DENTAL IMPLANTS
Thanks to the wonders of modern dentistry, dentures are no longer the only way to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants are the best substitutes for natural teeth offering you a permanent and secure solution for replacing one or more teeth.
Why replace a missing tooth?
A missing tooth isn’t simply a matter of aesthetics. Following the loss of a tooth, the jaw bone underneath is no longer being stimulated by the tooth root, and therefore gets a signal that it’s no longer needed. As a result, this bone will begin to recede and dissolve. Not only will this have an effect on the teeth surrounding the lost tooth, causing them to move and even become unstable, but it can also mean your face will take on a sunken and prematurely aged appearance.
However, when the tooth’s root is replaced with a dental implant, the bone continues to be stimulated, and will remain in its normal state. Only dental implants can achieve this; dentures will not.
What is a dental implant?
Generally made from bio-compatible titanium, dental implants look a little like a small screw. They are surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as a root and support the replacement teeth. As the mouth heals a process known as osseointegration begins to take place, which sees the bone and Implant begin to fuse together. Once the healing process is completed, small posts or abutments are then attached to the implant, which are then used to anchor a crown, bridge or dentures in place.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants provide amazing stability for patients, aiding with biting pressure as well as reducing irritation and oral sores generally experienced by denture wearers.
As the dental implant is permanently attached to your jawbone, the end result looks exactly like your natural teeth. You won’t need to remove it for cleaning, or to sleep; instead, your dental implant looks and functions just like the lost tooth did.
Other benefits of dental implants include:
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Aesthetically pleasing – they look like real teeth.
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Functional – they act and feel like real teeth.
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Beneficial to your diet – you can eat and chew again without pain or irritation. Foods that were previously forbidden can now be back in the diet!
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Eliminate distasteful adhesives – There is no longer a need to use “glue” when your prosthesis is anchored to implants.
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Enjoy your favourite foods – Implants can actually allow for the improved enjoyment of the textures and flavours of your favourite foods. With less plastic covering the roof of your mouth, you can enjoy natural flavours and sensations again.
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Maintain bone structure – Implants can help maintain your bone structure and support your facial tissues. They can reduce or eliminate bone atrophy, which causes “shrinkage” or facial cosmetic changes.
Aided by technology
At Beyond Dental, we use a state-of-the-art software, Simplant®, to plan and place dental implants. This allows us to analyse, study and plan your treatment in 3D. The highly detailed computer-generated guide enables us to use a keyhole approach to implant surgery, so we can be minimally invasive with optimal safety and placement accuracy.
Our dental implant procedures are further enhanced through the use of the Satelec Piezo Surgical unit, which uses high frequency vibrations to cut through bone, without causing any kind of damage to soft tissue. This is highly advantageous in the dental implant treatment as it allows us to prepare the site where the implant will be placed without generating any heat, which could damage the bone. It also enables faster healing, less pain after your procedure, and less swelling.
DENTURES
Dentures are removable false teeth which may be implemented if one or all of your teeth are missing. They may be attached to a plastic called acrylic, or a metal called cobalt.
Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth, so many other people will never even realise that you have false teeth. When you lose teeth, as there is no longer anything to make your lips and cheeks sit naturally, many people can become self-conscious about their appearance. Dentures will improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. You should also find your speech and ability to eat improve dramatically.
Types of dentures
The style of dentures you require will depend on your current dental situation, and whether you need to replace all your teeth, one arch of teeth, or just a few teeth. Regardless of your needs, at Beyond Dental we will custom create your dentures to perfectly suit your unique requirements, and ensure they are comfortable and effective for your needs.
There are two main types of dentures: full and partial.
Conventional Full Denture
A conventional full denture is worn by patients who are missing all of their teeth in one arch (i.e. the maxillary (upper) or mandibular (lower) arch). In some patients, it may be necessary to replace all of both arches with two conventional full dentures.
Partial Denture
Partial dentures are for patients who are missing some of their teeth on a particular arch within the mouth. This style of denture retains the existing healthy teeth, filling in the gaps.
Are dentures comfortable?
While all dentures take some getting used to, today’s dentures are more natural looking and comfortable than ever before. We will work with you to ensure your custom-made dentures fit perfectly into your mouth, ensuring your comfort.
Benefits of dentures
If you are missing multiple teeth, simple tasks such as talking and eating can become difficult, and you can develop a prematurely sunken and aged appearance as your lips and cheeks are no longer being filled out by your teeth. Dentures improve your chewing ability and speech while providing support for facial muscles. On the outside, patients also see a dramatic transformation in the appearance of their smile and in their general attitude towards life.
How long do dentures last?
Most patients find one set of dentures will last them about 10 years. With time, it is inevitable that the dentures will wear, and your gums and pallet will change, meaning your old dentures no longer fit as comfortably as they once did.