Missing teeth are nothing to smile about. Putting vanity or aesthetics aside, missing teeth can cause a number of long-term issues — including bone loss. Yet, an estimated 140 million American adults live with one or more missing teeth. Over time, missing teeth can cause the face to loose definition and have a drawn in, distorted look, caused by the loss of bone and natural shape.
With the advancements in dental Implants over the years, there’s one less reason to live with the discomfort — and potential problems — of missing teeth. Dental implants prevent additional bone loss, give bone height and add definition to the face. And, today’s dental implants are so amazing, with proper care, they can practically last forever. It’s almost impossible to tell the difference between a dental implant and the patient’s own teeth.
Even denture wearers have a more comfortable alternative with dental implants. No longer do they have to go through life with wobbly, ill-fitting dentures or loose bridgework. Dental Implants replace dentures with a natural — practically original fitting alternative.
By placing a titanium post into the bone as a replacement for the original root with an attachment that comes through the gum, a crown, bridgework or denture can be permanently attached to the implanted post. The procedure is painless and can be done under local anesthesia.
There are a number of ways to replace multiple teeth with dental implants. Usually, several teeth are “bridged” by two or more implants to support a space of several adjacent teeth with the crowns being fused together in one solid unit. The decision on whether or not to use a single or bridged implant should be made by your doctor.
Choosing dental implants over a bridge or dentures has a lot of advantages. Not only do implants eliminate the many problems and drawbacks associated with dentures and bridges, but they even allow people to eat, speak and laugh normally. Most patients do not realize that bridges can actually loosen other teeth and even cause more tooth loss over time.
With dental implants, denture wearers no longer have to contend with slippage, wobbling, discomfort and in many cases, pain. Without teeth, the underlying bone deteriorates and the denture no longer fits properly.
Dental Implants can also stabilize existing lower dentures by anchoring them into place using mini dental implants, improving the patient’s ability to eat, speak, laugh and smile.
Generally speaking, root canals have about a 70-85 percent success rate. If a root canal re-treatment is indicated, the success rates decline to less than 50 percent. It makes medical sense for the patient to go with the traditional root canal procedure initially, if it does fail, the next sensible step is a dental implant.
Dental implants are the most advanced method to replace missing teeth, save bone structure and improve the quality of life for denture wearers.
Dr. Newey was born and raised in Roy. He received his undergraduate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from Weber State University and his Doctorate in Dental Surgery degree from The University of Oklahoma. Contact him at 801-825-1116.