Losing a tooth is traumatic enough, having to have adjoining teeth filed and shaped to provide a bridge was the only solution in the past. The genius of dental science and the wonder of modern technology has given us an alternative. Many dental practices have a team of trained and experienced dental clinicians who can fit dental implants in Ipswich, giving you a more permanent solution to your lost tooth.

Using nature’s guidance

The best solutions to most of our problems are usually provided by nature. For years bridges and dentures were the only way that you could be provided with some way of chewing your food, if you had lost a tooth. These prosthetics have come a long way since their creation, but they are not the same as totally replacing a lost tooth or teeth. Our teeth are naturally embedded into our jawbone by a root. Finding a way to mimic this way of replacing a tooth has taken some time to develop. Technology has played a massive role in the development of dental implants and has helped to make the procedure simpler and more efficient.

Losing a tooth, more than a vacant space in your mouth!

When we lose a tooth from an accident or due to tooth decay, a process occurs over time. The section of the bone where your tooth used to be, starts to degenerate and you will lose about twenty-five per cent of the bone in the first year alone. Externally you will notice that your face will start to appear gaunt and sunken. Dentists can help to slow or even reverse this process.

It all starts with an examination

First of all they will need to have a thorough examination of your oral cavity. They will also ask you about your general health and any medication that you may take or have taken in the past. The health of your jawbone will also be assessed to determine if any bone augmentation is required to provide sufficient density to take a dental implant. They have the use of the latest X-ray and 3D scanning equipment to give them a complete picture of the interior of your mouth. Once they have completed their investigation they will discuss if you are eligible and what the treatment entails. A good dentist will encourage you to ask as many questions as you feel that you need to come to a decision about your treatment.

Your new tooth

Once you have decided to proceed, an appointment will be agreed. The first stage will involve either a local or general anaesthetic depending on your preference. A small incision is made in your gum where the previous tooth was located. A hole is then drilled into your jawbone and a titanium post is inserted into the hole. This post acts as the root for your new prosthetic tooth, the crown. Gum tissue is used to cover the implant and a healing period of three to six months is required before the next phase of the process. During this period the titanium post will fuse with your jawbone providing a solid base. At the next appointment your new crown is fixed to the abutment on top of the post. You now have a new replacement tooth that is shaped and coloured to match your existing teeth.

As good as new

Following your treatment you will receive explicit instructions on how to maintain your new implant. After a week or so you can return to brushing and flossing your teeth, as normal, in the knowledge that you have an enduring solid replacement for your lost tooth.