|
Statistics show that the majority of adults age 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Twenty years ago, the only alternative was to employ a fixed bridge or removable denture to restore your ability to eat, speak clearly and smile. Otherwise, the tooth would be extracted. Today there is another option for patients who are missing permanent teeth. Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that are surgically placed to the jawbone. Dental implants are ideal for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or multiple teeth due to an array of reasons. The Dental Implant Procedure Dental implants today are virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth. The appearance is aided in part by the structural and functional connection between the dental implant and the living bone. Implants are typically placed in one sitting, but require a period of osseointegration, which direct anchorage of the implant root and the bone of the jaw occurs. Osseointegrated implants are the most commonly used and successful type of dental implant, taking anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal. Once healed and anchored, your dentist can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown. As soon as the implant has anchored with the jawbone, artificial prosthesis may be attached and the process is completed. If osseointegration does not occur, the implant will fail. Advantages of Dental Implants Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their restorative counterparts, offering a permanent solution to tooth loss. Implants may be used in conjunction with other restorative procedures for maximum effectiveness. A single implant can be used to support a dental bridge for the replacement of multiple missing teeth, and can be used with dentures to increase stability and reduce gum tissue irritation. In addition, dental implants are also:
• Esthetic
• Tooth-saving
• Confidence
• Reliable
Are you a Candidate for Dental Implants? The ideal candidate for dental implants is in good general and oral health with adequate jaw bone. Proper bone in your jaw is needed in order to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease. Whether you are a young, middle-aged or older adult, and whether you need to replace one tooth, several teeth or all of your teeth, there is a dental implant solution for you. With the exception of growing children, dental implants are the solution of choice for people of all ages. Your dentist will evaluate your bone density and quantity in order to assess your candidacy for a dental implant. In some cases where bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease, implants may not be advised. In certain cases, though, bone grafting can be derived from your bone, a synthetic bone or a bovine bone to provide the right support for your implant. A higher rate of implant failure occurs in people who take immune-suppressants and in smokers. If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, contact your Stone Ridge dentist for further consultation. Dental implants are not for everyone, but your dentist will be able to assess your teeth and generate a proper treatment plan for restoring your smile.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Marlin Schwartz, a cosmetic dentist in Highland, Stone Ridge, New Paltz, Rosendale and Clintondale. Providing comprehensive dental care including dental implants, veneers and Invisalign in Stone Ridge, Dr. Schwartz is a highly-regarded dentist in Stone Ridge, Clintondale, New Paltz and Highland in New York.
|
