When is the best time to have dental implants?

Dental implants are a highly popular treatment that offer a reliable, long term solution for missing teeth. They can also offer an attractive and comfortable alternative to dentures. But when is the best time to have dental implants? Read on to discover more.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are popular for several reasons. They offer a permanent solution to anything from a single missing tooth to a full replacement arch. Unlike other treatments such as bridges and crowns, they do not rely on other teeth for support and therefore do not cause any damage to the integrity of remaining healthy teeth. They are also suitable for the vast majority of patients, regardless of the cause of tooth loss.

For patients with dentures, benefits include not just a more comfortable solution but also an improved sense of taste.

Do I need to replace missing teeth?

For many patients, the greatest concern with missing teeth is the visual appearance of gaps. Many people find themselves unhappy with their smile, and this can have quite a negative effect on your confidence and sense of well being. Missing teeth can also cause discomfort and make activities such as eating and brushing your teeth uncomfortable and unpleasant.

It is also generally advised to replace missing teeth to maintain your oral health. Most importantly, when you lose a tooth or teeth, the gum is no longer stimulated. This can cause your jaw bone to become weaker and recede. As a result, remaining teeth can become increasingly unstable and at greater risk of failure. You may also develop what is known as a ‘receding jaw’, which will gradually alter the shape of your face and cause you to appear older than you really are.

How do dental implants work?

Unlike crowns or dentures, dental implants actually provide a replacement root for the missing teeth, upon which the replacement tooth or teeth are mounted. This is done by using titanium, which is biocompatible. This means that it is able to bond with the jawbone in the same way the original root would have, providing an extremely stable foundation and preventing future instability in the jaw. 

These replacement roots can hold multiple teeth. Depending on the number of teeth that are missing, you may require from one to eight implants. Generally, a full upper arch requires more implants than the lower arch.

Can I have implants if I have a receding jaw?

Even if you have had missing teeth for a long period of time and are already experiencing a receding jaw, modern dental implant techniques can address this. A process known as ‘bone grafting’ is often used, which is a minor procedure that allows the jaw to be restored before placing implants. This will mean that the entire dental implant treatment takes longer, but you will be able to enjoy the same end results.

During your initial consultation, your Implantologist will conduct a thorough examination of your jaw and take x-rays if required in order to decide on a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs.

When is the best time to have dental implants?

In a perfect world, it is advisable to have dental implants sooner rather than later. Following the loss of a tooth, your dentist will be able to advise when is the ideal time, based on the recovery of your jaw and gum. 

The beauty of dental implants, however, is that treatment can take place at any time. With this in mind, the best time to have dental implants is when you feel that it is right for you. If it is something you have been thinking about, we would encourage you to book a consultation with an expert today so that you can make an informed decision and discover just how quickly you could be enjoying a shiny new smile.

If the only barrier to having treatment is the cost, then you’ll be delighted to know that here at Perfect Pearls, we offer honest pricing and attractive finance packages for dental implants, meaning you can start your treatment today and pay later in affordable monthly instalments.

Not sure if dental implants are for you? Give the friendly experts at Perfect Pearls a call today and discover how easy it could be to have your smile back. Call now on Luton 01582 518100 or Wolverhampton 01902 50823.

 

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