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Do I need dental implants?

If you are missing a tooth or several teeth, then you are probably considering your options for replacement teeth. Often we find that our patients are well aware of treatments such as dentures, which have been around for some time. They are tried and tested and have been used successfully for many years. More recently, dental implants Navan have become available as an option for replacing missing teeth.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants Navan are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth and continue to grow in popularity with our patients here at Navan Dental. They are made up of three portions including small, artificial tooth roots (made from titanium screws) that are placed into the jawbone. Into these screws small metal rods (known as abutments) are placed. The visible portion of the replacement tooth can be bonded to these rods. Crowns and dentures are commonly used as the visible replacements, depending on how many missing teeth are being replaced. Dental implants Navan are considered a stable and long-lasting solution for people who have lost teeth due to injury, disease, or decay.

What does treatment with dental implants look like step-by-step?

The first step in getting dental implants is to visit a dental professional here at Navan Dental for a consultation. During this visit, our dentist will assess your overall oral health, we will take X-rays, and we will fully examine your mouth and teeth in order to help us to establish whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. Our dentist will also discuss your treatment options if other options are appropriate for you too and help you to make an informed decision about the best way forward for you and your smile. We can also give you an idea of what to expect during the implant placement process.

The implant placement procedure is typically done under local anaesthetic or sedation. The dentist will make a small incision in the gums and place the implant into the jawbone by either tapping or screwing the titanium screw in place. The implant is then left to heal for several months. Because the screws can be implanted into the jawbone, this can stimulate bone regrowth around the screw, thus increasing the stability of the implanted screw. This process is called osseointegration.

After the implant has bonded to the bone, the dentist will attach a small metal post, called an abutment, to the implanted titanium screw. This post will serve as the surface for the replacement tooth to be bonded to, which can be tailor made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth.

Are there advantages to replacing teeth with dental implants?

In addition to the aforementioned benefits of dental implants, you may be interested to know that they can be an enduring solution for missing teeth. With proper care, and where good oral hygiene routines are in place they may even last a lifetime. Dental implants are often complimented for their natural look and feel, allowing you to eat and speak with confidence. Dental implants can also help to preserve the jawbone by preventing it from shrinking or weakening, which can occur when a tooth is missing. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, or several teeth, depending upon the needs of the patient.

For additional information about dental implants and how we at Navan Dental can help you on your way to a full set of teeth, do get in touch!