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Missing teeth can have a big impact on our lives. As well as causing significant problems for our remaining teeth and posing a risk to oral hygiene, they can also have a huge effect on our confidence and self-esteem. Dental implants are often an excellent choice for those who are missing anything from a single tooth to multiple teeth. They offer a long term, natural looking solution to restore your smile. Many patients, however, are unsure if dental implants are the right choice for them. In this article, we answer some of the most common questions we hear from our patients.

Why should I replace missing teeth?

For many people, the difference in appearance when you have missing teeth is reason enough to get them replaced. Missing teeth can undermine your confidence and self-esteem. In some cases, this can have a big impact on your lifestyle, making you reluctant to smile or show your teeth. This can even lead to some people avoiding speaking in public and in some cases even avoiding eating with friends and colleagues. The impact on confidence can also make people reluctant to apply for promotions and new jobs.

It is also very important to think about the potential longer term consequences of having missing teeth. When we chew with our natural teeth, this stimulates the bone in our jaw and helps to keep it strong and healthy. Without a tooth, this sensation is lost, and the bone can begin to weaken and recede. One effect of this is to cause the appearance of early aging. Another problem is that the weakness can spread, meaning you are at increased risk of losing other teeth. Dental impants are a popular and reliable solution to all of these problems.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants work by replacing the root of the missing tooth or teeth with a new, artificial root. This is made from titanium, a biocompatible material that is able to bond with the natural bone. This makes it an incredibly strong foundation which the new tooth, called a crown, can be mounted on.

Connecting the implant itself and the crown is a component known as an abutment. Once these three components have been fitted, you will be left with a smile that feels and looks completely natural. Most people will never be able to tell your replacement teeth apart, leaving you free to enjoy making the most out of life.

How long do dental implants last?

Here at Sharoe Green Dental Practice, we use Straumann dental implants. Straumann are a global leader in implant dentistry, with over 8 million Straumann implants placed worldwide. Long-term surveys have shown that Straumann implants have a very high survival rate. For absolute peace of mind, our expert dental nurses are trained in Straumann Dental Implantology nursing.

With high quality implants, the real key to how long they last is how well you look after them. As long as you maintain a good oral hygiene regime, follow any advice from your dentist and attend regular check ups at the advised frequency, the likelihood is that your dental implants will last for years to come – in many cases for a lifetime.

I’m interested in getting dental implants – what should I do next?

If you have missing teeth and would like to talk to the experts at Sharoe Green Dental Practice in Preston about dental implants, give the friendly, award winning team a call now on 01772 718753, or alternatively click here to view more options to contact us.