Preserve Your Beautiful Smile With the Help of Dental Implants
Since the early 1970s, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has been an important source of oral health and dental care information. The most recent survey estimates that almost a third of the American population over the age of 65 have no natural teeth. On average, adults between the ages of 20 and 64 are missing almost seven natural teeth.
In addition to lowering the quality of your smile and leading to confidence issues, a missing tooth can cause a multitude of other problems. Difficulty in chewing, teeth shifting, speech issues, and even bone loss in the jaw are other problems arising from missing teeth.
It is not advisable to leave gaps in your mouth as it is without treatment.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. An implant can look and function like natural teeth without decaying over time. It is a predictable, long-lasting solution with a very high success rate.
Biocompatible materials such as metal or ceramic constitute the manufacturing base for implants and make it almost impossible to differentiate them from natural teeth.
Dental implants primarily work by fusing with your jawbone. The implant acts as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. Once ready, this artificial tooth root can hold a replacement tooth or a bridge. Your dentist can use 3D digital imaging tools and surgical software to plan the implant surgery during your assessment phase.
‘Endosteal’ implants, typically made of titanium and shaped like small screws, are placed in the jawbone. Patients who do not have enough healthy natural jawbone get ‘Subperiosteal’ implants. These Subperiosteal implants include a metal framework that is set on the jawbone to provide the structural support necessary for the implant.
Suppose you want an endosteal implant and your jawbone is not sturdy enough. In that case, your dentist may use different procedures to rebuild your bone or find ways to create a sturdy implant foundation.
Depending on your overall dental health and needs, your dentist can also suggest alternatives to the multi-step traditional dental implant procedure, in addition to the above. Mini dental implants find placement through less invasive techniques. These are small diameter, toothpick size implants.
All-on-4® is a technique that avoids the need for bone grafting by placing four dental implants in available bone. You will have to follow a restricted diet for some time, however. In the case of same-day implants or immediate load dental implants, your dentist may place a temporary tooth together with the implant in the same appointment.
Aesthetically, dental implants look more natural than other tooth replacement options, such as a tooth-supported bridge. It is always a great feeling to know that your teeth and smile look natural, rather than obvious artificial interventions. Dental implants improve oral hygiene and help to protect your teeth against gum disease. Please remember that an implant tooth cannot decay, and you will never be in a maintenance trap with it.
Again, your long-term oral health fares better with a dental implant as opposed to other replacement options. Dental implants continue to stimulate your jawbone like natural teeth and prevent bone loss. You also eat better with an implant. The weight that you can generate to chew your food is almost as good as a natural tooth with your dental implant.
A consummate dentist and educator based in Grand Rapids, Dr. Daniel J Burton has provided his patients with exceptional dental care for decades. After graduating with the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit School of Dentistry in 1976, Dr. Burton received postgraduate training in different dental care areas. He is a respected practitioner of restorative and rehabilitative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and sedation dentistry.
At Midtowne Smiles, Dr. Burton and his team work hard to ensure you get answers and solutions for all dental health, comfort, and appearance.
Getting a dental implant is not a simple process. It takes several weeks for the new implant to integrate with your natural bone tissue. You will need in-depth expertise from your dentist to help you through the entire process.
When you come to us for restoring a missing tooth, Dr. Burton will assess your teeth, recommend a solution and deliver treatment. He will work with you to achieve your goals.
Whether it be fixing a new implant or dental implant restorations, Dr. Burton will ensure that you smile with confidence again.
Midtowne Smiles can also assist you with clear braces for teeth straightening and other cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as dental bonding, dental veneers, inlays, onlays, teeth whitening, and more.
Call us today or complete our online appointment form. We will be happy to help with the right implant solution for you!