Some people are born with perfectly straight, sparkling white teeth; On the other hand, others may have some facial defects that ruin their smile and facial aesthetics. If you have crooked teeth that make you shy away from smiling or speaking publicly, cosmetic dentistry can help you! This article explains one of the most effective and time-tested options for fixing crooked, misaligned, or chipped teeth – dental veneers. So, continue reading to find out how you can enjoy a rockstar smile with dental veneers. 

What’s A Veneer?

According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, veneers are wafer-thin shells of composite resins or porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Dental veneers are used for a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative dental issues without the need for excessive removal of the natural tooth structure. 

Can I Get No Prep Veneers If I Have Crooked Teeth?

No-prep veneers, also called lumineers, are extremely thin shells like veneers – only much thinner – that can be applied directly to the teeth without the need for tooth removal (in most cases). As a result, lumineers are an ideal option for fixing minor cosmetic defects. However, in excessively crooked teeth, your dentist will first restore them with a suitable filling material and then apply lumineers over them. This is because the lumineers are so thin that they do not play a protective or supportive role – they only enhance the aesthetics. Therefore, a pre-requisite for lumineer placement is that the teeth should not have extensive structural damage. 

Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a procedure in which your dentist will restore grossly damaged or stained teeth by applying a tooth coloured filling material over them. Dental bonding is performed at the dental chairside and is typically suitable for restoring mild aesthetic or structural defects. On the other hand, dental veneers are prepared in the laboratory. Hence, they are much stronger and aesthetically pleasing than composite fillings. Besides, veneers are also relatively long-lasting and do not get stained easily. Therefore, if you are looking for the best aesthetic outcome, you should go for veneers. 

Who Qualifies As A Good Candidate For Dental Veneers?

Any individual having crooked or chipped teeth is a potential candidate for porcelain veneers. Dental veneers are ideal restorative options in the following cases:

• Cracked or chipped teeth 
• Permanent teeth stains 
• Mild teeth gaps 
• Mild teeth overlapping 
• Smile makeovers 
• Tooth recontouring 

Are Veneers Harmful To Teeth?

One may think that since veneers require removal of the healthy tooth structure for their attachment, they will be harmful to one’s oral health. But, that is not the case; only a very thin layer of the enamel is removed, which will not harm your teeth. However, if you don’t maintain optimal oral hygiene around your veneered teeth, it can lead to secondary tooth decay and other complications. 

Can You Get Veneers Without Straight Teeth?

Although the ideal option for straightening misaligned teeth is orthodontic treatment with either braces or Invisalign aligners, there are cases in which dentists can cosmetically straighten mildly misaligned teeth with veneers. However, braces and Invisalign aligners are still the choice treatment option for fixing more complex alignment problems. 

Are Veneers Good For Teeth?

Veneers are used for restoring the aesthetics, structure, and function of grossly damaged teeth. Therefore, teeth straightened or restored with veneers become structurally more robust and possess excellent aesthetics – blending in perfectly with the existing healthy teeth. So, yes, veneers are suitable for restoring damaged teeth. 

Can A Teeth Gap Be Hidden By Veneers?

Another use of dental veneers is cosmetically restoring teeth gaps. Your dentist will fix this problem by attaching slightly wider veneers that fill the teeth gap. So, the veneers basically cosmetically “mask” the cosmetic issue. If optimal treatment is sought, the gap should be closed with orthodontic treatment options like teeth braces or clear aligners. 

Can You Get Veneers For Overlapping Teeth?

As discussed earlier, the best treatment option for misaligned, gapped, or overlapping teeth is orthodontic treatment. However, some people cannot afford the treatment, while others do not like to wait for months to achieve the desired aesthetic results. In these cases, dentists suggest an alternative cosmetic option with veneers. In some instances, dentists can fix minor teeth overlapping with porcelain or composite veneers. 

