If you are suffering from dental health issues, whether it is tooth decay or gum disease, the first thing our dentist will try to do is save your tooth. Whether a root canal treatment is needed, or gum surgery, our priority is to restore the tooth to good health. If, however, the tooth has been irreversibly damaged then you will need to undergo a tooth extraction or, in some cases, the tooth may fall out of its own accord. If so, you need to replace the tooth as soon as possible to reduce the implications it can have on your remaining teeth. A missing tooth can not only cause discomfort and embarrassment, it can also affect the way you eat, the way you speak, and change the appearance of your smile.
Here at Chelsea and Fulham dentist we recommend dental implants in Fulham for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants in Fulham are the best solution for tooth replacement and have been commonly used in dentistry over the last 60 years. Dental implants in Fulham are a 3-piece system consisting of an implant, an abutment, and a crown. The implant itself is a small screw made of medical-grade titanium which means that it is light, strong, and biocompatible. This means that our body readily accepts dental implants in Fulham and an allergic reaction or rejection is therefore very rare.
If you have undergone a tooth extraction, or your tooth has fallen out of its own accord, we normally recommend waiting around three months for the bone to heal before we perform dental implant surgery. Some patients may be able to have an implant at the same time as their extraction; however, this all depends on your dental health and our dentist will make the right decision for you.
How do dental implants work?
The procedure itself is relatively simple and is usually completed within one or two hours, depending on the number of implants that you need to replace your missing teeth. You will not feel any pain due to it being carried out under local anaesthetic; instead, you may feel some pressure or vibrations. The implant will be placed directly into the bone socket of the missing tooth and the gum will be stitched into place over the implant. After being stitched, several months of healing is needed before the gum is then cut open to expose the head of the implant. The abutment is attached to the head which allows the crown to fix on to the implant, ultimately replacing the original tooth.
Once you have a dental implant it is important that you take extra care of your teeth. You need to brush and floss around the implant everyday. It is also important that you visit the dentist on a regular basis and have annual X-rays to make sure that the implant is securely in place. Through doing this, any issues can be detected early on to prevent complications in the future. By making sure you look after your teeth carefully, brushing twice a day and flossing after meals, alongside regular visits to Chelsea & Fulham dentist, your dental implant can last for the rest of your life.
