There is something of a myth that you cannot restore lost teeth. Thanks to dental implants Harley Street, it is possible to restore teeth that have been lost through decay or illness many years ago, all while retaining the realistic feel of natural teeth.
Creating implants
The implants themselves are not visible when they are placed; they are beneath the gum line, affixed to the jaw, acting as an anchor for the false tooth or teeth that are going to be attached to it.
The implants themselves are fairly standard; they look like metal screws and are made from titanium. This is the preferred material as research into surgical metals conducted in the 1950s found that titanium was not only an inert material but that it also built up and bonded with the bone that it was attached to.
There are different kinds of oral implants available, but in most instances, the type that you will be fitted with is the endosteal implant.
Prosthetics
Once the implant has fused to your jaw following a fitting, it is time for your dentist to fit the prosthetic. The fusing time can vary based on your age, general health, and other considerations, but on average, it takes between 4-9 months for an implant to fuse.
Implants can support all manner of prosthetic teeth, and if you are looking to replace an entire set of teeth, 4 implants can support a denture. This is achieved with precision measurements being taken, and your dentist will place them in specific parts of your mouth to better spread the load of the implants.
Any prosthetic teeth can be made to match any natural surrounding teeth that you have in color, shade, and translucency so that they will blend in seamlessly.
Bone grafts
If your dentist determines via x-ray that you do not have the required amount of jawbone to support oral implants, they may offer a bone graft.
This is usually taken from another part of your body, such as your shin or chin, and is then placed via surgery. This can add 9 months to the entire process but will increase the success of the oral implant fitting.
If you have a bone disorder, such as osteoporosis, then your dentist may decide to use a synthetic bone graft or will use one derived from an animal source.
Caring for your oral implants
Once your implants have been fitted, you will not have to worry about excessive maintenance, which is one of the reasons why so many dental patients find implants appealing.
You will simply need to brush the false teeth as you would natural teeth and attend checkups with your dentist. As they are fitted securely to your jaw, the implants will feel more like real teeth and with the right level of aftercare, they can easily last for the rest of your life.
Complications
Oral implants are generally not suitable for people who have severe cases of generative bone disorders such as osteoporosis.
If you take blood-thinning medication, it is also advisable to discuss your suitability with your dentist and doctor before beginning this treatment.
