Why Choose Dental Implants To Replace Missing Teeth?

Dentures have long been the ‘go to’ replacement method, but times are certainly changing

Losing a tooth doesn’t just leave a gap in your smile; it can make eating tricky, affect how clearly you speak, and sometimes just knock your confidence a little. For these reasons, most people that lose a tooth will consider the options available to replace them.

There are several ways we can replace missing teeth at our Catford dental clinic. These include bridges, dentures, and dental implants being the main options. Today, we would like to talk about dental implants in particular because they represent the choice that gives the closest thing to getting your natural tooth back.

So what is a dental implant?

Imagine a small titanium screw that acts as an artificial tooth root. That’s really what an implant is. It goes into the jawbone where your old tooth used to be. Over time, your bone bonds to it; a process we call osseointegration, where, essentially, your bone and the implant fuse together.

Once the implant is secure, we attach a connector piece called an abutment, and then on top of that goes the crown;  the part that looks like your tooth. The crown is colour-matched and shaped so that it blends in with your other teeth. To most people looking at your smile, it is probably indistinguishable from the real thing.

This all might sound initially complicated but our experienced team at the Rushey Green Dental Practice will be able to explain this in more detail during an initial consultation.

How does the process work?

Patients sometimes imagine the treatment is complicated or painful, but it’s not as daunting as it sounds. Here’s the typical journey:

1. Assessment
    First of all, we will start with a full check-up and often some scans. This helps us see if you have enough bone to hold the implant. If you don’t, sometimes we can perform a bone graft or sinus lift first (more of that in another blog)
   
2. Placing the dental implant
   This is done under local anaesthetic. We place the implant into the bone. Although some patients express concern about this part,  many tell us that it was far easier than they expected.
   
3. Healing period
   Over the next few months, the bone will heal around the implant. This is an important stage and you should follow any advice that our Catford dentists provide.
   
4. The final crown
   Once the implant is securely in place and secured into the bone, we fit the crown. This is the final part where you get your smile back, and it feels like the tooth was never missing.

The whole process does take a little patience, but the end result is well worth it.

Why implants rather than other options?

• Implants feel natural. Because they’re anchored in the bone, they don’t slip or move. Eating an apple or speaking feels the same as with your other teeth.
  
• They protect your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone underneath slowly shrinks away. Implants stop this by mimicking the natural root, which helps maintain the shape of your face.
  
• No need for other teeth to be affected. Bridges can mean filing down the neighbouring teeth. Implants leave them alone, which is healthier long-term.
  
• They last. With proper care, implants can last decades and often a lifetime. That makes them a more permanent solution than dentures or bridges, which may need replacing sooner.
  
• Confidence. This one is harder to measure, but it is a benefit that many patients mention to us. Being able to eat steak, laugh out loud, or smile for photos without worry is priceless.

Is everyone suitable to be an implant candidate?

Not always. Good oral health and sufficient bone are important. If someone smokes heavily or has conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, healing can be less predictable. That doesn’t rule implants out, but it does mean we have to plan carefully.

That’s why the first consultation is so valuable. We can go through your history, check your mouth properly, and talk about whether implants are right for you or if another option might suit better.

And finally

If you are considering how to replace a missing tooth, it is worth having a serious look at implants. They don’t just give you back a tooth,  they give you back confidence, protect your oral health, and provide a solution that feels completely natural.

The process may take a little time, but for many patients, it’s the closest thing to turning back the clock to before the tooth was lost.

So if you’ve been living with a gap and it’s bothering you, have a chat with us at Rushey Green Dental Practice about implants. Even if they’re not the perfect fit for you, you’ll come away with a clearer idea of your options. And if you are suitable, it could be one of the best long-term decisions you make for your smile and your oral health. To arrange your consultation with us, please give us a call on 020 8314 5066. We look forward to meeting you.