surgery.
Dental implants give you a permanent replacement tooth, fixed into the gum just like the real thing.
The implant itself – think of it as the root of your replacement tooth – is a screw-like fixture (usually titanium) that is fitted into the jaw bone.
A ceramic tooth, carefully constructed to match your natural teeth, is then attached to the implant.
Implants are the closest you can get to natural teeth. Nobody looking at an implant would be able to spot the difference, and implants stay permanently in place and function just like your own teeth when it comes to eating – no need to worry about tough foods breaking the tooth or pulling it out.
If you need more than one adjacent tooth replaced, the dentist will fit ‘screws’ at intervals. A ceramic ‘tooth’ is fixed to each ‘screw’ and a bridge of ceramic ‘teeth’ fixed between.
Another big advantage with implants is that they actually help prevent the bone deterioration that can happen after tooth loss.
Many people who lose a tooth, especially if it is in the back of the mouth and not visible, are tempted to leave a gap. This may cause slight inconvenience when eating, but they figure they will get used to it and it doesn’t really matter.
However, by leaving a gap the bone of the jaw can begin to recede and this may threaten adjacent teeth. An implant will prevent this.
To find out more about dental implant surgery with Medcare, contact us to book your free consultation.