DENTAL IMPLANTS
Nothing can take the place of a healthy set of teeth, but when disease or an accident ends in tooth loss, it’s good to know that there are options for restoring your smile. If you are self-conscious because you have missing teeth or you wear dentures, there is an alternative: dental implants. Implants have been used for more than a quarter century. And more of our patients are choosing dental implants as a replacement option. One survey shows that more than 1.5 million dental implants were placed in a recent year, and that number is growing.
Many of our patients choose implants to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or to support a full set of dentures. Implants are cylinders that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw where they function as a sturdy anchor or replacement teeth. They are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body.
If you are missing one or more teeth, there are plenty of reasons to correct the problem:
- A gap between your teeth, if obvious when you smile or speak, is a cosmetic concern.
- Missing teeth may affect your speech
- Missing a molar might not be noticeable when you talk or smile, but its absence can affect chewing.
- When a tooth is removed, the biting force on the remaining teeth begins to change. As the bite changes to compensate for the lost tooth, there is a risk of extra pressure and discomfort on the jaw joints, which may lead to temporomandibular disorder, also known as TMD.
- If a missing tooth is not replaced, the surrounding teeth can shift. Harmful plaque and tartar can collect in new hard-to-reach places created by shifting teeth. Over time, this may lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
- Bone loss can occur in the region of the missing tooth.
Who is a candidate for implants?
If you are in good general health, with healthy gums and a jawbone that can support an implant, this treatment may be an option for you. In fact, your health is more of a factor than your age. Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. And if you use tobacco, you are at greater risk for gum disease, which can weaken the bone and tissues needed to supported the implant. Oral hygiene is critical to the success of the implant. If your overall health is good and your teeth and gums are in good shape, Dr. Eckermann can determine if you are a suitable candidate for a dental implant.
Single Tooth Implants
The single tooth implant replaces the missing tooth’s root. A single tooth implant is a free-standing unit and does not involve treatment to the adjacent teeth.
If the surrounding teeth are healthy, they can remain untouched, and their strength and integrity may be maintained. The implant can stabilize your bite and help prevent problems with the jaw. Implant-supported Bridges and Dentures
Dental implants may be used to support a bridge when several teeth are missing. The bridge replaces the lost natural teeth and some tooth roots. An implant-supported bridge does not require support from adjacent teeth. If you are missing all of your teeth, an implant-supported denture can replace the missing teeth and some of the tooth roots. Because the dental implants integrate with the jawbone, an implant-supported denture tends to be comfortable and stable, allowing you to bite and chew naturally.
If you have any questions for Dr. Eckermann regarding implants, please click"Ask The DR."