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The clinical service life of dental veneers depends on various factors, including the type and quality of the used material, skills and expertise of the dentist and the laboratory staff, and, more importantly, oral hygiene maintenance. According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, well looked after dental veneers can last between 10 and 15 years. Generally, porcelain veneers are stronger, durable, and more stain-resistant than composite-based veneers. 

At Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy a charming and beautiful smile. That is why we offer premium cosmetic dentistry services to the residents of Solihull and surrounding areas. Whether you need implants for missing teeth, Invisalign aligners for your kid, or professional teeth whitening to get rid of your coffee or tea stains, we offer all dental services under one roof.

If you would like to consult with our dental team, you can book a consultation appointment here. Our friendly, experienced and qualified team looks forwards to serving you and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful, and lasting smile.

Our mouth is the gateway to our entire body. Anything we eat or drink first goes through it and then passes to the rest of the body. If there is an infection inside the oral cavity, it can travel along with the food we eat and the air we breathe – even through the bloodstream – and cause serious, even life-threatening medical complications. That is why the American Dental Association emphasizes taking good care of our oral hygiene. 

While brushing and flossing and excellent for keeping our teeth and gums clean, these measures are sometimes not enough to prevent gum and periodontal issues. This is where professional dental cleaning becomes important. The National Health Service recommends visiting your dentist for a health checkup based on your oral health risk status. For individuals with low oral health risks, visiting their dentist once or twice a month should be enough. However, more frequent checkup visits are needed for high-risk individuals. 

What Is The Dental Hygiene Cleaning Appointment?

During a professional cleaning appointment, also known as a scale and polish procedure, your dentist will remove the plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth and below the gumline. Both plaque and tartar offer an ideal environment for the harmful bacteria which utilise sugars from the food debris and release toxins that damage the gum tissues and jawbone. 

Your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler, whose tip vibrates at a very high frequency to break away the adherent plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth to stop the further progression of periodontal inflammation. Before starting the procedure, your dentist or dental hygienist will apply a topic anaesthetic agent over your gums so that you don’t feel any pain while your teeth are being cleaned. 

How To Turn Around Personal Dental Hygiene?

The American Dental Association offers the following tips to up your oral hygiene game:

• Brushing and Flossing – the importance of brushing your teeth twice daily, and flossing at least once a day cannot be overstated, as these measures are your first line of defence against tooth decay, tartar buildup and gum inflammation. Dental experts recommend brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste. 
• Tooth-friendly Diet – a diet rich in green vegetables, fruits, essential nutrients and fibre-containing foods not only makes your teeth stronger but also prevents gum disease and other dental complications. 
• Fluoride Mouthwash – a fluoride mouth wash is helpful in neutralising the harmful bacterial and making our teeth more resistant to teeth cavities. 
• Additional Oral Health Care Products – adding an interdental brush to your oral hygiene routine will go a long way in making sure you maintain healthy teeth and gums. This is because an interdental brush is helpful in removing food debris from tight spaces between the teeth where the bristles of a regular toothbrush cannot penetrate effectively. Alternatively, you may use a Waterpik for interdental cleaning. 

Should We Go For Teeth Cleaning?

Many people believe that teeth cleaning can make their teeth sensitive or weak. This assumption is not true. Professional teeth cleaning is a safe procedure, provided it is performed by a qualified and experienced dentist or dental hygienist.  In fact, it is an excellent preventive procedure to minimise the chances of developing periodontal inflammation. So, in short, yes; you should go for teeth cleaning according to your dentist’s recommended schedule. 

What Is Fluoride On The Teeth Treatment At The Dentist?

Fluoride is a mineral that possesses antibacterial and tooth-strengthening capability. Research has shown that fluoride products, whether in the form of water fluoridation, food supplements or professional application using fluoride varnishes and gels is effective in killing harmful bacteria that cause teeth cavities and gum problems. Besides, fluoride ions penetrate into the deeper layers of our teeth and replenish the lost mineral content, making them stronger and more resistant against decay. 

