If you’re considering a dental implant in Richmond or elsewhere in the country then you’re certainly not alone. More and more people are turning to dental implants as a solution for replacing a missing tooth or teeth because quite simply they’re the most advanced form of tooth replacement that is available in the dental industry today. Offering a complete tooth structure which includes an artificial root, they’re far more functional and attractive than other forms of replacement such as dentures and bridges.
Dental implants are placed into the jaw by an oral surgeon and because they’re made from titanium they fuse over time with the surrounding bone, in a process known as osseointegration, to form a sturdy platform upon which to support the prosthetic crown. Because the implant acts as an artificial root, it stimulates the bone and stabilises the jaw, calling a halt to bone resorption. For an implant to be successful, there needs to be sufficient width and depth of bone in which to place the implant and for the osseointegration process to take place. Unfortunately it’s not uncommon for a patient who has been missing their teeth for some while to have suffered bone loss and if this is fairly advanced, then it can result in the failure of the implant.
All is not lost, and this doesn’t mean that a patient will be deemed unsuitable to receive a dental implant. What it will mean, however, is that there may be a need for some preliminary oral surgery in the form of a bone graft which can address the situation. Generally bone grafts involve inserting additional bone tissue at the implant site, which is often taken from the patient themselves or from a cadaver or synthetic material.
The technique used for the grafting will depend on where the implant is to be placed. For example if you require a dental implant at the rear of the upper jaw then because the bone tends to be particularly thin in this area, you may need a sinus augmentation where the surgeon lifts the sinus floor. The bone material is then placed in the space that is created, stitched back together, and a period of time allowed for the body to grow bone to form a thicker sinus floor.
If a bone graft is recommended for you then it will add several months to the duration of the dental implant procedure. However, the wait will have been worthwhile and your smile will have been successfully restored. If you would like more information regarding dental implants in Richmond, then here at Sheen Dental we offer a no obligation dental implant consultation where you can meet Dr. Harmit Kalsi and the team, discuss your options, ask questions and take a look at our superb facilities. Why not call us today to start the ball rolling or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk for more information.