Anyone who is considering dental implants in Fulham will want to know exactly what they are, what is involved and what advantages this kind of treatment can offer. Here at Chelsea and Fulham Dentist, we offer a range of means to help the patient to achieve a better smile, with implants being just one of the options available. What works for one patient is not necessarily the best choice for another, so we work with everyone on an individual basis to offer tailored care that delivers the best possible results.
What are dental implants?
Those considering dental implants in Fulham will want to know exactly what they are and how they can help. Their primary purpose is to help restore a missing tooth or teeth. The implant itself is a direct replacement for the root of the tooth. It is composed of titanium, which is a long lasting and robust metal that is very compatible with human tissues.
The titanium root is implanted directly into the jawbone of the patient for the purposes of providing a base for a new tooth. After a period of healing, usually between 6 and 12 weeks, the implant is topped with what is known as an abutment. A replacement tooth, or crown, is placed onto the abutment before the treatment is complete. This procedure can be used to replace one or several missing teeth, and usually yields excellent results.
Long lasting
One of the greatest advantages of getting dental implants in Fulham is that they are a solution that lasts. In most cases, they last for many years, and in many, for the lifetime of the patient. This compares very favourably with other methods for replacing missing teeth.
For example, the patient who opts for dentures will need to have them replaced every few months. This is because the dentures simply sit on top of the gums, leaving gaps where the original roots of the teeth were located. The result of these gaps is that the gums will shrink over time, meaning that the dentures that fit at the start of treatment are no longer a suitable choice.
Implants become integrated with the tissue of the jawbone and are a direct working replacement for the roots of the missing teeth. This means that there is no shrinkage of the gums, and the implant will remain a stable and durable structure that has become an almost natural part of the mouth.
Helps retain facial structure
Because dental implants prevent the shrinkage of the gums, this means that the patient can retain their youthful facial structure. Those who do not have the roots of their missing teeth replaced like this often find that their face can alter in shape and appearance too. This can cause a person to look much older than they are.
Looks natural
Teeth that have been replaced using implants are very natural looking. In fact, it is often the case that it is difficult for anyone to tell that the patient has anything other than their original teeth. This can be an excellent aid for self-confidence.