If your dentist feels that your teeth are at a higher risk of developing gum problems or caries, they will recommend fluoride application. Professional fluoride application is performed using custom trays. Your dentist will fill the trays, one for each jaw, with the fluoride gel and ask you to wear it for a certain period of time.  

Is Dentist Fluoride Treatment Necessary?

Most US states perform water fluoridation to prevent dental problems. Furthermore, our diet also contains fluoride in sufficient quantities. Therefore, professional fluoride treatment is not necessary for everyone. Your dentist will determine your need for fluoride therapy based on your oral health status.  

Do Dentists Recommend Electric Toothbrushes?

According to the American Dental Association, both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective in achieving optimal dental cleaning, provided they are used properly. Hence, the use of electric toothbrushes is more of a preference than a necessity. However, electric toothbrushes might be a suitable option with physical or mental disabilities, or those who lack the manual dexterity to use the regular toothbrush.  

How To Know The Right Toothbrush Bristles To Choose?

Many people think that using hard-bristled toothbrushes offer superior teeth cleaning. This is not true. In fact, hard toothbrush bristles can cause tooth wear and gum recession. Dental experts recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles. Soft bristles not only prevent gum recession but also stimulate the gums mildly, thereby improving your overall periodontal health. 

What Is The Correct Way To Use A Toothbrush?

Always use a toothbrush that carries the seal of approval of your local or federal dental regulatory authority. Choose a toothbrush that has a head wide enough to allow you to insert and remove it from your mouth easily. 

While brushing, hold your toothbrush so that the bristles are angled at 45-degrees with respect to the long axis of the teeth. Start by brushing the front surfaces of your teeth in an up-and-down fashion, making sure to clean each tooth quadrant for at least 30 seconds. Afterwards, do the same for the back surfaces of the teeth while making sure not to ingest the toothpaste. Once you’re done, spit out the excess toothpaste and rinse your mouth with water. 

If you are looking for a family dental practice in Solihull, look no more. At Soihull Dental Centre and Implant clinic, we have the expertise and facilities to look after the oral health of your entire family. So, book an appointment with us today and let us give you a lasting and beautiful smile. 

Do you want to enjoy pearly white teeth without the need for professional teeth whitening? An essential requirement for having sparkling white, beautiful teeth is to keep them clean through regular brushing and flossing. However, in some, cases despite maintaining optimal oral hygiene, dental problems still develop. This is where professional dental cleaning – also known as professional teeth cleaning – comes in. 

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planning or professional teeth cleaning, is a procedure in which your dentist will remove plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth. This is done to treat inflammation of the gums and the underlying jawbone. 

If your dentist has recommended deep cleaning your teeth and are not sure what this procedure involves, this article is for you. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about professional teeth cleaning. 

Why Is Dental Deep Cleaning Necessary?

Despite meticulous oral hygiene care through brushing and flossing, a thin layer of food debris can form on our teeth known as dental plaque, especially in the tight spaces between the teeth where the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach.

Over time, this plaque hardens to become the calculus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacteria utilise the sugars inside plaque and tartar and release harmful products that cause gum inflammation and teeth cavities. The harmful bacteria inside the plaque can also enter the bloodstream to cause infection in other body organs – some of which may prove life-threatening. 

The simplest solution to this problem is professional cleaning. During a routine dental checkup, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of underlying gum inflammation. If they find inflamed, bleeding and swollen gums along with plaque and tartar deposits. 

Can You Get Gum Infection After Deep Cleaning?

Your dentist, hygienist or periodontal specialist will perform deep cleaning to minimize the chances of development of gum inflammation. A deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth and below the gumline, thereby getting rid of the bacteria that cause disease.

Therefore, the chances of development of gum infection immediately after teeth cleaning are very low. However, the infection can reappear if you do not look after your oral hygiene, which results in the re-attachment of plaque deposits on the teeth. 

Is It Painful To Get A Deep Cleaning At The Dentist?

