There are many people across the UK that experience losing a tooth or having some form of damage caused to their teeth on a daily basis. Such individuals may need to get dental implants Hertfordshire in order to be able to continue enjoying their daily lives.
What are dental implants?
A dental implant is a screw-like fixture that gets surgically inserted into the jawbone to create an artificial tooth root, which becomes the foundation for placing a new tooth crown. The dental implant will consist of three metal components. Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing damaged or missing natural teeth. People can use dental implants to replace any number of teeth – from a single tooth to complete mouth restoration.
What is the procedure?
There are three main phases in the dental implant procedure and a dentist will be able to go through these phases in detail with patients at their initial consultation. The first phase entails a detailed consultation and set-up of the individual patient’s treatment plan, followed by the implant insertion which usually takes just one visit. Once the implant has been successfully inserted, it will remain covered for 3-6 months to allow it to integrate with the jawbone. The patient may be provided with temporary dentures in the meantime. The second phase starts once the implant has successfully integrated into the patient’s mouth and they are ready for the next stage of their treatment. The dentist will place a healing cap on top of the implant. The patient will continue with any temporary dentures until the new tooth is placed. The third and final phase will usually take place within 6 weeks of the second phase. During this phase the patient’s new crowns will be created and fitted into their mouth to make sure that they are a comfortable fit and match the colour of the rest of their teeth. After this phase the patient will be able to enjoy their brand new smile and go back to enjoying their day-to-day lives.
Aftercare
As dental implants are a permanent solution to replace missing teeth, it is important that patients take care of them in order to ensure their durability. Patients must make sure that they clean the implant twice daily and rinse their mouths with salt water after every meal. It is also essential to brush the teeth gently for the first two weeks to avoid causing any damage to the implant. Once the stitches are removed patients will be able to brush their teeth as normal.
What is the cost of dental implants?
The cost of replacing teeth with dental implants will vary depending on the number of implants that a patient will get and the complexity of the procedure. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis according to each patient’s individual needs. It is uncommon for this type of treatment to be covered under the NHS unless a patient has exceptional circumstances, such as patients who have suffered or are suffering with mouth cancer or any other severe mouth conditions. Patients should discuss this with their dentist at the initial consultation.
