Tooth loss is a growing concern in the UK. Over one-third of adults in the UK suffer from tooth decay which leads to tooth loss. This means that adults often have to get replacement teeth to avoid damaging the rest of their teeth and causing issues to their mouth and for cosmetic purposes. Missing teeth can cause embarrassment and loss of confidence in social settings as well as difficulties with chewing food, speech and poor oral hygiene in general. It is therefore essential that patients suffering from tooth loss or decay visit their dentist as soon as possible to avoid further problems from arising.
What options are available for tooth loss and decay?
There are a number of options available to treat tooth loss and the most popular treatment that patients opt for is artificial tooth replacement and more commonly one of the most popular and suitable solutions available to patients is dental implants in Brentwood. Dental implants in Brentwood are titanium screws and these get inserted into the jawbone and form the base or the root for the artificial tooth on top of which the false tooth is placed.
If patients are considering having dental implants in Brentwood it is essential that they make an appointment and visit their dentist at the earliest opportunity to avoid causing further pain and damage.
What is the procedure for having dental implants?
Before patients can have dental implants the dentist will first invite the patient to an initial consultation whereby the dentist will perform a thorough examination of the patient’s concerns and will discuss and advise on the best treatment plan that is available to them. Patients can have dental implants on either single, multiple or all of their teeth and this will depend on their individual needs and circumstances as well as their financial position. At the initial consultation, the dentist will take impressions of the teeth as well as perform X-rays to ensure that they are able to give the best advice and provide expert care. Once the examination is complete the dentist will inform the patient when to visit the dentist again for the next appointment.
The procedure of having dental implants usually takes about 6 months to complete. This is due to the extent of the procedure. An incision needs to be made into the jawbone to enable the titanium screw to be inserted directly where the missing tooth root is. Once the incision and the titanium screw has been inserted into the jawbone the dentist will give the patient between three and six months before the next appointment. This is to enable the area to heal and to also allow the titanium screw to fuse with the jawbone and essentially become a natural part of the mouth. Patients will usually experience pain and discomfort for the first few days at which point it is best that patients follow their dentists’ advice and take the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers regularly.
Once the area has healed the patient will have to attend the dentists for the final appointment and it is at this point that the false tooth is placed on top of the titanium screw. Once this is secured into place patients can start to have full use of their mouth and teeth as normal again.
