Implant Dentistry
Implant dentistry has become one of the most important fields of modern oral care. In years past dentists had few options for replacing missing teeth other than to use elaborate crowns or other complicated procedures to restore a smile to its natural brilliance.
With the advent of modern dental procedures and technology, patients and dentists alike were granted dozens of options to replace missing or damaged teeth. One of these options is called implant dentistry. By using artificial teeth anchored directly into the jawbone of a patient, a dentist can fill in empty gaps caused by age, injury, or disease. These strong artificial teeth can be created from resin, porcelain, or composite materials that closely match the strength, color, and shape of your natural teeth. Furthermore, should your mouth require more elaborate procedures, implants provide the perfect anchor for any future dentures or crowns.
Consult your doctor about whether implant dentistry is right for you. You may be pleasantly surprised by how affordable these remarkable devices are, and equally pleased about how much your life will improve through a few simple procedures. Learn more about implants from your dentist today!
Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to restore missing teeth. Medically, this condition is known as edentulism. There are many negative impacts edentulsim may have, including social isolation, food choice limitation, further tooth loss, and bone loss. Dental implants have been used with high success rates for the past 50 years and dentists have come to rely on them for treating problems that were previously insurmountable.
There are two basic types of dental implants-those that sit on top of the jaw bone and those that fit into the jawbone, similar to the root of a natural tooth. However, each type is attached to the jawbone and offers solid support for replacement teeth which act and feel like natural teeth. For the past ten years, the average success rate of dental implants has been greater than 90%, making dental implants a viable option for patients missing teeth.
If you have missing teeth or suffer from edentulism and have been wishing for a way to restore your lovely smile, dental implants may be the answer to your dreams. Prosthodontic treatment can do amazing things with dental implants and drastically improve your life. You deserve to have a beautiful smile and a life free of oral inconveniences. Set an appointment with your doctor today.
Tooth Replacement
The loss of natural teeth can have immediate impacts on a person's social, psychological and physical well-being. Experts have found that individuals who are unhappy with the physical appearance of their teeth are less likely to engage themselves socially, which in turn has instant and profound repercussions on general well-being and quality of life.
Patients looking to change the way their teeth look and feel are likely to choose one of the following tooth replacement options:
- Crown or Cap: Used to cover teeth that have been weakened by decay around fillings or that are severely damaged, decayed, chipped, discolored, or misaligned.
- Bridge: A bridge is a restoration which replaces one or more teeth. There are two types of bridges known as fixed and removable. Fixed bridges are bonded into place using adjoining teeth as a support. Removable bridges can be dislodged for cleaning, but they can often be less esthetically pleasing than fixed bridges and less stable.
- Dentures: Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth. They can either replace a few missing teeth (partial dentures) or a complete set of missing teeth (full dentures).
- Dental Implants: Implants attach artificial teeth directly to the jaw. There are three major components of an implant: the anchor, which may be surgically embedded into the bone, a post to which the tooth attaches, and the artificial tooth itself. Implants can replace one or more teeth, provide support for a partial denture, or be used to attach a full denture.
Previously, tooth loss was thought to be an unavoidable affect of aging. As a result, many people who are suffering with the trials and tribulations of decreased dental capacity are incredulous about changing their situation for the better. Do not let preconceived notions and/or fears prevent you from consulting with a trained dental professional about the beneficial aspects of tooth replacement procedures today.
Bone Loss
Put simply, bone loss is the decrease in the bone structure supporting the roots of teeth. Some experts suggest that bone loss in this region is due in large part to the proliferation of gum disease, which occurs when plaque is not effectively removed by brushing and flossing. Plaque is composed of bacteria that can cause destruction to the gum, connective tissue, and the bone that joins our teeth to the jaw.
Bacteria from plaque produce toxins and enzymes under the gum-line, causing a chronic infection. This infection causes the body to release chemical substances called cytokines. These cytokines in turn cause a cascade of reactions within the gum and surrounding tissue that, if left unchecked, ultimately lead to the breakdown of the gum and bone.
The loss of gum and bone causes the formation of a periodontal pocket. The dentist can measure these pockets with a small probe to determine the extent of the disease. If the gums are allowed to remain irritated, further consequences develop and the bone next to the inflamed gums will eventually shrink away.
With the passage of time, the human body becomes more and more susceptible to the degenerative ramifications of aging. Teeth, gums and the jaw structure are certainly not immune to these phenotypic perils, though proper maintenance presently can go a long ways in eliminating future periodontal problems.
Bone loss can be painful and debilitating, emotionally as well as physically. By addressing current concerns with a trained dental professional, you can go a long way in eliminating future problems.