Dental implant from Kingston-upon-Thames dentist realistic substitute for missing tooth

A knocked out tooth is one of the more common dental injuries. Teeth can be knocked out by any kind of head trauma received either playing sport, in a car accident or any other kind of physical collision. A missing tooth can often be the source of great embarrassment and loss of self-confidence, especially if in the more visible front teeth. Most patients who suffer a knocked out tooth want to replace it with a realistic alternative. The most lifelike and natural dental substitute available is a dental implant.

It is also important to replace missing teeth for health reasons. Missing teeth can have adverse effects on the other teeth in the arc, which can move about and become misaligned. Mobile teeth can also cause painful interruptions to bite and jaw complications. A dental bridge is a sturdy replacement for a real tooth and prevents any kind of tooth mobility that may still occur with other dental substitutes.

A dental implant itself is a small metal screw, usually made from titanium or other non-harmful, strong metal. It is anchored into the jawbone itself like the root of a natural tooth to provide a solid and realistic alternative. Once the implant is screwed into the jawbone, it will be left for several weeks for the bone and tissue to fuse around it. This process is called osseointegration. While this fusion is taking pace the dentist may attach a temporary crown to protect the implant. The temporary crown will later be replaced with a porcelain crown, designed to fit perfectly with the other teeth and match their colour as closely as possible.

Dental implants can be used to support one or more missing teeth. They are suitable for patients with strong jawbones and healthy existing teeth. Patients without sufficient bone also have the option of a bone graft before the implant. The cost of dental implants varies on the materials used and the complexity of the procedure, but the higher cost is reflected in the longevity of the treatment. A well-maintained dental implant from a Kingston-upon-Thames dentist could last over twenty years providing the patient with security and feel of a real tooth.