Not so long ago, people who had lost teeth had to choose between getting a plate, a full denture or a bridge. But, after a Swedish scientist found a way to fuse metal with bone in the 1950s, all that changed. He invented the first dental implant, and the world has never looked back.

Since they became available, dental implants in South Yorkshire have changed many people’s lives. More and more people want them from dentists such as PDC Dental Implants when they need to replace lost teeth. It’s the same the world over. In fact, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry reckons that more than 3 million people around the world now have at least one dental implant.

How dental implants in South Yorkshire work

There are 3 parts to a dental implant. The first part is a small titanium post or screw that is surgically embedded into the jawbone by an implant dentist. Titanium is very compatible with the body and it fuses well with the jawbone, so that implants actually become part of the body. It has an internal screw into which a connecting piece called an abutment is fixed. The crowns go onto the abutment.

Dental implants can replace several teeth at once

Most dental implants are placed as single units with one crown, but one dental implant can support up to 3 crowns on a bridge, so it’s a great way to replace a failed or broken bridge. There is also a technique called All-on-4 that allows an entire arch to be fitted onto just 4 implants.

Young people get dental implants too

Although it’s mostly older people who need to get teeth replaced, dental implants are great for younger people who have lost teeth, often through sports injuries or other accidents. Only children under 18 cannot have dental implants in South Yorkshire, as their jawbones are still developing.

Dental implants aren’t affected by tooth decay

The materials from which dental implants are made are not affected by the acids in the mouth that cause decay, which is great news. Gum disease however can loosen dental implants, so it’s still very important to keep up a good oral health routine.