Implant Dentistry... A Natural Solution

Tooth loss is a common condition that can occur as a result of disease, trauma or poor dental hygiene.  The best treatment for tooth loss is to replace the missing tooth, which can help prevent gum damage and tooth damage, as well as restore comfort and confidence in social situations.  A dental implant is an artificial tooth root used to support tooth replacement structures such as crowns, bridges and dentures.  Dental implants help patients regain the ability to eat, speak and smile without the pain and embarrassment of missing teeth.

Dental implants are titanium cylinders that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace the roots of the missing tooth.  The replacement structure is supported by the implant, and looks and feels like a natural tooth.  Implants offer permanent results and full functionality, which can result in people not knowing that you lost teeth in the first place.

Benefits

Dental implants offer many benefits over other tooth replacement methods.  Implants provide a natural replacement that looks and feels like your own tooth.  Since the implants are drilled directly into the gum and act as a natural tooth root would, patients can enjoy the same comfort and confidence they experienced before tooth loss. 

Implants provide sturdy, long-lasting results by preventing bone loss and gum recession.  They do not sacrifice the strength of neighboring teeth like traditional bridges do, preserving your overall tooth health with added strength and reliability.  Patients with implants should care for their implants the same way that they do for regular teeth, as these replacements do not require any special maintenance.

Procedure

Dental implants are placed during a series of appointments over several months.  During the first procedure, Dr. Glasser places the titanium anchors in the jaw.  Over the next three to six months, the anchors heal and fuse to the bone, a period known as osseointegration.  Small posts are attached to the implant to help provide stability for the replacement tooth.  After the anchors heal, Dr. Glasser fits the patient for replacements, which can be installed during the next appointment.  Implant surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia in Dr. Glasser’s office.

A crown can be used to replace one tooth, a bridge can replace several teeth, and a full bridge or full denture can replace all teeth.  The replacement teeth can be treated just like natural teeth and require regular home care and dental visits.   

Candidates for Dental Implants

Dental implants are recommended for patients in good general and oral health.  A certain amount of bone in the jaw is required to support the implant, so a bone graft procedure may be required.  Dental implants can be used for people who have gum disease or problem teeth, currently wear dentures or have bone loss.  Most people see successful results from dental implants.  Implants are not recommended for children because their jaw bones are not fully developed and can affect the appearance and function of the implant.

To find out more about dental implants, call Dr. Glasser’s office and schedule a consultation.  Missing teeth can become a thing of the past, as patients can restore their smile with the convenience and effectiveness of dental implants.

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