Dental implants – restoring your smile
The definition of dental restorations has changed over time, from simply saving a tooth to replacing all teeth, with dental implants Berkshire becoming a common part of the practice. Let’s have a look at this exciting trend. 
Levels of restoration
Restoration before implants was to replace damage directly and focused more on function and longevity over aesthetics, although that seems to be changing.
Fillings are probably the oldest form of restoration, with Neolithic examples of tree resin being used as the filling material. In some ways, it has gone full circle with UV-cured composite resins providing seamless white filling options, compared to metal amalgam, which is fast becoming antiquated.
For a long time, crowns were the premier restoration; an individually crafted piece of porcelain integrated with what remained of a tooth, providing the closest thing to a full restoration. The limitation was always the availability of a healthy root. Unfortunately, many severely decayed teeth also have descending decay in their root, limiting the scope of the treatment.
Implants have reached a level of restoration that was previously unimaginable, an entirely artificial tooth that integrates fully into living bone. It relies on a process called osseointegration, more common in orthopaedic surgery than dental care. Osseointegration occurs when a piece of titanium forms a direct bond with the bone without the use of connective tissue cartilage or any intermediary substance. This process allows titanium implants to be the artificial roots supporting prosthetic crowns, making dental implants Berkshire the first true full restoration.
Maintaining restorations
Most restorations have additional care requirements, and their needs range greatly, not only on the type of restoration but also on the health and general well-being of the patient. For instance, dental bridges must be attached via anchoring wires at either end, which attach to adjacent teeth; this leaves a small gap between the base of the bridge and the underlying gum tissue. Like most small gaps in the mouth, there is a danger of them becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and a place for food particles to become trapped. Therefore, using a specialised long-necked brush and cleaning the area has to become part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
On the opposite end of the scale are restorations like dental implants Berkshire, which, after being installed, have the same care needs as any other natural tooth, such as regular brushing and flossing with bi-annual checkups. Health conditions that complicate and add to maintenance are ongoing gum disease, diabetes and lifestyle factors like smoking or dietary sugar.
Anxious patients
Patients can often have additional concerns about restorations, and many patients only attend our clinic if absolutely necessary and usually for a dental emergency. Once the underlying issue has been stabilised, they often avoid follow-up appointments and prefer extractions over restorations. This is unfortunate, as a great many teeth and smiles could be recovered. At Old Windsor, we practise patient-centred dentistry, focusing on both care and experience. With anxious patients, we make extensive use of sedation dentistry, which allows procedures to be carried out under the effect of calming agents, maintaining a semi-conscious state.