During deep cleaning, your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler, whose tip vibrates at a very high frequency to remove the plaque and tartar deposits. Most people feel a slight sensation of vibration during professional cleaning. However, people having sore or tender gums may feel some pain or discomfort. To prevent this, your dentist will apply cotton soaked in a local anaesthetic to make them pain-free. Therefore, the simple answer is – no, you won’t feel any pain during the teeth cleaning procedure. 

Why Is A Teeth Cleaning Often Painful?

Most people a feel a sense of pressure on their teeth during professional cleaning, which they often confuse with pain. However, in cases where your dentist has to go below the gumline to remove the plaque and tartar deposits, you may feel pain. Periodontists prevent this situation by making the gums numb with a local anaesthetic. 

What Does The Dentist Or Hygienist Do At The Appointment?

During your appointment, your dentist or dental hygienist will use various specialised equipment to remove plaque and tartar. First, they will numb your gums. Afterwards, they will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove the adherent deposits.

You may experience bleeding from your gums during, whcih is nothing to worry about. Also, your teeth may become sensitive for a few days, and may bleed spontaneously, which is also normal. This sensitivity, swelling, and bleeding will go away in a few days as your gums and the underlying jawbone begin to heal. 

How To Have Healthy Teeth Naturally?

As discussed earlier, the secret to having naturally healthy, sparkling white teeth and pink gums, is optimal oral hygiene maintenance. All you need to is to brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups.

If you can do this, you won’t have to worry about any dental problem anymore. Not only will you enjoy excellent oral and physical helath, but you will also be a proud owner of a naturally beautiful and attractive smile. 

Tips For Healthy Teeth And Gums

Clean teeth are healthy teeth. Here are few tips that can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums:

1. Brush using a fluoride containing toothpaste 
2. Use dental floss or Waterpik to remove interdental plaque 
3. Use fluoride-containing mouthwash for added benefit 
4. Eat a tooth-friendly diet and avoid foods containing carbohydrates and processed sugars
5. Avoid parafunctional habits like nail-biting or tongue thrust
6. Never use your teeth as bottle openers or scissors!

Follow these tips and you won’t have dental problems in future.

Another important that can save you from expensive dental treatment on avoidable problems is regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning. At Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic, we believe in preventing dental problems before they occur.

That is why emphasize greatly on the importance of regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings. If you wish to enjoy a perfect set of teeth and healthy, beautiful smile, then Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Dentistry should be your first choice. So, book a consultation appointment today and let us take care of your family’s dental health.

Are you thinking about getting braces? You might be overwhelmed by the various braces available for orthodontic treatment. The selection of braces for your orthodontic treatment that offers the best aesthetic and functional results while fitting your budget can be a challenging task. Another factor to consider is the treatment time. Today, fast braces are available to treat tooth misalignment in a much shorter time than conventional metal braces. 

If you are confused between selecting the conventional or fast braces and would like to know more about the pros and cons of each, then read on. This article offers an overview of different types of braces and will help you choose an orthodontic system that best suits your dental needs. 

How Long Will It Take For Braces To Straighten My Teeth?

Orthodontic treatment often works faster if we are only moving the front 6 teeth, often called the ‘social six’ – This is because the roots of front teeth are smaller than the roots of the back teeth and so can be moved much faster.

The estimated time required for fixing an orthodontic problem depends on three main factors:

• The severity of the orthodontic problem
• The type of braces or orthodontic system used 
• Patient compliance 

According to the British Orthodontic society, minor tooth problems involving the front six teeth can be treated as early as six months with traditional braces. However, more complicated issues involving the bite may take longer – anywhere between 12-24 months – for complete treatment. 

There is another option for people who do not want to wait that long- the fast braces. As the name suggests, these braces fix tooth misalignment in a shorter duration compared with conventional metal braces. According to the manufacturer, fast braces can take anywhere between three months and a year to treat orthodontic problems. Again, that would depend on the severity of your problem and how well you adhere to your dentist’s instructions. 

Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose With Braces?

To realign your teeth, your dentist has to move them or reposition them. Since the roots of our teeth are embedded in the bone, your orthodontist has to exert pressure on the roots to move them. During this process, the bone around the roots is removed to allow for the movement of the tooth.

This is why you may feel that your teeth have become loose during orthodontic treatment. However, there is no need to worry; as soon as the tooth movement stops, bone tissue forms around the root, anchoring it firmly within the jawbone. 

What Will Happen If Braces Move Your Teeth Too Fast?

Like other bones inside our body, the jawbone also undergoes remodelling when put under pressure. If too much force is applied to the teeth for faster movement, it will be directly transmitted to the underlying jawbone. As a result of this pressure, the jawbone starts to resorb, causing two problems.

First, bone resorption makes the teeth mobile in their sockets. Secondly, excessive pressure on the teeth can lead to the inflammation of the periodontal ligament – the tissue which suspends our teeth in their sockets, causing periodontal inflammation. That is why dentists apply gentle and controlled forces on the teeth during orthodontic treatment to ensure no adverse effects. 

Fast Braces: Pros And Cons?

Fast Braces are an attractive treatment option for those  looking for an orthodontic treatment option that works faster than traditional braces. But this is not their only benefit. Let us look at some of the disadvantages and benefits of Fast Braces. 

1. Pros of Fast Braces
   1. Less painful than conventional braces
   2. No or minimal need for tooth extractions 
   3. Minimal changes in bite
   4. Fewer wires and adjustments needed compared with conventional braces- fewer orthodontic visits required.
2. Cons of Fast Braces
   1. Not a “comprehesive” orthodontic treatment, with more emphasis on the “aesthetics” than the functionality
   2. Fast Braces may not be suitable for complex or complicated orthodontic problems.

Fast Braces Vs Regular Braces

Any type of orthodontic brace can be turned into fast braces. Therefore regular braces and fast braces are often the same thing. There are a few systems such as the Inman Aligner which allow very rapid movement of teeth in approximately 16 weeks, although Invisalign can also move teeth in up to 6 months if the conditions are right.

How Do Fast Braces Work?

According to the manufacturers of Fast Braces, these are low-profile orthodontic brackets that use flexible orthodontic wires to move the teeth quickly and without the need for using heavy forces. A distinct difference between the mechanism of the conventional braces and the Fast Braces orthodontic technology is that the traditional braces first move the roots and then the upper portion of the teeth.

In contrast, the Fast Braces are designed so that they move both the tooth root and the upper part of the teeth – the crown – at the same time. This is a significant reason why Fast Braces can fix front teeth problems shorter than the traditional fixed braces. 

If you are confused between choosing conventional or Fast Braces, let an experienced and qualified dentist help you at your nearby dental practice.

At Solihull Dental and Implant Centre, we have a team of highly experienced dental professionals who will help you choose an orthodontic treatment option that offers the best aesthetic and functional results. We also take pride in having state-of-the-art dental diagnostic and therapeutic equipment to offer the highest quality dental services to our esteemed patients. 

NO matter how fast you want your teeth to be straight, consider Invisalign aligners. We offer all orthodontic services under one roof. So, book an appointment with us and take your first step towards a healthy and beautiful smile – Fast! 

When your dentist undertakes complex treatments such as dental implants and they will often want to know what lies beneath the surface of your gums and teeth, this is where a CT scan comes into its own.

CT stands for computerised tomography, the CBCT (Cone Beam Computerised Tomography) scanner is a specially designed machine that uses x-rays in a cone beam, typically used for medical imaging.

A CT scan creates a series of x-ray images with superior image quality, these images are then pieced together using advanced computerised technology to form a series of slices. Your dentist can then view the internal structures of your head, face and neck in 3 dimensions and with a high degree of accuracy.

A CBCT scanner, such as the ones used in dentistry typically emit a lower level of radiation than the larger scale CT scans found in your hospital outpatient department.

