REPLACING MISSING TEETH
Your teeth affect your whole body. When they are healthy, you are healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.
No one wants their appearance and health to deteriorate but, this is the natural consequence of missing teeth – the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jaw bone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Your periodontist and general dentist will provide you with options so you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.
Tooth Replacement Options
You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions. A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking and diseases such as diabetes or radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. A Galileos 3-D Bone Scan and/or X-rays will be taken to evaluate whether your jaw will accommodate implants. These studies may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.
Your teeth affect your whole body. When they are healthy, you are healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.
No one wants their appearance and health to deteriorate but, this is the natural consequence of missing teeth – the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jaw bone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Your periodontist and general dentist will provide you with options so you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable and comfortable for almost any patient.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Implants are the most attractive and long lasting solution for missing teeth.