When you lose a tooth, as many people know, it can feel like an instant dent to your confidence.
It is said that when a person meets you for the first time, they make a decision about you in the first 3 seconds and, if you are in a workplace smiling with a gap in your teeth, it is unlikely that the decision they come to will be positive.
So, what are your options? In the not too distant past, you could approach your dentist and have a fitted bridge placed, or if you were missing a few more teeth, you might go for a partial denture. Today, however, you can bypass these wobbly options and ask your dentist about dental implants in Herefordshire.
Why should you choose oral implants? Simply put, a set of dental implants from Herefordshire provides you with a stronger bite, a secure alternative to dentures, whilst looking completely natural. Perfect!
Of course, if you have never heard of oral implants before, now read on for a quick lesson in all things implant-based!
What are oral implants?
So, in simple terms, dental implants fitted in Herefordshire, or anywhere in the UK, will typically resemble a small, titanium screw. In the UK, 3 types are commonly used at most cosmetic dentists; the standard endosteal, the mini or micro implant, which is smaller than the endosteal and the zygomatic, which is only for use in the upper jaw.
After you and your dentist have discussed the final result you want to achieve, they will devise a plan of where these implants will be placed in your mouth. It is worth noting that if you have recurrent gum disease or an eroded, damaged jaw, then your dentist may decide that you are unsuitable for oral implants and will suggest a different restorative option.
The fitting
On the day of the fitting, your dentist will ensure that your gum is completely numb before beginning the fitting. Then, they will then cut into your gum in the pre-designated areas.
They will then drill into your jaw and, once happy with the placement of the implant in the hole, they will sew your gum line up again with dissolvable stitches.
Don’t worry! This sounds a lot worse than it is, and many patients report minimal discomfort afterwards. Of course, if you are concerned about the level of discomfort you are in post-fitting, contact your dental team right away.
Things to avoid
Once implants are fitted, avoid consuming excessive quantities of alcohol, smoking or even spicy foods until the gums have completely healed.
Depending on the type of implant you have fitted, you may need to wait for up to 6 months for the implant to fuse with your jaw and so it is wise to look after them.
Once successfully fused and secure, your dentist will attach the prosthesis (teeth) to the implants, which can be anything from a single tooth all the way up to a full set of dentures. Once again you will be in full possession of a natural looking, and acting, set of teeth!