What can be seen on a CT scan?

Your dentist will be able to accurately plot the location of the bony structures around your face, nasal cavity and sinuses. This allows them to evaluate any ongoing disease and also to plan for surgical treatments. A dental Cone Beam scanner doesn’t have quite as much detail as an outpatient CT scan and therefore cannot be used to evaluate soft tissue structures like muscles, lymph nodes, nerves and glands.

Why does my dentist need me to have a CBCT scan?

With Cone Beam scanner is becoming more affordable there are more and more dental practices now acquiring this advanced piece of equipment, they use it primarily for the following purposes:

• To plan accurate placement of dental implant prior to surgery.
• Evaluation of bone quantity prior to dental implant placement, particularly with regards to sinus location and determination of possible grafting/sinus lift treatments.
• Evaluation and location of vital nerve canals prior to dental implant placement.
• Planning of surgical extraction of impacted wisdom teeth.
• Detection and monitoring of jaw tumours.
• locating and identifying pathological origins of chronic pain.

How to prepare for a dental CT scan

You will be pleased to hear that there is very little preparation required for a dental CT scan.

Your dentist will need to have a clear view of your head, face and neck during the scan, any item which could interfere with the image needs to be removed, this includes:

• Earrings.
• Tongue piercings.
• Nose piercings.
• Facial piercings.
• Necklaces.
• Spectacles.
• Hearing aids.
• Hair grips or pins.
• Removable dental appliances (see notes below).

NOTE: We recommend that you don’t come to the dentist wearing any of the above items APART FROM removable dental appliances, please wear these to your appointment as the scan may be required with the appliance in.

What will happen during a CBCT scan?

Unlike outpatient CT scans at a hospital where you lie down, a dental scan is usually done with you standing.

You simply stand in a marked area in front of the scanner, you hold onto the bars in front of you and then guides will be put in place to hold your head stationary.

The scanner then rotates around your head taking a whole series of images which the software then rearranges into a 3-D x-ray.

The whole process takes only a few minutes and is completely non-invasive.

Dental CT scan risks

How safe are dental X-rays?

Dental Cone Beam CT scan is have a far lower radiation dose than conventional CT scans that you would receive in hospital department, they do however have a higher level of x-ray radiation than you would usually receive from a standard x-ray. Your dentist will therefore try to keep the number of scans you have to a minimum.

It’s worth noting that older patients (patients over 60) have a lower risk of radiation exposure as their older teeth use are less sensitive to the effects.

If you are pregnant you should also mention this to your dentist as they can then modify the scan or make alternative arrangements.

Can a CT scan cause cancer?

A single or limited number of CT scans are highly unlikely to cause cancer as the radiation dose is not high enough. This is particularly true with adults and older people.

If you have had recent CT scans you should mention this to your dentist so that they can take the dose into account when deciding when and if you should have a further CBCT scan.

How does metal affect a CT scan?

X-rays work by travelling through objects and then creating an image of varying densities. The denser the matter the x-rays trying to go through the darker the image comes out on the x-ray. Soft tissues therefore virtually imperceptible where as bone comes out as a white area. Because metal does not allow x-rays through they can obscure the bone (which your dentist needs to see) behind the metal structure.

For this reason, jewellery and any other metal object should be removed from the head, face and neck pry tourists can if at all possible.

Can you wear full plastic dentures during a neck CT scan?

There should not be any negative effect on the CT image if you wear full plastic dentures. You may however sometimes be asked to remove the dentures prior to the CT scan, it really depends on what type of image your dentist is looking for.

If you wear full dentures it is advisable to discuss this with your dentist and remember, they are used to seeing you without any teeth in!

How is a CBCT used for dental implants?

A CT scan is used in the diagnostic phases of dental implants, many of the Cone Beam scanner software installations communicate directly with dental implant planning software applications and platforms. This allows your dentist to virtually place a dental implant prior to the surgical phase, all done on the computer..

