If you're thinking of getting dental implants Hertfordshire, you'll probably want to know all the details about the treatment beforehand so that you know what to expect. There’s a lot to know about dental implants, and this guide will help you understand what dental implants are, how they can help you and what the process is.
What are they?
Dental implants are aimed at those who have experienced tooth loss, as the treatment can help to replace missing teeth. The implant will act as a root for your replacement teeth, as it can be inserted into your jawbone; you can then have a crown, bridge or denture attached to it to form your new tooth. The implant itself is made up of two parts. First, there’s the screw, which is inserted into your jawbone, and then the abutment is attached on top, which is the piece that connects the implant to your new tooth.
Eligibility
To begin your dental implant journey, you will first need to have a consultation with your dentist; this will involve them examining your teeth and taking scans such as x-rays to get a clear image of your teeth and jaw. Furthermore, your dentist will determine whether you are eligible for the treatment during the consultation. To be eligible, you need to have enough bone left in the desired area to hold the implant because if you don’t, the implant won’t have anything to fuse to and would therefore weaken faster and cause problems. The consultation is also the time for your dentist to determine which dental appliance needs to be attached to the implant. For example, a single tooth replacement would need to have a crown attached, or if you’re getting a whole new set of teeth, you would have a denture attached.
The process
Once you have had your consultation and want to move forward to the next step, your dentist will book your first surgical appointment. During this appointment, the implant will be inserted into your jawbone; this involves your dentist opening up your gums to expose your jawbone, inserting the implant and closing the area back up. The implant site will then be left to heal for a few months, allowing time for the implant to fuse to your bone and essentially become part of your jawbone. This healing period is crucial because if your dentist attaches a crown to an implant that hasn’t fully fused with the bone, the implant will weaken much faster.
Aftercare
After a few months, your implant will fuse to your bone, and your dentist will invite you back to their clinic for your new teeth to be attached to the implant. They will open the area back up and attach the abutment and then your new tooth. Your new tooth will either be a crown, bridge or denture, depending on how many teeth you need replacing. No matter which one you choose, it will be custom-made just for you so that your replacement teeth look as natural as possible.
