Dental implants are a widely used procedure that involves replacing missing, bad, or damaged teeth. To discuss implants and whether they are an option for you talk with a city of London dental professional. 90% of modern implants last for at least 15 years so are a very good investment to improve the physical appearance of the teeth. The dental implant is made of a titanium rod which is placed in the jaw bone which then supports one or more false teeth. This implant procedure can be used to replace as many teeth as the patient requires even a whole set. There is a small operation that is required which is carried out using anaesthetic with the option of sedation if the patient requires. Obviously when the procedure is taking place you will not feel anything or discomfort, however as part of the normal healing process after the operation there will be some general discomfort. Typically the procedure is quite a long winded affair taking up to a year in the majority of cases sometimes longer depending on the complexity of the dental implants. In addition there is a waiting period as time is required for the implants to integrate or bond with the bone after their placement which takes quite a while, on average taking at least 3 months in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper jaw.
Posts tagged “missing tooth”
Get dental implants at a city of London dentist
January 16th, 2011Dental bridge advice can be given from a west London dental practice.
January 8th, 2011
A dental bridge is a dental procedure where a missing tooth or teeth are replaced by a fixed partial denture; this is attached permanently to each side of the adjacent teeth. There are a variety of different types of bridges varying in the way in which they are made and attached to the teeth; the majority of bridges are made using indirect restorative methods however in some cases resins are used to make direct restorations. There are three different types of bridge; firstly a fixed bridge is implanted in the mouth by making reductions in the teeth either side of where the bridge is going to go then the bridge is attached to the teeth. There are a number of materials that can be used to make the fixed bridge such as gold, ceramics, porcelain fused with metal and sometimes porcelain only. Second there is the resin bonded bridge, where there is no need of crowning the adjacent teeth so this procedure is used when they show little or no previous damage. The bridge is usually made from plastic and attached using metal bands bonded using resin. Typically this kind of bridge is used on the front teeth where there is little or no stress, it can be made by bonds behind the teeth which are out of view. Lastly there is the cantilever bridge which is used when there is only one tooth which is healthy for the bridge to be attached to, the bridge is anchored on just one side and because of this it usually used in areas of low stress such as at the front of the teeth. Taking care of dental bridges is a very important thing for patients as even the best fitting bridges will still contain gaps so strict brushing routines and cleaning are essential. Discuss dental braces with a west London dental professional.
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The number one replacement: dental implants from Central London dentist
August 20th, 2010
Losing a tooth at any stage of your life is a traumatic experience but few people realise the long-lasting consequences of a missing tooth. A hollow left by a missing tooth will be very susceptible to a build up of bacteria which will in turn affect the other teeth. In this way, losing one tooth can begin a chain reaction that leads to losing many more.
This is why Central London dentists always recommend that you have your missing tooth replaced. This can be with one of a number of dental substitutes such as dental bridges, dental implants and partial dentures. Dental bridges are probably the most cost-effective way of replacing teeth and can last for up to twenty years. However, they are prone to breaking and can limit what kind of food you can eat.
Partial dentures are slightly clumsy and bulky and often used for replacing more than one missing tooth. There is no question which is the most lifelike and sturdy form of dental replacement. Dental implants replace the whole tooth from the root up and are very secure. They do not limit what you an eat as they are almost as strong as a real tooth. And for the biggest bonus of all, they last a lifetime. This means that although you may have to pay slightly more now, there will be no replacements needed ten years down the line and you can continue your life safe in the knowledge that your teeth are protected.
It is also possible to have a series of mini implants that act as a permanent support for your dentures. Ask for more information from your Central London dentist at your next appointment.
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Affordable tooth replacement with dental bridge from City of London dentist
May 2nd, 2010
One of the most common ways to replace missing teeth is to construct a dental bridge. Dental bridges are made using two dental crowns, attached either side of the vacant tooth space supporting an artificial tooth called a pontic. This creates the appearance of a full set of teeth, restoring the cosmetic appearance and also the functionality of the tooth.
It is important to replace missing teeth for a number of reasons. Missing teeth leave hollows in the gums, which can be breeding grounds for bacteria. This can cause further damage to the other teeth, resulting in further tooth loss. Missing teeth also encourage the remaining teeth to lean into the gaps and also rotate. This can cause interruptions in bite that can cause bruxism and painful jaw conditions such as TMJ.
One or more missing teeth can also cause problems with facial tissue. The teeth act as rigid supports for the facial muscles and if they are missing can cause unattractive sagging. A dental bridge will restore the support offered by real teeth and prevent other teeth moving around in the dental arc.
Although dental bridges are usually made using dental crowns, if the adjacent teeth are in good enough condition then a City of London dentist may choose to attach the pontic using resin bonded strips. This will remove the need for any unnecessary enamel removal which is often needed before fitting a dental crown. There are other dental restorations available in the form of dental implants and partial dentures but many patients opt to have bridges because they are affordable and involve minimal surgery. If you have suffered a missing tooth and are keen to replace it, ask your dentist about the possibilities of dental bridges.