Dental implants come in a variety of lengths and widths and using the CT scan 3-D images your dentist can plan the precise length and width of each implant with absolute clarity and precision.

In some instances the resultant CT scanning can then be exported to CADCAM software which can then provide a dentist with a physical implant guide. This implant guide will fit over your existing teeth and have a hole through which the dental implant will be placed, this hole will be at the precise angle that the dentist needs to drill in order to place the dental implant.

This makes planning and treatment of dental implants highly accurate.

CBCT scans in Solihull

Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic are proud to announce that they have now purchased a Cone Beam scanner. The scanner will be used for a range of diagnostic purposes including complex orthodontics, pain, dental implants and jaw joint problems.

Gone are the days when dentures and bridges were the only options available for replacing missing natural teeth. Today, dentists use dental implants, which have become the most popular option for replacing teeth which have been lost, either as a result of an injury or due to infection. But, do you know why dental implants have become so much popular? The reason lies in their unique design features. Continue reading to find out more.

What is an Implant?

An implant is a small screw shaped fixture that is fabricated from titanium alloys. Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, where they become firmly anchored and serve as the tooth is root component of artificial teeth. Once the implant is completely embedded in the bone, a suitable prosthesis, depending on the number of missing teeth, is attached over it. Implants are incredibly effective as they help to prevent bone loss by supporting the surrounding bone.

How do Dental Implants Work?

It is often said that dental implant-supported teeth look and feel just like natural teeth. This is primarily because of a unique property of Titanium dental implants known as osseointegration. Titanium alloys possess the capability of promoting bone formation around them. That is why when an implant is inserted into the bone, the healthy bone starts to form around it and firmly anchors the implant. This allows the implant to support artificial teeth which are attached to them.

Why are dental implants necessary?

Dental implants can be used for the treatment of the following problems:

• Single Tooth Replacement – an implant can be used for replacing a single missing tooth by attaching a crown over it.
• Replacement of Multiple Teeth – another beneficial feature of dental implants is that a single implant can up to 3 or 4 missing adjacent teeth.
• Replacing all Missing Teeth in a Jaw – when it comes to replacing all teeth in a jaw, only 4,6, 8 implants placed strategically can be effectively used for this purpose. Such a prosthesis is known as an all on four, six or eight implant-supported fixed prostheses.
• Replacement of Old Dentures – for people who are not happy with the fit or esthetics of the removable dentures, they can benefit from an implant-supported prosthesis.
• Smile Makeover – if you are not happy with your facial esthetics and smile, then your dentist can give you the smile of your dreams with dental implants.

What is dental implant surgery?

Placement of dental implants is usually carried out in different phases:

1. The Surgical Phase

Placement of dental implants is an oral surgery ‘sprocedure. Therefore, it is performed under the effect of local anesthesia, or if required, under sedation. First, your dentist will make an incision over the soft tissues where the implant has to be inserted, to expose the underlying bone.  Then, your dentist will drill a hole in the bone and then carefully screwing in the implant into it. A healing collar is placed over the implant, followed by suturing back the soft tissue flap.

The surgical site is then left undisturbed for about 6 months to allow an optimal healing process to take place.

1. Restorative Phase

During your next appointment, which will approximately be after 6 months of implant insertion, your dentist will examine the surgical to ascertain whether complete healing has taken place. If yes, then your dentist will place a pre-fabricated prosthesis such as a crown, bridge or a denture over it to restore the missing teeth. That’s it, your missing teeth have been replaced with an implant.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are by far, the most durable, strongest and the safest option for replacing lost teeth. In addition, they also allow for the attachment of highly esthetic prostheses (dentures, crowns or bridges) over them, so that the replaced teeth look just like your natural ones. Dental implants also restore your ability to chew and speak without any difficulty.

If you have lost one or more of your natural teeth, and you’re looking for the most reliable option, then dental implants should be your first choice. You will never regret your decision.