Anybody who has suffered a knocked out tooth will be able to tell you the pain and discomfort that is involved. After the initial pain has worn away, you are then left with the emotional pain that can be caused by embarrassment. Having missing teeth in a smile can really affect your appearance and will make you look older and more unhealthy. It can also have a number of further dental health complications affecting the health of all the other teeth in the mouth.

Missing teeth can be replaced with a number of different dental substitutions. This could include a partial denture or dental implant but one of the most effective dental restorations is a dental bridge. A dental bridge takes the form of two dental crowns anchored to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, to which is attached an artificial tooth, or pontic. This creates the impression that the dental arc is complete and restores the aesthetic appearance of the teeth.

There are other types of dental bridge that don’t use dental crowns. Resin bonded bridges can be used for teeth in very good condition. The pontic in this case is supported by two strips cemented to the adjacent teeth. This means there is less need for the removal of healthy enamel.

A dental bridge from a Shepperton dentist can last up to twenty years if properly maintained. It is also significantly cheaper than a dental implant, although the implant does have some advantages. Ask your dentist which dental substitute would be most suitable for your missing tooth.

Dental implants are the most realistic and effective dental substitutions. They are the perfect solution for patients who have suffered the trauma of a knocked out tooth or a tooth lost to infection, who still retain a strong jawbone.

Missing teeth can be very embarrassing and also the source of dental health complications such as misaligned teeth and excessive bacteria build up. It is therefore very important to try and replace missing teeth as soon as possible with a dental restoration. There are a number of these available, including dental bridges and partial dentures. It is the dental implant however, that provides the most solid and lifelike alternative to a real tooth.

The implant itself comes in the shape of a small titanium screw. This is drilled into the jawbone in a process that sounds a lot more unpleasant than it actually is. It is then left to fuse with the surrounding tissue in a process called osseointergration. Once this has bonded, it can then be used as a base for a post and artificial crown. In this way, a dental implant replaces the whole of the tooth from top to bottom, unlike every other dental restoration.

Dental implants are permanent and less likely to suffer damage than other more temporary replacements. They should be treated and cleaned exactly like normal teeth in order to preserve their functionality. It is also possible to have a series of smaller implants fitted to act as a base for a set of dentures. By clipping dentures to mini-implants you can alleviate the annoyance and anxiety of loose dentures or dentures prone to falling out. It also makes eating certain foods a lot easier and removes the need for messy denture adhesives. Ask your Sunbury dentist about your suitability for a dental implant.

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.