Tooth loss is an issue that many people face at some point in their lives, and it can cause a significant loss of confidence. Implants in Sheffield are the modern solution to this and are a popular choice because they come with so many advantages, especially when compared with other options such as dentures. Here, we explore what implants are and explain how the patient can benefit from them.
What are implants?
Implants in Sheffield are a substitute for the roots of the teeth. They are made from titanium, a reliable metal that has a history of fusing well with human tissues. They are used as a base for artificial teeth that are permanent fixtures.
What happens when getting implants?
Anyone considering implants should first make an appointment with the dentist to find out if they are a suitable candidate. The dentist conducts an examination of the mouth and particularly of the gum tissue and jawbone that surrounds it. This needs to be in good health for implants to be a viable option.
On the day of implant surgery, the dentist numbs the mouth using a local anaesthetic. This means that the patient is awake during the treatment but is not able to feel anything making the procedure pain free. The dentist places the implants into the jawbone, and then the healing period commences. This usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Once healing is complete, the patient returns to the dentist to have abutments added to the top of the implants. These provide a base onto which the artificial teeth are attached.
Stability
One of the greatest advantages of replacing missing teeth in this way is the stability that is offered. Unlike other options like dentures, the artificial teeth cannot move around in the mouth when the patient is laughing, talking or eating. This delivers much greater confidence to the patient as the new teeth can be relied on much like natural teeth.
Eat with ease
The stable nature of implants means that eating is no longer an issue. Denture wearers often have to be careful with what they eat, sometimes having to avoid foods that are very hard or chewy for fear of dislodging their teeth. The patient who has their teeth replaced using implants has no such difficulty and can eat anything they like knowing that the teeth will remain in place. For people who are foodies, and for who enjoying a good meal is essential to their quality of life, this is a very significant benefit.
Durability
Dental implants last for many years. In many cases, they last for a lifetime. This means that there are less trips to the dentist and provided the new teeth are well cared for, they can be considered as robust as natural teeth.
Helps to retain facial structure
When a patient has their teeth replaced using dentures, there remain gaps in the gums where the tooth roots used to be. Over time, the gums shrink to accommodate these gaps. This has an impact on the structure of the face and can give a shrunken look. The implant patient has no such concerns, as they allow the face to retain its youthful vigour: a great boost for confidence.
