Missing Teeth - How Dental Implants Can Help

According to the American Dental Association, some of the largest technological advances in dentistry in the past 40 years have been related to dental implants. Removable appliances, such as complete and partial dentures can take time to adjust to, and for some may never be comfortable. Dental implants can help improve both your dental health and overall quality of life when missing one or several teeth.

 

In this article we’ll explain what dental implants are, how they can be used, and what the benefits for using them are over other options.

Dental Implants are titanium alloy posts that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw that act as the root of your tooth. As the implant heals in the jawbone itosseointegrates with your bone, meaning that your body attaches to it to aid in its stability. From there, your periodontist will attach a single crown or multiple crowns to the implant depending on your situation.

Dental implants can be used in many different situations. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth, preserving tooth structure on either side of the implant. Implants can be used to replace removable partial dentures or even allow complete dentures to snap onto your implants so they stay in without denture adhesive. With implants as stabilizers, the denture flanges can be trimmed down to take less space in your mouth and between the gum and tongue. 

 

As you can imagine, placing multiple implants can be challenging. Through the use of a technology called CT guided surgery, we are able to make this procedure simple, faster and with far less discomfort than only a few years ago. We have access to this technology at our offices and will utilize these special 3-D scans of your skull to plan your case prior to surgical treatment.

There are many benefits to dental implants versus other teeth replacement options. In the past, patients who lost a single tooth would have a bridge made to replace that missing tooth. When making a bridge, however, tooth structure has to be taken away from teeth in front of and behind the missing tooth in order to accommodate for the bridge. When the surrounding teeth are healthy, implants are much better for the adjacent teeth. Additionally, many patients face difficulties with removable partial and complete dentures. They may have trouble eating, drinking, and speaking with removable dentures. When implants are used in combination with bridges, partial dentures, or complete dentures, they are able to do these things easier and the overall quality of life improves.

 

Richardson Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a full service periodontics and implant dentistry center with locations in Eustis, FL. Richardson Periodontics & Implant Dentistry offers a full array of periodontics services to help you maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile. Contact our Eustis office at 352-589-1973 for more information about dental implants or schedule your appointment online.