Dental Implants
Many patients experience the loss of a single or multiple teeth due to injury, decay, or gum disease. Standard treatments for replacement of teeth include use of a removable partial denture, a fixed partial denture (bridge), or a dental implant. All of these options have their merits; however, implants are generally considered the most successful. Research indicates that dental implants offer a better option and yield better long-term results than traditional methods for tooth replacement. They are the most natural treatment as they replicate the lost tooth and root.
Caring for and maintaining your implant is like that of any other tooth; it requires daily brushing and flossing as well as dental check-ups at least twice a year. With basic hygiene, your implant can offer a lifetime of natural feeling teeth without impacting your chewing or speaking.
Titanium implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone, where the implant fuses with the existing natural bone in a process called osseointegration. Properly integrated implants do not slip or make embarrassing noises and are more difficult to distinguish from your natural teeth. Because they mirror tooth and root structure, implants provide stimulation for the jawbone, preventing bone loss, while their titanium composition makes them resistant to decay. These factors contribute to the long-term success of dental implants and subsequent overall oral health.
Dental implant technology has been around for over 20 years. Not only does the technology continue to develop and improve, but it has also stood the test of time! Patients who received implants in the '80s and '90s continue to report optimum functionality of their implants. With proper care and hygiene, dental implants are truly a life-long solution for missing teeth.