A missing tooth is more than simply a cosmetic issue. It can affect how you chew and also lead to other dental issues such as crooked teeth. Missing teeth should be replaced and we believe that dental implants are the best way of doing so, given the advantages that they offer. Today we take a closer look why.
When a tooth is missing, other teeth naturally start to move into that space. Over time, you are likely to notice changes in your bite or even some uneven wear.
Beneath the gums, another issue starts quietly, bone loss. The jawbone needs the root of a tooth to stay strong. Once that root is gone, the bone gradually shrinks and is reabsorbed by the body. Over time, this can subtly change your facial shape, making the area look sunken or tired.
A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root that is placed in your jawbone where the natural tooth root once was. Over a short period of time, it fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once it is stable, a custom crown is attached, designed to match your other teeth in shape, size, and colour.
Perhaps the strongest case for a dental implant is in the way that it supports the rest of your mouth. Unlike bridges, which depend on adjacent teeth for stability, an implant is independent of other teeth. This means that your healthy teeth don’t need to be worked on at all.
Because implants mimic the natural root of the tooth, they also keep the jawbone intact. Rather than allowing the bone to degrade, they instead help to preserve its strength and structure.
Implants are also stable with no movement in the mouth as can happen with removable dentures. You can eat your favourite foods without difficulty and when looked after correctly, an implant’s lifespan often stretches into decades, which makes it less of a ‘fix’ and more of an investment.
As with any dental work, implant placement takes planning and patience. The process generally unfolds over several months in stages:
1. Consultation and planning.
Our dentist examines your gums, jawbone, and general oral health. X-rays or scans give a clear picture of bone density and shape. If your bone is too thin, a bone graft or sinus lift might be recommended before placing the implant.
2. Placement of the implant.
Under local anaesthetic, the implant is placed into the bone. The procedure may sound daunting, but most patients find it easier than expected.
3. Healing and integration.
Over the next few months, the bone grows around the implant, securing it in place. This bond provides the stability that imitates a natural tooth root.
4. Crown attachment.
Once the implant is secured in place, your custom crown will be fitted. Skilled technicians at the Smile Dental Practice Bromley will be able to match it to your other teeth so that it blends in naturally.
You will need to visit our dentist for check-ups to ensure that all is proceeding as it should. Once healed and cared for, your implant should feel like your original tooth.
One of the best parts of implants is that they don’t demand complicated maintenance, just the basics done well. Brush twice a day, floss, and keep up with professional cleanings. While the implant itself can’t decay, the gums around it remain vulnerable to inflammation or disease. That’s why hygiene and regular check-ups are essential.
Your dentist will also monitor the implant over time, ensuring that bone and gum tissue remain healthy and that the restoration stays secure. With consistent care, many implants last a lifetime.
Most adults in generally good health are suitable candidates. Your dentist will check your gum health, bone volume, and overall medical history before recommending treatment.
If bone loss has already occurred, techniques like bone grafting and sinus lifts can help to rebuild the bone so implants can be placed. Even if you have been living with a gap for years, you often can still have an implant.
Some health factors such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or medications may affect healing. We will discuss this with you at your initial consultation.
Missing teeth are more than gaps. They are potential triggers for negative changes in your mouth and face. Dental implants are more than aesthetic improvements and can rebuild the structure and health of your jaw and give you back your smile.
If you are thinking about replacing a missing tooth, please talk to one of our dentists and ask about implants. You might find the process is gentler than imagined, and the benefits last far longer than you might expect!
To book an initial consultation with us, please call the Smile Dental Practice Bromley today on 020 8462 2473.
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