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Many people who lose their teeth now opt for dental implants to replace them. The benefits of dental implants are obvious: they are extremely permanent and durable. However, dental implants are not suitable for everybody and some patients might be better choosing another method of replacing their teeth, perhaps a set of dentures (either full or partial) or dental bridge work if the conditions are right.
Dental implants have become popular because the implants themselves are such a secure housing for replacement teeth. This is possible because an implant is placed carefully beneath the gum against the jaw bone. Over time the implant will fuse with the bone in a process that scientists call osseointegration. Effectively the implant becomes part of the mouth and the false tooth that is housed in it will be very secure in its position.
In order for this procedure to be carried out, dental implants require fairly invasive surgery to take place. This will not be suitable for every single patient. Usually the operation is done under local anaesthetic which will be too much for some patients who are especially frail. Those with blood disorders might not be suitable patients either.
Dental implants can be done with the purpose of housing just a stand alone tooth but they can also be used to support a bridge of replacement teeth. In this case it will have to be determined whether your jaw bone is up to the job. Such a procedure will put the bone under some strain; most healthy people will be able to cope with it but not everyone, particularly if you have a bone disorder.
Your London dentist will be able to give you a full consultation to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.