Tooth loss can be devastating, but implants Sheffield offer a great solution. In days gone by, if a person lost a tooth or several teeth there were only two options. They could either put up with the situation and the loss of confidence that came with it, or they could opt to get dentures fitted. Today, there is a third option: dental implants. This treatment has been life changing for many people who have suffered from tooth loss. Here is an explanation of what it involves and how the patient can benefit from getting implants. 

Dental implants are replacements for the roots of the teeth. They are made from titanium and are positioned into the jawbone by the dentist. After a period of healing, the implants are topped with abutments which act as a base for artificial teeth. 

When missing teeth are replaced using dentures, the patient is getting a semi-permanent solution. This is because the dentures sit on top of the gums and the roots of the teeth remain as gaps in the jawbone. Over time, these gaps start to close, and the gums shrink to accommodate the space that has been left by the lost teeth. This means that the shape of the mouth changes, with the result that the dentures that are fitted to begin with will no longer be suitable and will become loose. The patient must visit the dentist every few months to check on the suitability and fit of the dentures, having them changed when necessary. Dental implants provide a stable base for the artificial teeth that is durable and long lasting. The jawbone and gums retain their original shape, because the gaps left by the roots of the missing teeth have been filled. This means that the implants do not have to be changed and, in most cases, they can be relied on to last for several years if not a lifetime. 

The patient who has not had their missing tooth root replaced with an implant often develops a shrunken look, due to the changing shape of their gums. This can make them look much older than they are, and further erode their self-confidence. Dental implants allow the patient to retain the structure of their face, which means they can stay looking more youthful for longer. 

If a person has replaced their missing teeth using dentures, then they often have to be very careful about what they eat. Foods that are very hard or chewy usually have to be avoided. Dental implants provided such a stable and reliable base that they and the teeth that are attached to them can be treated as natural teeth. This means that the patient can eat whatever they like, safe in the knowledge that their teeth will stay put. 

Denture wearers can feel self-conscious about smiling, talking or laughing, because the dentures are liable to move out of position. The stability offered by implants removes all these issues. The dental implant patient can get on with life, trusting that their teeth are as reliable as natural teeth and will remain so for many years.