Dental Implants
Life's simple pleasures can cause problems and pain for the millions of adults who suffer from permanent tooth loss.
Men and women of all ages are self-conscious about their dentures, bridges or missing teeth. Some have difficulty speaking because their dentures slip or click.
For others, the irritation and pain caused by dentures are constant reminders of the limitations they feel. Many are concerned about their appearance and may feel that their tooth loss has "aged them" before their time.
Some regularly decline invitations to social events because they are unwilling to face the uncertainties of eating, speaking and laughing in public. Many can no longer enjoy their favorite foods, nor the social interaction with family and friends that accompanies special meals.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are metal "roots" placed in the jawbone underneath the gum tissue to support artificial teeth where natural teeth are missing. Unlike other types of tooth replacements, such as removable dentures or fixed bridges that are cemented to remaining teeth, dental implants are actually placed ("implanted") into the jawbone under the gum tissue. These implants are made from a space-age metal called titanium, which is readily accepted by the body, and artificial teeth that look and function like natural teeth are then attached to the implants. Accepted by the American Dental Association, dental implants have been used for many years, and hundreds of thousands have been placed. Due to a phenomenon known as "osteointegration", meaning that bone actually attaches itself to the implant, these anchors provide a strong foundation that allows people with missing teeth to chew efficiently and comfortably.
A UNIQUE SOLUTION TO A TROUBLESOME PROBLEM
Now, more and more people are putting an end to these problems by choosing dental implants, a revolutionary way to replace missing teeth. Dental implants offer an excellent alternative to the limitations of conventional dentures, bridges and missing teeth. Dental implants are changing the way people live. With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.
AN ALTERNATIVE TO NATURAL TEETH
Dental implants are a great option for patients missing natural teeth, because they act as a secure anchor for artificial replacement teeth and eliminate the instability associated with surface adhesives and removable bridges. Your natural teeth absorb biting pressure of up to 540 Ibs. per square inch. Long-time denture-wearers can often absorb no more than 50 Ibs. per square inch. Dental implants, when properly placed, can withstand 450 Ibs. per square inch of biting pressure.
Dental implants are made of materials that are compatible with human bone and tissue. The endosteal implants are surgically placed directly into the jawbone. Small posts are then attached to the implants, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Dental implants fit patient needs. Based on patient needs, a single tooth, a partial bridge or a full set of replacement teeth are fitted to the implants and locked in place over the protruding posts. In appearance and in function, implants are the closest thing to natural teeth and a good alternative to conventional dentures.
The following examples are possible treatment options for certain conditions:
- Missing front tooth
- Missing back tooth
- Missing multiple back teeth
- Complete upper denture
- Complete lower denture
Implants eliminate the day-to-day frustrations and pain of ill-fitting dentures. They allow people to enjoy a healthy and varied diet without the restrictions many denture wearers face. With a sense of renewed self-confidence, many people rediscover the excitement of an active lifestyle shared with family and friends and the chance to speak clearly and comfortably with co-workers. For all these reasons, people with dental implants often say they feel better. . . they look better... they live better.