Tooth loss occurs as a result of many different reasons and can be very traumatic for the individual. One could lose a tooth due to poor oral hygiene, avoiding the dentist, tooth decay or gum disease, or it could occur as a result of a poor diet or unhealthy lifestyle. Certain medication or illnesses can cause missing teeth or you may lose a tooth in an accident or an injury.

Contrary to what some may believe, tooth loss is not a part of the natural ageing process: your teeth are designed to last for the whole of your life. It is important that you visit your dentist at least once every six months, practise good dental hygiene and follow a healthy lifestyle to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you lose a tooth, it can not only affect your appearance but have an impact on your remaining teeth and even your overall health and well-being. If you have lost a tooth either because of poor oral hygiene, health complications or in an accident then you can speak to your dentist to learn more about dental implants in a day.

Dental Implants

Dental implants have been used for many decades to replace missing teeth and are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. Dental implants are small titanium screws that are placed directly into the bone socket of your missing tooth. They act as tooth roots for a crown or set of dentures, depending on how many teeth you are replacing. With good dental hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, dental implants can last for the rest of your life.

The disadvantage of traditional dental implants is that the process is lengthy. It can take many months to replace your missing tooth. During this time there are many issues you can face. To begin with, you will have a gap in your mouth which can be unsightly or cause discomfort or embarrassment. A missing tooth can also affect the adjacent teeth, causing further problems. It can lead to bone decay too, which means thinning or shrinking of the jaw bone. This has its own implications and can also affect the tooth replacement process.

What are Dental Implants in a Day?

Dental implants in a day are a highly preferable option for those who do not want to wait many months to replace their missing teeth. Dental implants in a day are suitable for patients who otherwise have good dental health and a healthy jaw bone. They are ideal for healthy patients with no underlying diseases such as diabetes. This is an optimal choice for patients who have been in an accident and had a tooth knocked out and want to replace it immediately. A consultation with your dentist will allow you to determine whether or not dental implants in a day are suitable for you.

Unfortunately patients with other dental health complications - for example gum disease and periodontal disease - may not be able to receive same-day dental implants. Patients with bone decay may require a bone graft to increase their bone density and therefore may not be eligible for dental implants in a day. Smokers may need to quit smoking otherwise, again, your dentist may decide that dental implants in a day are not suitable for you.

How do Dental Implants in a Day Work?

Once your dentist has decided that dental implants in a day are an option for you, they will carry out an intra-oral scan of your mouth. This will create a digital image that will inform your treatment plan. The surgery itself is carried out under local anaesthetic; if you suffer from dental anxiety or phobia, there are dental sedation options you can talk through with your dentist.

The number of implants you need will depend on how many teeth you are replacing. The implant itself is surgically placed directly into your jaw bone. Once placed, a temporary crown is attached to replace your missing tooth. The temporary crown is designed to look and feel like your natural tooth while the implant heals and a permanent crown can replace it.

Advantages of Dental Implants in a Day

The most obvious advantage of dental implants in a day is that it is a significantly quicker process than traditional dental implants. Traditional dental implants can take between six to 12 months, whereas the process of implementing dental implants in a day can be completed within a few weeks. Replacing a missing tooth immediately can also help to prevent bone loss, which can have a negative structural effect on the rest of your teeth. Opting for an implant and completing the process quickly can strengthen your jaw, providing a sturdy foundation for your remaining teeth.

Speak to your dentist to find out whether dental implants in a day are suitable for you. This option can help you avoid the implications of tooth loss and restore the health and appearance of your smile in as little time as possible.