When it comes to getting treatment for dental implants in Belfast, or anywhere else in the UK then there are certainly a wide variety of clinics to choose from. According to the British Dental Health Foundation, in the UK alone over 10,000 dental implants were fitted last year (2013) and this figure is on the rise. So despite the cost, why are dental implants so popular?
In order to explain this, we need to compare it directly with other forms of teeth replacement, namely dentures and bridges. Although standard dentures and bridges are considerably cheaper than dental implants and don’t require surgical processes to fit them, they do have their down sides.
Non-permanent
One of the major downsides of dentures is that because they sit on the gum line, they don’t prevent bone degeneration. This is a natural process and a side effect of missing teeth that gradually occurs over time. In essence, the natural bone tissue that once supported the tooth root is no longer stimulated and just like a muscle that’s no longer used, it gradually diminishes. As a result the jawbone will change shape, making a once-snug fitting denture become loose. At first, adjustments can be made to the denture to accommodate this but eventually it will have to be replaced with a new one. Generally the lifespan of a denture is 10-15 years but this depends upon the individual.
Alternatively if you’re being fitted with dental implants in Northern Ireland for example, then they are placed directly into the jaw bone. As a result bone tissue is attracted to the titanium implant and over time, starts to merge and fuse with it to create one super-strong platform. Therefore not only can an implant halt the bone degeneration process, but it can also regenerate new bone growth. What this means is that dental implants are the closest thing in modern dentistry to a permanent fixture and in many cases can last 30-40 years.
What about bridges?
When it comes to restoration, dentistry bridges are commonly used to plug a gap where a tooth is missing. In essence the two adjacent teeth located on either side of the gap are used as support for the crown which sits in the middle. The issue with this is that in order to fit the bridge, the two adjacent teeth have to be ground down and re-shaped to take the bridgework for the prosthetic tooth. This weakens them and can make them more prone to gum disease. An implant on the other hand is self-supporting and can fit perfectly into the gap anchoring itself into the jaw bone, therefore preserving surrounding teeth.
If you’re looking for a permanent, hassle-free solution to your missing teeth then you really should consider implant dentistry. At Blue Sky Dentistry we’ve been fitting implants for many years and have the skills and the expertise to restore your smile once and for all. Contact us on 028 9068 7722 or visit our website at www.blueskydentist.com to see just how we can help you.