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Lifelong replacement with dental implant from Central London dentist
March 19th, 2010
As a substitute for a missing or lost tooth it is hard to beat a dental implant for realism and authenticity. Dental implants are the only dental replacement that restores the whole tooth from crown to root and as a result is the sturdiest restoration available.
There are many reasons for losing a tooth ranging from accidental damage to gum disease but whatever the cause it can be a very painful and upsetting experience at any age. If a tooth has been knocked out or extracted due to decay it can be the cause of further dental complications causing pain and anxiety so it is always recommended by dentists to replace teeth as soon as possible. If a gap is left in the dental arc then it can cause the other teeth to move or rotate. This can lead to complications with bite and also increases the likelihood of further dental infection.
A dental implant is a small metal screw that a Central London will insert directly into the jawbone during a minor surgery. This acts as a solid base for a dental crown which will be attached after several weeks of healing and fusing. Once set firm in the bone and tissue, a post is attached to the screw onto which is fixed a specially designed crown.
Unlike other restorations, a dental implant will last a whole lifetime if properly cared for. Although the initial cost may be slightly more than other treatments, you need to bear in mind that once you have had implant surgery you are unlikely to need to spend any further money on future replacements.
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A West London dentist explains dental implants
January 7th, 2010
A dental implant is quite simply an artificial tooth that is permanently attached to the jaw-bone, just like a natural tooth would be. The procedure is an alternative to false teeth on a plate that is inserted into the mouth using a glue to attach it to the roof, or the lower jaw area. Obviously a plate of false teeth is easier to make and fit as a whole row of teeth are placed together. With an implant it is a different procedure altogether. First the jaw is drilled and a metal base is fitted into the hole, then the tooth is screwed into the base and positioned to look, and feel, like the real thing. You won’t have any nerve problems either as in a real tooth, if it becomes chipped or knocked out in an accident. This procedure according to the West London dentist is ideal for one or more individual teeth that have been knocked out, putting an implant in also improves the chances of not getting jaw bone decay due to a missing tooth. A damaged tooth such as a discoloured, chipped or misshaped one is a good candidate for being replaced by an implant. The orthodontist can easily make a custom styled tooth that fits in with the other naturally shaped teeth on the jaw line. The effect it has on a person can be amazing sometimes, we often avoid smiling or direct eye contact with people if we are born with a misshaped tooth, this procedure has been known to have had positive personality improvements on patients as well. A nice smile was recently what `Britain’s Got Talent` winner Paul Potts inherited from this procedure. From the moment Paul was exposed to the public, his teeth were a major source of gossip for the press, now Paul has had implants his confidence has soared as well as his bank balance.
Rock solid dental implant from Central London dentist
December 8th, 2009
Despite advances in dental care and a greater awareness of dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, millions of people lose teeth each year due to decay or head trauma. In the past, patients wishing to replace a missing tooth had a choice between a partial denture or a dental bridge. These were, at best, only satisfactory substitutes for real teeth and always involved a significant adjustment of lifestyle for the patient. Certain foods became off limits because of the dangers of breaking parts of the prosthetic and patients were frequently worried about the embarrassment of dentures falling out at inopportune moments. All of that changed with the introduction of the dental implant.
A dental implant is a relatively new solution to missing teeth that involves drilling a small screw into the jawbone itself to act as an anchor for an artificial tooth. Because the implant is attached to the jawbone, it creates a similar feeling of stability to a real tooth, which is secured by a root.
The implant is usually made from titanium or other lightweight but strong metal. Once placed into the jaw at the initial appointment it is left for several weeks or months to fuse with the bone and tissue in a process called osseointegration. During this time a Central London dentist may attach a temporary crown to protect the implant and other sensitive tissue areas. When the implant has fully fused, the dentist will replace the temporary crown with a permanent one and it will look and feel exactly like a real tooth. Solid, comfortable and able to endure any food that you care to eat, a dental implant really is the closet thing to a real tooth and can put an end to any anxieties experienced with other dental substitutes. It is also mow possible to have a series of five or so dental implants to act as a permanent base for dentures to alleviate the embarrassment and mess of having to use denture adhesives.
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Embarrassing missing tooth replaced with dental bridge from West London dentist
November 11th, 2009
Having a tooth knocked out or losing it to dental decay can be a very painful experience but people rarely consider the pain and anxiety that comes as a result of a missing tooth. Firstly, a missing tooth can be very embarrassing, especially in the teeth visible when smiling or talking. This can have serious repercussions for a patient’s self-confidence and esteem. It can cause people to be reluctant to smile and make eye contact, two of the most important ways we have of communicating.
