Everything you need to know about dental implants

OuIf after reading this guide you feel that dental implants could be a good move for you then you may be inspired to seek some natural looking dental implants in Dublin.

What is a dental implant?

The actual implant is a titanium screw which is used as a replacement for the root of a tooth. It is screwed directly into the jawbone and can be used to support a false tooth, or bridge. The screw is inserted by the dentist below the gum line so that it is not visible once the finished cap or bridge has been fitted.

What does the dental implant procedure involve?

Having a titanium screw anchored to your jawbone sounds like a brutal process but it is actually straightforward and usually done under a local anaesthetic. The process of screwing in an implant is often simpler than removing a tooth. Thanks to the local anaesthetic you should not experience any pain during the procedure but the area will feel sore for a few days afterwards – you can use painkillers to help with this.

Some people become very anxious at the prospect of dental work and in cases of severe anxiety, your dentist may be able to administer a sedative. You are unlikely to need a general anaesthetic unless your case is particularly complicated.

It will take a few months for your jaw bone to fuse to the implant but after this as long as you look after the implants, they will last for many years. You look after a dental implant in the same way as you would look after your natural teeth, ensuring that you clean in the hard to reach areas. As it takes time for the bone to fuse to the implant, your artificial teeth cannot always be fitted at the same time as the implant. Therefore, you may be offered a temporary set of dentures to wear until the implant is strong enough to accommodate the new teeth.

cannot always be fitted at the same time as the implant. Therefore, you may be offered a temporary set of dentures to wear until the implant is strong enough to accommodate the new teeth.

Who should consider dental implants?

Dental implants are only available to adults as anyone under the age of 18 is still experiencing bone growth. In general, as long as you are in good health and have healthy gums then you would be considered a good candidate for dental implants. You can have as many implants as you need, including a full set if necessary assuming that the condition of the bone is strong enough. Your dentist will check how healthy your jaw bone is by taking an x-ray and possibly even a CT scan before proceeding. There are a number of exceptions however and your dentist may not recommend implantation if you are a smoker as this reduces the success rate of the procedure, if you have had radiotherapy to the area, if you have poorly controlled diabetes or if you suffer from gum disease. If you are an unsuitable candidate for dental implants, then your dentist will be able to offer you a number of alternatives including dentures or a bridge.

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits to having dental implants. First and foremost, dental implants improve the appearance of your face, maintaining facial structure and improving your self-confidence. Having a full set of teeth improve your ability to chew, helps maintain the stability of your existing teeth and feels more comfortable for you. Implants, unlike other more traditional alternatives, keep everything in your mouth looking and feeling as natural as possible.