WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Think of a dental implant as a special metal replacement “tooth root” that supports your beautiful new teeth. It is placed into the jawbone to support a natural looking, natural functioning tooth (or teeth) you have lost. Not only does the dental implant regain lost beauty and function, but it also helps to preserve remaining bone, thus maintaining the natural contours of the face. Dental implants are so versatile, that they can replace a single tooth, or multiple teeth, including removable dentures, on either the lower or the upper jaw.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
Remember when… back when you were able to flash that beautiful, natural smile, and to eat and chew whatever you wanted without embarrassment? Well, that time in your life can now be restored with beautiful, functional teeth by the miracle of dental implants. No more embarrassing moments, no more having to choose which foods you can and cannot eat, no more loss of the jawbone that happens when natural teeth are lost, resulting in premature aging of the face. With dental implants, those days are only a memory, as your dental implants and new teeth, restore that confidence and sense of well-being that are so important. Of course, the natural teeth that you once had, are almost always preferred. Sometimes, tooth loss is unavoidable, due to accident, gum disease, or some other reason. However, dental implants offer an amazingly natural replacement for lost teeth, both in appearance and function. Just think… what it would be like to recapture that youthful appearance and ability to eat well once again! You now have access to the very best that dental science has to offer.
HOW LONG WILL DENTAL IMPLANTS LAST?
In short, dental implants can last as long or longer than natural teeth, which are designed to last a lifetime. Dental implants can also last a lifetime. However, dental implants can be affected by poor oral hygiene and gum infection, just as natural teeth. They are not affected by tooth decay. This means that good oral hygiene and professional care by the Implant Dentist can provide you with dental implants that can indeed last a lifetime, along with that beautiful smile.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Generally speaking, if you have lost teeth and you are in reasonably good health, you are a candidate for dental implants. That is important. However, there are some conditions and diseases that can affect whether dental implants are right for you. For example, most forms of cancer, radiation to the jaws, uncontrolled diabetes, and poor oral hygiene can affect your status as a candidate for dental implants. The Implant Dentist will thoroughly evaluate your current medical condition and any medications you may be taking to see if dental implants are recommended for you.
WHAT DIFFERENCES WILL I NOTICE IN MY OVERALL WELL-BEING WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS?
There are several. First, is the positive impact on your overall health. We depend on good nutrition to help maintain, or improve, our health. We are what we eat. The ability to chew and eat the multitude of healthy, nutritious, and delicious foods that you want is fundamentally important. Who would choose to depend on a diet that is potentially unhealthy and unpleasant? Dental implants can provide you with the ability to eat those delicious, nutritious foods that your friends enjoy. Second, the replacement of missing teeth with dental implants, can have a wonderful effect on your sense of well-being and enjoyment of life. One of the most noticeable benefits, is the return of that zest for living that we all desire.
TYPE OF DENTAL IMPLANTS:
1. Single Tooth Implant – can be used in people who are missing one or more teeth
2. Multiple Tooth Implants – recommended for people who have several damaged teeth in a consecutive row, regardless of their position.
3. Full Mouth Reconstruction – a comprehensive rehabilitation therapy and a complex process that involves not only teeth but the treatment of the entire mouth