But a missing tooth can have more than just psychological effects on a patient. A missing tooth in the dental arc can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Because the soft tissue is difficult to clean with a regular brush, it needs special attention to keep the hollow clean and prevent the spread of dangerous infections. A vacant space in the arc can also cause the remaining teeth to lean and shift about. This can cause irritating alterations to bite (the way the top and bottom teeth sit together when the mouth is closed). If left untreated this irritation can develop into a painful jaw condition called TMJ. It can also be the cause of sub-conscious teeth grinding known as bruxism. In cases where more than one tooth is lost, the loss of the rigid teeth structure can cause the facial tissue to sink, a process which becomes irreversible of not addressed in sufficient time.
It is therefore important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. One of the most common artificial dental substitutes is called a dental bridge. This involves making a bridge from an artificial tooth attached to existing teeth on either side of the gap. If teeth are healthy and strong, the artificial tooth, known as a pontic from the Latin word for bridge, is attached with resin-bonded strips. If the teeth are not of sufficient quality the pontic will be attached to crowns cemented over the adjacent teeth.
Dental bridges are effective substitutes for real teeth. They are fixed substitutes unlike partial dentures or dental plates, so patients do not have to worry about the embarrassment of them falling out. If properly cared for and cleaned, a dental bridge can last for more than ten years. If you have suffered the pain of a knocked out or decayed tooth, ask a West London dentist about a dental bridge and you could restore your teeth to full functionality and restore their cosmetic appearance.
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Restore your smile with a dental bridge from Central London dentist
October 16th, 2009
A missing tooth can be the source of great embarrassment because it is such an obvious flaw. It can make people reluctant to smile and be the cause of self-confidence issues. But a missing tooth can be physiologically damaging as well as psychologically. Missing teeth leave hollows in the gums that can be the breeding ground for bacteria. Because these hollows are difficult to clean with conventional brushing the bacteria builds up and becomes enamel-damaging plaque. This can lead to further tooth decay and tooth loss.
Missing teeth also leave gaps in the tooth line that other teeth will naturally lean into. This movement can be responsible for an interruption in bite which can lead to the painful jaw condition TMJ, as well as the sub-conscious grinding of teeth, known as bruxism Teeth also act as rigid supports for facial muscles and if missing can cause a sagging of the facial tissue that cam be irreversible.
There are several cosmetic dentistry procedures that can effectively replace a missing tooth or teeth, that can prevent all the abovementioned complications. One of the most popular is a dental bridge. This basically involves creating a bridge made of an artificial tooth, called the pontic, and securing it to existing teeth on either side of the gap.
There are three main types of dental bridge. The traditional fixed bridge involves anchoring the pontic to existing teeth with a dental crown on either side. A resin-bonded bridge is attached to the lateral teeth with resin bonded metal strips (only suitable for patients with strong existing teeth). Finally, the cantilevered bridge which is used when there are only natural teeth on one side of the gap. The pontic will be anchored to two or more teeth on that side.
Dental bridges are sturdy alternatives to real teeth. If properly cared for, with correct brushing and oral hygiene, they can last up to fifteen years. If you have a missing tooth, either due to dental injury or decay, ask a Central London dentist about fitting a dental bridge and you could prevent any further dental complications as well as restoring the cosmetic appearance of your teeth.
London W1 dentist see rise in popularity of dental implants
September 13th, 2009
One particular form of cosmetic dentistry procedure is becoming increasingly popular. For patients suffering the embarrassment of a missing tooth, dental implants are increasingly becoming the procedure to turn to. While other options exist, implants are preferred because the artificial tooth supported by the implant offers the most realistic alternative to a real tooth. It also offers a greater degree of stability than some of the less permanent dental procedures.
Dental implants take the form of a screw that is secured into the jawbone which acts as a stable base for a crown. It is usually made of titanium or other substances which are naturally suitable to the human body, and offers the only real genuine alternative to a tooth. Dental implants have existed for many decades but have vastly improved in recent years. Because of their fixed nature they are permanent and do not require any additional fixing aids such as bonding or adhesives. This means that certain foods which are sometimes prohibited because they cause problems for other dental prosthetics are able to be consumed by patients with dental implants. Implants can also help maintain a strong and normal facial structure as they prevent any profile sinking.
The implant procedure usually takes place in three steps. Firstly, a screw is secured to the patient’s jawbone, with the top protruding just above the surface of the gum. This is then left to heal so that the bone and gum tissue can fuse to the implant in a process called osseointergration. In the second procedure a post is attached to the screw which will eventually allow the crown to be attached.
Patients who have jawbones and gums which are strong, will particularly benefit from a dental implant. A good standard of oral hygiene is needed to maintain the implant but the permanency it provides really sets it apart from other dental substitutes.
If you are suffering from a missing tooth, see a London W1 dentist and ask about having a dental implant fitted to bring the smile back to your face. Call 020 7935 5332 for an appointment with Dr Maini.
