Missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance. They can impact your confidence, how clearly you speak, and even what foods you enjoy. If you’re looking for a long-lasting solution to restore your smile and improve your quality of life, dental implants could be the answer. Here at Portlethen Dental Care, we understand the life-changing benefits of dental implants, and we’re here to guide you through the process.

What are dental implants and why are they so popular?

Dental implants are essentially artificial tooth roots. They’re typically made from titanium, a strong and biocompatible material that fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable and durable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like your natural ones. The implant acts as an anchor, supporting a crown (for a single tooth), a bridge (for multiple teeth), or even dentures.

You’re not alone if you’re considering dental implants – they’ve become incredibly popular! According to studies reported on Global Data, it suggests that just under 3 million people in the UK have already made the smart choice to get them, and that number is growing fast, with about 500,000 new smiles being restored each year. It’s easy to see the appeal: they look and feel just like your own teeth, and they’re known for being really successful. It’s like getting your natural smile back, but even better!

How can dental implants benefit your life?

The advantages of dental implants extend far beyond just filling a gap in your smile. They can truly transform your life:

  • Boost your confidence: A complete smile can dramatically improve your self-esteem. Dental implants look and feel natural, allowing you to smile, laugh, and speak with confidence.
  • Improve your speech: Missing teeth can sometimes affect your ability to pronounce certain words. Dental implants provide the necessary support for clear and confident communication.
  • Enjoy your favourite foods: Unlike dentures, which can sometimes slip or make chewing difficult, dental implants restore your natural biting force. You can enjoy all your favourite foods again without discomfort or worry.
  • Enhance comfort: Dental implants are fixed in place, eliminating the discomfort and inconvenience of removable dentures. They feel secure and natural, becoming a seamless part of your mouth.
  • Promote long-term oral health: Dental implants help to preserve the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth. They also don’t require altering adjacent healthy teeth, as is the case with dental bridges.
  • Provide a lasting solution: With proper care, dental implants can last for many years, even a lifetime. While the crown (the visible part of the replacement tooth) may need to be replaced after 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear, the implant itself is designed for long-term durability. Studies show high success rates for dental implants, often exceeding 95% over 10 years.

The dental implant process

Getting dental implants typically involves several stages:

  1. Consultation and assessment: We will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone. We may take X-rays or CT scans to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for implants.
  2. Implant placement: The titanium implant is surgically placed into your jawbone. This is usually done under local anaesthesia.
  3. Osseointegration: This is the crucial healing period where the implant fuses with your jawbone. It typically takes several months.
  4. Abutment placement: Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector post called an abutment is attached to the implant. This will hold the replacement tooth.
  5. Crown placement: Finally, a custom-made crown (or bridge or denture) is attached to the abutment, completing your new smile.

Caring for your dental implants

Looking after your dental implants is key to ensuring they provide you with a lifetime of benefits. To keep your implants in top shape, it’s essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and diligently flossing every day, making sure to pay extra attention to the areas around your implants. Regular dental checkups are also crucial; these visits allow us to monitor your implants and our hygienist can provide specialised cleaning that will help keep them healthy.

It’s also vital to avoid smoking, as this habit can significantly increase the risk of implant failure. Being mindful of your diet is another important aspect of aftercare – try to steer clear of excessively hard or sticky foods that could potentially damage the crown. Additionally, take care not to bite down on hard objects. Finally, always be sure to follow any specific post-surgery instructions and long-term care recommendations provided by us.

Dental implants in Aberdeen: Regain your smile and your life

If you’re looking for dental implants in Aberdeen, book in a consultation with our friendly team. We can assess your individual needs and help you determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. We look forward to seeing you!

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