Losing a tooth, particularly a front tooth, can be a traumatic experience. It can alter not just our ability to chew, but also how we feel about ourselves: our confidence, our self-esteem. It can alter our lifestyle and affect us socially and professionally. The question is what can you do about it? What are your options? Dental implants are a proven solution for people in good overall oral and systemic health who have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, trauma, injury, or some other reason.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are screw-shaped or cylindrical root-form titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. These are carefully placed in the jawbone and allowed to heal. During the healing phase, your bone is growing right up to the implant surface in order to lock it in place.
Shortly thereafter, a crown is made to fit on top of the implants so as to replace a missing tooth or teeth with a "brand-new" tooth. In many cases, you can be functioning on your "new" tooth in as little as 6 weeks!
What are some of the benefits of dental implants? They look and feel just like your own teeth. Dental implants restore your confidence to talk, laugh and chew with comfort and without worries.
Implants preserve the integrity of facial structures.
Implants prevent the hard and soft tissue collapse that can occur under conventional bridges and removable partial dentures. In patients who have lost all of their teeth, the lower one-third of the face is prone to collapse if implants are not placed to preserve the bone and the facial profile. Implants form a strong bond to the surrounding bone to provide support and anchorage for biting and chewing as well as stimulation for the bone to hold it in place.
Implant Dentistry
Mini Implants - Implant Restorations.
There are many options for implant supported devices. Implants can be used to support a single tooth, an entire arch of teeth, or to add support to a denture. The first question isn't can I get an implant, but rather can I get an implant in that location to support a tooth replacement.
There are a number of implant systems available today, all offering excellent results for your appropriate situation. When there is not adequate bone in the proper location, there are ways to augment the bone when the case is planned properly.
Removable partial dentures use clasps and rests which have to be carved onto adjacent teeth. As the partial rocks back and forth, it can loosen the teeth that it depends on for anchorage, causing them to be lost.
Implants replace the entire tooth and the missing root so it is a free-standing restoration. This leaves more of your natural teeth untouched and free of restorations which saves your natural teeth.
Better health and nutrition because you can eat what you want.
Patients with dentures often find themselves unable to eat certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which can compromise their nutrition. With dental implants, it is much easier to bite into and chew your favorite foods.
Ease of cleansing.
An implant supported crown can be cleaned like your other natural teeth, i.e. brushing and flossing. Cleaning under a bridge, however, requires the use of floss threaders for proper cleaning, while a partial must be taken out several times a day and scrubbed clean.
Enjoy your food.
Patients who wear an upper denture often have trouble really tasting food because the roof of the mouth is covered. With implant supported replacement teeth, it is not necessary to cover the roof of the mouth, so it is possible to enjoy the taste of all your favorite foods.
What if I have already lost all of my teeth?
If you are a denture wearer and are having problems keeping your dentures in place or you cannot enjoy some of your favorite foods, implants can still make a big difference for you. Depending on your individual case, anywhere from 2 to 8 implants can be placed in each jaw to anchor your dentures in place. No more wobbling or clicking; no more messy pastes and glues. You will be free to enjoy all of your favorite foods with confidence and comfort.
How long do implants last?
Published clinical research shows that implant supported restorations have been successful for over 30 years with success rates now reaching over 95%. These cases were carefully followed from the very beginning and are likely to remain successful for the lifetime of these patients. |
