A Closer Look at Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are man-made replacements for natural teeth. The implants themselves are artificial tooth roots carefully and painlessly placed in the gum or jawbone. Replacement teeth are then permanently secured to the implants. The benefits are remarkable. They look, feel and function like your natural teeth!

When implant supported teeth are placed in the mouth, it permits you to brush your teeth without having to deal with the embarrassment of removable teeth or unpleasant adhesives. Another benefit is not having to cut down adjacent teeth to facilitate a conventional fixed (tooth supported) bridge. One of the many advantages of dental implants is that they preserve rather than compromise your teeth, gums and jaw bone.

Implants provide a solid foundation of support for permanent, non-removable teeth. Increased chewing ability means you can enjoy more nutritious foods, which contributes to your overall health and well-being. In short, dental implants improve the quality of your life.

Implants can enhance your appearance, boost your self-confidence, and allow you to speak with greater clarity. Another advantage of dental implants is that they stop the continuous loss of jaw bone that rapidly occurs after teeth have been removed. This is an unfortunate natural process that can only be stopped by providing a permanent method of tooth replacement.

Dental implants are usually placed by Periodontists or Oral Surgeons. Successful implant treatment is dependent upon the implant surgeon creating a team of professionals: a surgeon who places the implant, a restorative dentist who is responsible for tooth replacements, and a dental laboratory technician who fabricates cosmetically pleasing teeth. Excellent collaboration between the three disciplines insures a comfortable, functional and cosmetically pleasing tooth replacement.

It’s a modern miracle, but one which has revolutionized the tooth replacement process. If you’ve lost one or more teeth, ask your dentist if you are a candidate for dental implants.

Questions? Ask Dr. Brown.