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Are you embarrassed to smile because you are missing teeth? Has difficulty in chewing made eating into a chore rather than a relaxing, indulgent activity? If so, consider implant dentistry. An increasingly popular alternative to dentures and bridges, dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking, and comfortable solution to gaps left by missing teeth. They'll give you the confidence you need to wear your smile with pride! What is a dental implant? A dental implant is a replacement for a missing natural tooth root. The implant post is anchored in the jawbone, allowing a natural looking artificial tooth to be attached to it. The anchor stimulates the growth of new bone and gum around it, bonding the implant firmly in place. The final result is a remarkably strong, stable tooth that looks just like a natural tooth. Replacing a single tooth Although there are many articles in the dental literature to support the use of a 3-unit fixed partial denture, it appears that single tooth implant replacement may be a more viable option for patients today. Some of the advantages include improved esthetics, improved hygiene accessibility, bone preservation, and reduced future maintenance -- all at a comparable cost. If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a crown can replace it. Treatment Sequence for Single Tooth Replacement Replacing all your teeth While dentures remain a valid option for some patients, they can cause irritation and frustration for others when they do not fit properly. Implant dentistry solves this problem by giving patients a long-lasting alternative that won’t get in the way of eating, laughing, or speaking naturally. In addition, because implant-supported full bridges and dentures will replace some of your tooth roots, your bone is better preserved. With conventional dentures, the bone that previously surrounded the tooth roots begins to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact. In the long term, implants can be more esthetic and easier to maintain than conventional dentures. The loss of bone that accompanies conventional dentures leads to recession of the jawbone and a collapsed, unattractive smile. Why are my dentures not fitting anymore? They used to fit when I first got them. You are most likely experiencing a gradual bone loss process that occurs when the teeth are extracted and tooth roots are missing. Because tooth roots stimulate jawbone health, the jawbone starts to shrink or melt away once the tooth roots are gone. Wearing a denture greatly speeds up the bone loss process. Normally, the lower jaw shrinks much faster than the upper jaw, causing the most problems. One treatment option is an Implant Retained Removable Over-Denture. The denture is made to attach onto the post that extends from the implant. This provides a great deal of support and retention for the denture. Treatment Sequence for Complete Upper Tooth Replacement with Removable Over-Denture Another treatment option is an Implant Retained Fixed Bridge. This type of restoration is the ideal treatment if you desire the most natural feeling a dental prosthesis can provide. It is similar to cementing a conventional bridge onto natural teeth. |
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Saratoga Smiles |
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Exceptional Dental Care |
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