One thing that can really ruin a smile is if there are a lot of gaps. Although the causes of gaps in teeth are numerous, with the most common reasons ranging from accidents to damage and poor oral health, there are ways to get rid of those pesky nuisances and rejuvenate that gorgeous grin.
This is possible through the use of Clapham based dental implants, here we have a few interesting facts about this smile-saving procedure.
See also:
- Is A Chip In Your Tooth Ruining Your Smile?
- The Role Of A Dental Clinic In Protecting Your Smile
- Are Dental Implants Worth The Expense?
- There is More Than One Option When it Comes to Making You Smile
- Your Dentist Will Support You Throughout Your Entire Life
What Is An Implant?
If you are not familiar with the implant treatment, it involves the insertion of a prosthetic tooth below your gum line and into your jawbone.
This new insert is made from either porcelain or ceramic and it’s attached to a sterilised titanium screw that the bone in your jaw normally heals over again as your treatment progresses.
The idea is that this then provides a stable platform for your new tooth, to hold it in place as you get older.
When your dentist will use them
Although they can be used for filling gaps where you should have teeth, your dentist may also recommend you for implantation if you have a tooth that’s badly damaged, cracked or diseased to the point where normal repair isn’t possible.
It may also be included as part of a smile makeover plan to create a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Does The Treatment Hurt?
One of the most common questions that crops up around this procedure is whether it will be painful. Because it involves some minor surgery there will be a modicum of mild discomfort.
However, your dentist will usually provide a local anaesthetic to the area first, in order to numb it and reduce the amount of discomfort you feel.
If you’re still concerned about the potential for feeling any pain then you could also discuss the use of a general anaesthetic as well.
Tips For Cleaning Your Implant
After you have your new prosthetic tooth fitted your main concern should be to keep your implant clean, as any lapse in a good oral hygiene routine could cause it to become inflamed and infected.
When this occurs you could be at risk of ‘peri implant mucositis’ or further gum disease that could potentially spread to the bone and cause it to disintegrate.
Although that sounds pretty nightmarish, you can easily avoid this by regularly cleaning the implant. It’s generally recommended that you give it a light brushing at least twice a day with a soft, round-headed bristled brush.
For those that regularly use floss you should also avoid pulling too deep into the gums around your new tooth, as they’re still healing and this could impact their ability to heal.
Try to avoid using any mouthwash for a while as the chemicals in some brands can irritate your gums and slow down your recovery.
These are just a few interesting facts about implants and the treatment surrounding them. They are a natural looking, sturdy replacement and are a great way to get rid of those annoying gaps in your smile!