A Comprehensive Guide from Spring Hill Specialist Dental Centre
Tooth loss can be a distressing experience, whether due to trauma, decay, or other factors. Not only does it affect your smile, but it can also interfere with chewing, speech, and overall oral health. At Spring Hill Specialist Dental Centre in Tavistock, Devon, we’re proud to offer dental implants as one of the most effective solutions for replacing missing teeth. In this post, we’ll walk you through what dental implants are, why they’re an excellent option for many patients, and how they compare to other tooth replacement methods like dentures and bridges.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone, serving as artificial roots for replacement teeth. Once implanted, they fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, providing a sturdy foundation for a crown, bridge, or even a full set of dentures. This means dental implants not only mimic the appearance of natural teeth but also replicate their function, offering a secure, long lasting solution.
At Spring Hill, our team of experienced specialists works with advanced technology to ensure precision and comfort throughout the implant process. We use techniques like 3D imaging and intraoral scanners to plan the perfect fit for your new tooth, giving you peace of mind and long lasting results.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Patients choose dental implants for a variety of reasons, but the most common include:
- Trauma or Accidents: Sports injuries, car accidents, or falls can lead to tooth loss. Implants offer a reliable way to restore the smile after these incidents.
- Tooth Decay or Gum Disease: In cases where a tooth has been severely damaged by decay or periodontal disease, extraction followed by an implant can provide a permanent replacement.
- Natural Aging: As we age, our teeth naturally weaken, and tooth loss becomes more likely. Dental implants offer a way to maintain oral function and appearance into later life.
Unlike dentures or bridges, which are often temporary or need regular adjustments, implants are designed to last for decades with proper care, providing a long term solution for tooth loss.
The Benefits of Dental Implants Over Other Solutions
When comparing dental implants to more traditional tooth replacement options like dentures or bridges, there are several key benefits that make them stand out:
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Permanence and Stability: One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is their stability. Once the titanium post integrates with the jawbone, it becomes a permanent fixture. This means no more slipping or clicking sounds, which are common complaints with dentures. The implant acts just like a natural tooth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Spring Hill uses the latest technologies, like CBCT scanning, to ensure your implant is positioned with utmost precision.
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Jawbone Health: When you lose a tooth, the bone in that area starts to degrade over time. Unlike bridges or dentures, which sit on the gum line and don’t address bone loss, implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to maintain its density. This prevents the sunken look that can occur when multiple teeth are missing and ensures that your face retains its natural structure.
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A Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants are customized to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. At Spring Hill Dental, we work closely with you to match the size, shape, and color of your implant to your existing teeth. Once in place, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between a natural tooth and an implant. This provides not only functional benefits but also an aesthetic boost.
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Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Dentures, on the other hand, may need to be replaced or refitted over time, and bridges typically last only 10 to 15 years before requiring replacement. Implants are a one time investment that, with good oral hygiene, will serve you well for decades.
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Comfort: Because implants fuse directly to your jawbone, they don’t have the uncomfortable pressure points that dentures often cause. There’s no need for messy adhesives, and you won’t experience the sore spots or discomfort often associated with dentures. At Spring Hill Dental, patient comfort is a priority, and we take steps to ensure every part of the implant process is as smooth as possible.
The Implant Process: What to Expect
Getting a dental implant is a multi step process that typically takes several months to complete. Here’s what you can expect when you come to Spring Hill Dental for your implant treatment:
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Consultation and Assessment: The first step is a thorough consultation where we assess your overall oral health, including your jawbone density, to determine if you’re a good candidate for implants. If necessary, we may perform bone grafting to ensure the implant has enough bone to secure it.
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Surgical Placement: Once you’re ready, the titanium post is surgically inserted into your jawbone. This is done under local anesthesia, and our skilled oral surgeons make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
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Healing Period: After the implant is placed, you’ll need several months for osseointegration to occur, where the implant fuses with the bone. During this time, we may provide a temporary restoration so you’re not left with a gap in your smile.
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Final Restoration: Once healing is complete, a custom made crown is placed on top of the implant. This crown is carefully crafted to match your surrounding teeth, ensuring a natural look and feel.
Why Choose Spring Hill for Your Dental Implants?
At Spring Hill Specialist Dental Centre, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive, patient centred care. Our experienced team includes specialists in oral surgery, restorative dentistry, and prosthodontics, allowing us to handle even the most complex cases. By utilising cutting edge technology like CBCT scans and intraoral scanners, we can offer precise, safe, and efficient implant treatments.
Whether you’re looking to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, Spring Hill Dental is here to help. Our commitment to high quality care ensures that every implant we place is built to last, providing you with the confidence to smile, eat, and live your life to the fullest.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants offer a superior solution for tooth loss, providing stability, permanence, and a natural appearance that other solutions simply can’t match. If you’re considering dental implants, our team at Spring Hill Specialist Dental Centre is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you receive the best care possible. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward restoring your smile.
