This is a question we get asked frequently at The Edge Dental. We always reply, please don’t worry, you have options. Having missing teeth can not only knock your confidence. It can hinder eating, chewing, the way you speak, and can leave you feeling embarrassed to smile. If missing teeth are left untreated, it can affect adjacent teeth, can adversely affect your diet as you struggle to eat certain foods, and can even cause the muscles in your face to sag.
There are numerous reasons why you might have teeth missing. Maybe you lost them in an accident. Perhaps you had a sports injury, or maybe you had to have your tooth removed, due to decay. Whatever the reason for your missing teeth, we can help you get your smile back. Plus, modern advances in dental care can really give you something to smile about!
Dental Implants
Often referred to as modern dentistry’s best option for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are widely recognised as being the closest replacement for a lost natural tooth. There are many reasons for their popularity and according to Bupa, 130,000 dental implants are placed in the UK every year. Below we explore dental implants further:
What are dental implants?
They are small titanium posts, which are placed into your jawbone. They act as artificial roots for missing teeth. The implants can support crowns or dentures in the same way that roots support natural teeth.
Once implanted the bone surrounding the implants needs to fuse together, a process known as ‘osseointegration’. This can take several months but provides a strong foundation, which makes their functionality much closer to that of natural teeth.
Dental implants will last longer if they are looked after. If you maintain a thorough and regular cleaning routine for them alongside your natural teeth, the implants can last for many years.
We use Straumann dental implants. They are recognised globally as a trusted brand which has been in the field for over 60 years.
Advantages of dental implants
- Look like your natural teeth
- As strong as your natural teeth
- Durable and you can eat and chew any foods you wish
- Long-lasting
- They do not weaken the adjacent teeth
- Patients can smile with confidence, knowing that the dental implants won’t move
- They are safe and well-tolerated by the body
- Help protect against bone loss
- No messy adhesives or gum irritation which can be associated with dentures
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
- Initial outlay can be costly, although over time they can be more cost-effective
- Need to wait for ‘osseointegration’ (approximately 3 months)
- You need to have healthy gums free from periodontal disease
What are the costs of dental implants?
You can pay monthly for your dental implants. We offer 0% interest finance options for our patients to help spread the treatment costs. Other finance options are also available, and you can use our online financial calculator here. Or, why not give the gift of replacement teeth to a loved one? We now offer gift cards which can help cover costs of treatments available at the practice.
We understand dental implants can be a daunting idea. Therefore, we provide a free consultation and have a dedicated team who will guide you through the entire process, offering you around the clock support.
The best way to find out if dental implants will work for you is to give us a call on 01625 599001 to arrange a FREE CONSULTATION. We’ll let you know all your implant options and will happily answer any of your questions.
