Having a missing tooth can affect an individual in a number of ways.

Thankfully, many dental practices now offer restorative dental treatments such as dental implants Leicester to help individuals dealing with tooth loss by restoring their smile. So if you are currently missing a tooth and are based in Leicester, why not visit a dental practice where they will be able to advise you on what dental treatments are available for you within restorative dentistry.

Restorative dentistry

A term used by dental professionals in order to explain the process of replacing teeth that have been damaged due to an accident or an injury, restorative dentistry aims to bring back your natural smile along with preventing any future health issues.

Restorative dental procedures are important in dentistry for a number of reasons. Having a missing tooth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, which can result in an improper bite. Having an improper bite can contribute to dental problems such as sensitivity, the wearing down of teeth and in some cases TMD.

Having a missing tooth can also affect your ability to eat some of your favourite foods. For example, a missing front tooth can be problematic when eating, as we use these teeth in particular to break off pieces of food before we start chewing. Our premolars and molars play an equally important role as they grind foods such as meat, therefore missing a molar can also make eating food difficult. A failure to chew food properly can also affect your digestion, resulting in issues such as acid reflux.

Teeth also help to support and stimulate the jawbone, so if a missing tooth is not replaced soon enough, it can result in jawbone loss.

There is a way to replace your missing teeth using a modern restorative dental treatment called dental implants.

Dental implants explained

A fixed alternative to dentures, dental implants are available for individuals who have lost a single tooth or several teeth. This procedure is usually carried out over two visits to the dental practice.

Prior to starting any dental treatment, it is important to have a comprehensive consultation which will allow an experienced dental professional to thoroughly assess your teeth and dental tissues to ensure that you have enough bone for the treatment. Should you be suitable for dental implants, a bespoke treatment plan will be created to ensure that the procedure is a smooth and successful one.

Not having enough bone however, does not mean you cannot have a dental implant, as there is a procedure called grafting which aims to increase the bone volume

Dental implants normally consist of a tiny screw usually made of titanium which is fixed by a dentist into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. At the first appointment; a small incision will be made in the jawbone in order for the implant to be fixed.

Before the new crown is fitted however, the jawbone will need to heal around the base of the implant. This means you will be asked to come back to the dental practice after a few months in order for the jawbone to heal. An impression will also be made of your mouth which will be sent off to a dental technician in order to build your new tooth.

At your second appointment, this tooth will then be fitted onto your implant. Dental implants can also be used to support dentures and bridges too.