Many people are seeking a dental implant in Richmond or elsewhere in the country, for the simple fact that they’re advertised as a long lasting solution to tooth replacement and it’s true to say that this is one of the major benefits over older types of tooth replacement. As a comparison, conventional dentures and dental bridges are likely to need replacing after relatively few years.
Dental implants are made from titanium which has the ability to fuse with the bone in the jaw in a process known as osseointegration, which means that the implant becomes a permanent fixture. In addition the implant takes on the role of acting as a substitute for the missing tooth root, not only supporting a crown but also stabilising the jaw and putting a halt to bone loss.
Although it has been documented that implants can last for decades, this depends on individual patient characteristics and on a patient maintaining a high level or oral hygiene.
For a patient to get maximum longevity from their implants, it’s a necessity that the patient has sufficient bone for the osseointegration process to take place. The oral surgeon will examine the proposed implant site carefully, taking scans and X-rays to determine if there is sufficient bone. If the site is found to be lacking, then a bone graft may be recommended to boost the amount of bone.
In addition, the very conditions which can cause tooth loss can also play a part in dental implant failure. Gum disease is a major concern as is bacteria which can cause the soft tissues to become inflamed and which can ultimately attack the bone. If the bone is compromised following the placement of the implant, then the natural bonding process may be weakened and the implant could fail.
Consequently, it’s important for any person who has just received a dental implant to prevent gum disease from occurring. It’s recommended that they brush thoroughly twice and day and floss daily as well as visiting their dentist every six months for a check up and professional clean. Good oral hygiene is essential if you want to retain the longevity of your dental implants.
If you’re seriously considering dental implants in Richmond, then at Sheen Dental we’d recommend that you visit us for a free no obligation implant consultation whereby we can discuss in detail the level of after care that is required, before we even place the implants. Having a good understanding of the hygiene levels required will help you ensure your mouth is healthy prior to the implants being placed as well as helping you achieve the maximum lifespan of your implants. To find out more about dental implants give us a call to book an appointment or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk.