Decay and injury are often responsible for lost teeth and, despite advances in dentistry and oral care, tooth loss still affects many Americans today. There was a time when the only options to replace missing teeth were dentures and dental bridges. These options are merely sufficient and don’t feel like your own teeth. There now exists a better, permanent solution: dental implants. If you’re near Livingston, missing teeth need not be a problem. At the Silverstrom Group, our leading Livingston cosmetic dentists, offers the most advanced techniques in the placement of dental implants. Read on to see why dental implants are among the best option for replacing missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent structure, usually a small titanium post, surgically placed into the missing tooth socket in the jaw. After implant placement, the bone begins to heal around the structure, creating a secure bond. This structure acts as a root to which a fake tooth is attached. For our patients in Livingston, dental implants can be used to replace one tooth to a full set of teeth. Most find the procedure less painful than a tooth extraction. Dental implants look and feel like your own, no one will be able to tell you were ever missing teeth.
Why Are Dental Implants the Best Option in Tooth Replacement?
Dental implants are quickly becoming the tooth replacement option of choice because of the countless benefits they offer. Dental implants look better, feel better, and are more durable than other tooth replacement procedures. To more fully understand the benefits of implants it is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of other tooth replacement treatments.
Dentures
Removable dentures remain an option for tooth replacement and are less expensive than implant-supported dentures. However, they have many drawbacks. Removable dentures do not offer the stability of implant-supported dentures, resulting in movement while eating and talking. This movement can make dentures uncomfortable and painful. With dental implants there is no risk of movement because the replacement teeth are securely attached to the implant, which is anchored within the bone.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are another option for tooth replacement, but the process by which they are attached may require the alteration of otherwise healthy teeth. A traditional bridge is made of two crowns with an attached tooth, called a pontic, in the middle. To attach the bridge the adjacent teeth are prepared for crown placement by filing down the surfaces. The crowns are cemented into place, completing placement of the bridge. Bridges can also be attached to implant-supported crowns. After the titanium implant has been placed in the jaw and surrounding bone and tissue has grown around it, the crowns and bridge can be secured to the implants, filling in the space left by missing teeth.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
To determine if dental implants are the right solution for you contact the Silverstrom Group. Our friendly, experienced staff is ready to give you the beautiful smile you’ve dreamed of.
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