Patient advice
Patient advice page (summary of below)
Why do more people choose dental implants?
Missing teeth can cause many problems. The main ones patients complain to me about are with difficulty chewing their favourite food, food trapping in the area which can be embarrassing and difficulty keeping the area clean. In addition there is the negative cosmetic impact which can affect confidence and make one feel self aware.
From a dental health perspective, missing teeth can be detrimental. Adjacent teeth can tilt, drift and over erupt (grow up out of the gum). This can cause problems with personal hygiene and also interfere with the smooth functioning of your bite. Having a space increases the forces on the adjacent teeth as they have more work to do. This increases the risk of additional complications. We know that if a back molar tooth is on its own (lone standing) it is approximately six times more likely to fracture. These teeth often become mobile and painful to bite on.
Conventional Dental solutions such as removable dentures are far from an ideal tooth replacement. They are often bulky and uncomfortable to wear. Dentures can affect speech and taste. They are much less efficient at chewing food and can move up and down during eating. Dentures are not fixed and must be removed overnight.
Dental implants are a safe, highly predictable and long lasting solution to missing teeth. Unlike dentures, they are fixed in the mouth and do not need to be removed. Dental implants are incredibly strong and secure and feel similar to natural teeth. No preparation of the adjacent teeth is required. In the majority of cases dental implants are the optimal solution for the replacement of missing teeth and their benefits can be life changing for the patient.
How dental implants can change your life
If you have poorly fitting dentures that move when you eat and speak. Struggle to eat the food that you love. Hate being able to remove your false teeth; then dental implants could have an enormous positive impact. Studies have shown that patients who struggle to eat and chew their food due to missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures have an increased risk of many other health conditions. This includes
Gastric problems – from not being able to chew the food into smaller pieces
Malnutrition and deficiencies – from not being able to eat or digest sufficient food
Mental health – having single or multiple teeth missing has been linked with poorer mental health and increased depression, lower confidence and ability to enjoy life.
Dental implants can give you back the confidence to eat what you enjoy, and most importantly smile and enjoy life without worrying about your teeth.
Should I get dentures or implants?
If you are missing one, two or have multiple missing teeth, dental Implants may be the most predictable long term solution. Implants are secured into the jaw and so feel similar to natural teeth.
They do not move when you eat, speak or smile. Dental implants can be suitable for single or multiple missing teeth. They can even replace all of your upper and lower teeth. If you wish to discuss these options in more detail please contact us to organise a free consultation with one of our dental surgeons.
Dentures are still a useful and cost effective way to replace missing teeth. They are particularly useful as temporary replacements or for patients who have many individual gaps.
They are commonly the next best solution for patients who cannot have implants. This could be due to medical factors such poor health or lack of bone or finance. Dentures are generally cheaper than dental implants. They need to be removed in the evening, can feel bulky in the mouth, affect speech and taste and they can move when eating.
If you wish to discuss what to expect with treatment with us, ADD in our KPI
Who can have an implant?
Ideally we like to wait until the patient is over 25 and all growth of the jaw is complete, although in select cases we can treat younger adults. If you have missing teeth, teeth that require extraction or unsightly spaces you will most likely be suitable for dental implants.
Patients with a complex medical history can still often be treated however this is decided on case by case. This would be discussed at your in depth dental consultation.
Who cannot have implants?
We assess patients individually so it is always worth attending for a full assessment or giving us a call to find out how we can help you. Even if you are not suitable for dental implants we will be able to offer you an alternative solution to your dental problems.
Patients that have a higher risk of complications and are more likely to not be suitable for treatment include:
Those who have either previously or currently had intravenous infusions (IV) of bisphosphonate medication for cancer or their bones. This may also include the tablet form if it has been taking for several years.
Immunocompromised- If you are currently having treatment that
Too young- ideally over 25 years old
Causes of teeth loss?
There are many causes of tooth loss including:
- Extensive decay – This weakens the tooth structure and can cause it to fracture. When decay goes deep into the tooth and under the gum it may not be possible to treat and the only option is to remove the tooth.
- Tooth fracture- Many conditions can lead to tooth fracture. Frequently the tooth has required treatment in the past which has caused it to become weaker. Older teeth are more brittle.
Teeth that have decay, large fillings, root canal, isolated lone teeth, molar teeth are more prone to fracture. Worn teeth from acids are also weaker. Additionally, patients who grind or clench are more likely to break their teeth.
- Gum disease- Causes the loss of the supporting bone around the teeth
- Trauma- Old or new trauma can cause loss of teeth
- Infection- Teeth can get infected by bacteria. If this cannot be treated by a root canal they will often need extraction.
- Root fracture
- Failure of old dentistry
- Orthodontics
Why pain occurs?
Pain is normally an indication that something is wrong. There are many types of pain caused by a huge variety of dental diseases. If you are in pain and concerned please call for an emergency consultation.
- Why teeth break?
- Why gum disease develops?
- Why should I bother?
- What happens if the missing tooth is left unreplaced?
From a dental health perspective, missing teeth can be detrimental. Adjacent teeth can tilt, drift and over erupt (grow up out of the gum). This can cause problems with personal hygiene and also interfere with the smooth functioning of your bite.
Having a space increases the forces on the adjacent teeth as they have more work to do. This increases the risk of additional complications. We know that if a back molar tooth is on its own (lone standing) it is approximately six times more likely to fracture. These teeth often become mobile and painful to bite on.
- Nervous patients
- Get help with dental anxiety (sedation)- ADD RACHELS BIT ON SEDATION
- Common oral problems
Rachels info on implants- to be combined into this document