Do you laugh and smile freely? If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be familiar with hiding your mouth behind your hand and feeling self-conscious when you are with people. You may have considered dentures, bridges or crowns but worried that they are uncomfortable, inconvenient or unreliable. Thankfully, these are no longer the only options. Dental implants are a popular option which provide a secure, lasting solution to missing teeth. They act in the same way as a natural tooth root, so keep your bones healthy. This is because they stimulate the tissues of the jaw and prevent the shrinkage which can occur with dentures.
How Do They Work?
Dental implants are small metal screws which are placed into the jaw during a minor operation. The bones and tiny blood vessels of the jaw mesh around the metal, holding it securely in place. When the implants have settled, they are used as a secure base to support a replacement tooth, a whole set of dentures or bridges. The implants are completely hidden and the restorations are carefully made to match the shape and tone of any remaining teeth so the effect is very natural. Aura Dental in St John’s Wood have found that dental implants have given patients an opportunity to enjoy their smiles, eat their favourite foods and interact with others again.
What to Expect from Treatment?
The first stage is a comprehensive consultation including X-rays, digital photographs and impressions. You will receive a full dental health check and your dentist will talk to you to find out what you are hoping to achieve from having dental implants. You may need preparatory work from a hygienist or you may be able to proceed straight to treatment. In some cases, your dentist can fit the restoration the same day. For others, time is needed for the implant to establish. As soon as your replacements are fitted, your new smile will be a reality. Your new teeth will feel and look so natural that you may soon forget you have implants at all.
