Is improved oral health a gateway to greater self-esteem? The mouth, and the role it plays in boosting our quality of life, is often underestimated. Our dentist, Dr. James Main, has fitted more than 1,000 teeth implants for his patients since beginning to offer this life-changing treatment over 15 years ago. In the second of our Q&A series, James focuses on some of the confidence-building benefits that dental implants can bring to people with lifelong worries about their poor dental health.
Q. I am terrified that my false tooth, which is at the front of my mouth, will move when I kiss my girlfriend. Can I have an implant to fill a single gap?
A. Thank you for your great question. I find that we do not talk enough about how the mouth and the teeth are central to intimacy and the importance that this has to our lives. The answer to your question is simply, yes! You can have an implant to fill a single gap. You may be surprised to find out just how many people have a single tooth implant, which looks very discreet and feels just like a natural tooth. In fact, some patients forget where exactly the implant tooth is!
Q. I have always been afraid of the dentist, but my teeth are in a shocking state. What can you advise?
A. At TRUST Dental you will not be judged by the state of your mouth, which is often the fear people have when they are in your position. We are here to help. Our ethos is that we put your care first and we care about improving your oral health for the long term. First of all, we can offer you a free initial video consultation, so you don’t even need to step into the practice! Next, I would advise you to come in to see us for a new patient examination. We will aim to understand what you want to achieve and will look at you as a whole person before discussing any treatment options.
Q. I have several gaps in the back of my mouth, top, and bottom, but you cannot see them when I laugh or smile. How would implants help me?
A. Implants may not benefit you at all if the gaps do not make any difference to your life or self-confidence. It depends on your motivation. If you are finding it difficult to eat, or if you are having to make food choices because of your gaps, then dental implants would improve your quality of life immeasurably. The fact that you are asking this question would indicate that this may be the case. It is also important to remember that teeth that are adjacent to the gaps can drift and the underlying bone can shrink. Changes to the jawbone contours can make lips and cheeks look sunken.
Q. I feel uncomfortable spending money on myself. Are dental implants worth it?
A. It is easy to think that this is an investment from which only you will benefit. In my experience, everyone that you have a relationship with will also benefit. Some of my patients were suffering from a reduced quality of life because of their teeth, or lack of them, and this had a knock-on effect on the people around them. People are often held back in their job or other social contexts because they never smile and are thought, incorrectly, to be miserable. However, it is often fear or lack of self-esteem which prevents them from smiling or laughing and inhibits them from taking control of a situation and being more confident.
Q. I suffered from poor dental health when I was younger and have some very old crowns and a few wobbly teeth. What are my options?
A. No-one should have to put up with what seems to be a lifelong worry of poor dental health. There may be many choices available to you. At TRUST Dental you will get a comprehensive ‘survey’ of your mouth, teeth, and gums, which will supply you with all the information you need to understand how you can improve your oral health. Dental implants could be the answer, but there are many different treatments to consider, depending on what is important to you.
Q. My partial denture has affected my speech, so I tend not to wear it. Are there any alternatives?
A. Dentures of any sort might feel like a foreign object in your mouth. False teeth need space that is invariably greater than the space taken up by the teeth they replace. This is one of the reasons that speech is affected. The simple way to restore your speech is to have your denture replaced with fixed teeth that take up no more space in your mouth than natural teeth. This would mean teeth supported by dental implants or a bridge.
Whether you are lacking confidence because of gaps in your mouth, losing patience with moving dentures, or you would simply prefer a prosthesis that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth, dental implants may be the answer. To begin your journey towards a healthier, more confident smile, call us on 01458 840033.
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