Older Patients Benefiting From Dental Implants in Bedford

Make your later years more fulfilling with secure and stable replacement teeth

Dental implants are an excellent replacement solution when you have lost a tooth, or a number of teeth. They can be placed for people of all ages once the jawbone is fully formed. Whilst anyone can lose a tooth, either through neglect or accident, it is as we get older that we especially appreciate the importance of fully functional teeth.

Because of the wear and tear of daily biting and grinding, the older we are, the more likely it is that we will suffer damage to our teeth, with tooth loss being more common in the elderly. Although, as we get older, we are probably less concerned with looking ‘fantastic’, most of us still want to retain a reasonable appearance and the ability to smile at our grandchildren without scaring them with our ‘gappy’ teeth!

Nutrition

In addition to cosmetic appearances, taking care of ourselves as we get older is important to help maintain good health and whilst exercise and general well being is important, one of the most important factors is a healthy diet. Especially as our appetites tend to wane as we get older, it is important that we are not restricted in what we can eat because, for example, our dentures make it difficult. The latest titanium dental implants can provide the answer to this problem.

Whether you have lost an individual tooth, a series of consecutive teeth or even a full arch of teeth, we have a solution that will suit you at The Dental Centre Bedford.

Individual implants

To place an individual dental implant, x-rays and scans are needed to assess the bone density in the jaw as this is critical for the success of the procedure. Once it has been determined that there is sufficient bone structure available, a local anaesthetic is given to minimise any discomfort during the procedure.

Using specialist dental equipment, a small hole is made in the jawbone to accept the implant. You will be given advice on how to care for this implant and this advice is especially important for the next few months when the implant and bone will fuse creating a very secure artificial root. Once this process, known as osseointegration, is complete, an “abutment” support collar and dental crown will then be attached to complete the replacement tooth.

Multiple teeth

Where a few teeth have been lost, dental implants can be placed at the end spaces with a bridge of artificial teeth in between. Not only does this mean that otherwise healthy teeth don’t have to be shaped to accept dental crowns as is the case with a traditional dental bridge, but the additional stability provided by implants gives you the security of knowing that your teeth will remain stable.

Full arch replacement

Using a procedure sometimes known as ‘same day implants’ a number of implants, usually four or six, can be used to replace a full arch of missing teeth, whereby the implants are used to hold a fixed bridge firmly in position. This eliminate the need for dentures which can become unstable and uncomfortable over time.

Whether you have a single tooth, or a number of teeth missing, we are confident that you will be delighted with the outcome of this increasingly popular tooth replacement procedure. No longer will you be embarrassed to smile or have to pick and choose which foods your failing teeth will allow.

To discuss your teeth replacement options with one of our experienced implant dentists, please call The Dental Centre Bedford on 01234 819868.