Teeth are more than just a way of chewing food! Teeth are an aid to physical and mental health. As devastating as it is, sometimes losing a tooth cannot be helped. While regular brushing and flossing will normally improve the longevity of teeth, tooth decay may occur because of a lack of a proper dental hygiene routine. The loss of a tooth as a result of an accident is one of those things that cannot be avoided. Up to quite recently, the alternatives were either a bridge or a set of dentures, depending on how many teeth were lost. Dental implants Herefordshire have brought an alternative that is more stable and looks natural.

Tooth loss affects diet and loss of confidence

Chewing food seems like such a natural everyday occurrence, but losing a few rear teeth can change not only how we chew but also what we eat. Losing a front tooth can change our temperament because it will inhibit the desire to smile.

Care and attention to detail

To assess the correct procedure to replace a lost tooth, it is always necessary to have a thorough dental examination; this will almost always involve some x-rays and may also require a CT scan. It will also be necessary to compile a thorough family history of the patient. The particular dental problem and the right solution will always be discussed before proceeding with any dental treatment.

Jawbone regeneration aiding dental implants

Dental implants are dependent on the health of a patient’s jawbone and its density. However, dental science has been hard at work to find ways of stopping the degenerative process that usually accompanies tooth loss. A periodontal surgical procedure can be conducted to help regenerate lost tissue and jawbone; this increases bone density, which will provide a stable platform for the dental implant.

The dental implantation

Once it has been decided that a dental implant is a good option, a comprehensive treatment plan will be discussed at length with the patient. Local anaesthesia will be used to ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible.

A sterile hat, gloves and gown will be worn by the dentist, and a sterile gown and hairnet are placed on the patient. Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, a small incision will be made in the gum where the implant post is to be inserted, and a small hole will be drilled into the jawbone. Absorbable sutures will be used to repair the gum, and the patient will be asked to rinse their mouth for a week with an antibacterial mouthwash.

During the next appointment, a week after the implantation, the abutment and crown will be placed on the titanium post, and the patient will be required to continue using the antibacterial mouthwash until the follow-up appointment two weeks later. During this appointment, the healing progress will be assessed, and if all is going well, the patient can start to carefully brush their teeth. After a few weeks, everything should be back to normal and the patient can enjoy life as normal smiling and eating and drinking.