In the western world, large numbers of people are affected by tooth decay every day. Tooth decay is a result of oral bacterial overgrowth and acid production. Given that the harmful bacteria feed on sugar and other food remains that get stuck on our teeth, a correlation can be drawn between the sugar rich western diet and the increasing number of tooth cavity cases. Tooth cavities can usually be treated by fillings. However, if the decay has affected the living part of the tooth (called the pulp tissue) the tooth might have to be removed. In this case a dental implant is recommended to be implanted as soon as possible, to minimise the time the tooth has spent outside the mouth. This increases the chance of the dental implant successfully remaining at its desired location.

To get dental implants in Guildford book an appointment with our team here at Farnham Road Dental Practice!

Dental implants are usually screw-like structures made out of a very rigid and durable metal, such as titanium. This ensures that the implant will withstand the large amount of pressure exerted on it. The dental implant is placed into the jawbone. The body recognises the implant as a tooth, and through a process called osseointegration it engulfs it, which allows modern dental implants to stay in the mouth for a long time. On the top of this dental implant, an appliance called a crown is placed. A crown is a cap that covers the dental implant, or in other cases the damaged tooth. Crowns that are made out of a variety of materials are available. Often they are made out of some type of metal as well, such as stainless steel or alloys, which are mixtures of metals.

Metal crowns are probably the most durable, and the most capable of resisting the tremendous amount of pressure imposed on them during chewing. Metal crowns do not usually chip either. However, many people have metal allergies, in which cases metal crowns are contraindicated. Crowns can also be made out of resin. The advantage of this material is that these crowns can be made for a low price. On the other hand, resin crowns are less of a long term solution, as they are eroded more easily, and over time the likelihood of fractures increases. Porcelain can also be joined with metal to create a crown. The porcelain part of these is capable of chipping, and there might also be a line on the border of the porcelain and metal parts, which may bother some patients. Crowns made completely out of ceramic or porcelain are a great solution for patients with metal allergies. These however are slightly less durable than their metal counterparts and can be prone to chipping.

If you would like to get dental implants in Guildford, our team warmly welcomes you to attend an examination session. Your dentist evaluates your individual circumstances, and together you and your dentist can decide what kind of treatment plan would be most appropriate for you.