Dental Implant Trend Gives Reasons To Smile
Many patients who previously suffered from missing teeth, soreness from dentures, decreased chewing ability, and a less attractive appearance are now taking advantage of dental implants to address these dental problems. Implants can literally improve your smile, and your ability to eat and talk.
If you’re tired of your dentures, your body may be tired of them as well. The reason is due to your gums, the soft pliable tissue that, quite honestly, can hurt if too much pressure is put on them, will always be required to support regular dentures and partials. In addition, it’s proven that dentures cause the gums to slowly wear away as well as the underlying bone.
The solution to these problems has been around for more than 50 years.
Because the bone and not the gum tissue support implants, they eliminate painful chewing and restore more than 90 percent of your original chewing force. This is closer to the stability of natural teeth than any other tooth replacement alternative.
“One of the most intriguing reasons to choose implants is that they convince the body into thinking a tooth is still present,” says Stephen Forrest, D.D.S., of Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center in Des Moines, Iowa. “This phenomenon greatly thwarts the significant bone loss associated with dentures and other solutions.”
Dr. Forrest is at the leading edge of implant dentistry. Dental implants can be used for patients who have one missing tooth, several missing teeth or dentures that could be stabilized by dental implants. Implants can be snapped or clipped on or held in place with other attachments so they can be easily removed for cleaning or sleeping.
“One of the most persuasive arguments for dental implants is their longevity,” says Dr. Forrest. “Amazingly, you can find individuals who had dental implants placed nearly a quarter of a century ago whose substitute teeth are still going strong. The fact is that if you take care of your implants, they can last a lifetime. In the long run they are clearly a better investment.”
Dr. Forrest offers patients several different implant systems. Each of these systems offer special benefits to you. Many systems require only one surgical procedure. All provide strong support for dental restoration, excellent function and aesthetics.
Dr. Forrest carefully examines each patient to determine the best type of implant system for them. The process of receiving implants is generally comfortable, and the implants literally become attached to the jaw bone and have excellent retention. In most cases, they are as comfortable and solid as one’s own teeth.
New dental implant techniques allow for placement of implants in sites that were once considered hopeless. Most procedures can be performed in an office setting using advanced pain control methods or intravenous sedation.
The initial phase of getting dental implants involves a surgical procedure in which the implants are placed in the jawbone. Several months of healing are then necessary for the implant to become strongly attached to the bone. During this time, provisional temporary restorations can be placed, or patients who have worn dentures previously can continue to do so. It generally takes about three months for the implants to become completely secure. At that time, the final prosthesis, such as a highly retained denture, crowns or bridges, will be placed.
Regardless of which option you choose, the retention of your dental prosthesis will be stronger than ever. Your smile, bite, and function can be restored and your dental health can be significantly improved. Best of all, you should be more confident and comfortable when eating or smiling.
The demand for dental implants has increased greatly in recent years because they’re simply the closest thing to natural teeth in both appearance and function. To understand what dental implants are and what they can do for you, please call today for your initial consultation. It could be one of the best dental decisions you’ve ever made.