What are dental implants
Dental implants Herefordshire are a form of cosmetic procedure and are a long-term, semi-permanent solution to replacing missing teeth. The main causes of tooth loss amongst people in the UK are poor oral hygiene; gingivitis and periodontitis (which are also known as gum disease); injury and lifestyle. If you are looking to get dental implants then visit us at Warrendale Dental where we will be able to provide you with expert advice to determine the best course of treatment for you.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants Herefordshire are essentially titanium screws that will get inserted directly into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth or teeth. The purpose of a dental implant is to replace the missing tooth root and the missing crown is replaced by attaching a prosthetic to it. The result is that you will have a new tooth in place of your broken or damaged tooth which will be able to function and operate like your natural teeth. The procedure usually takes more than one appointment due to the nature of the treatment and the fact that you have to allow the titanium screw root time to fuse with the jawbone and essentially become a solid part of the jaw.
Preparing for the treatment
Once you have decided that you wish to get dental implants Herefordshire you will need to start preparing yourself for the treatment. Maintaining good oral hygiene is therefore key! You must make certain that you are taking care of your teeth and gums and brushing and flossing twice daily to ensure that your mouth remains healthy. If you have poor oral health your dentist may not start the process as this may cause more issues for you in the long run.
You will also need to undergo a thorough consultation with your dentist who will go through the process with you in detail and discuss your medical history and any medication that you take on a regular basis. It is important that you bring a list of medication to ensure that your dentist can check for any incompatibilities. You may be required to stop certain medication depending on the condition or start antibiotics to counter any infections that may occur during the process. At your initial consultation your dentist will also take X-rays of your mouth and 3D images to get an idea of the work required.
Once your dentist has discussed your medical history, reviewed your oral hygiene and taken the X-ray and 3D imaging of your teeth and jaws, they will discuss the right treatment plan for you according to your individual needs and requirements. You will be able to decide how many teeth you require dental implants for. Dental implants are not available under the NHS and therefore you will need to undergo the procedure privately. However you will be able to discuss payment plans and options available to you at the initial consultation with your dentist. As dental implants are almost permanent and can last practically a lifetime, they are definitely financially viable and therefore worth getting!