From the desk of Nancy Tomkins
Millions of people experience difficulties associated with missing teeth. These difficulties can severely undermine your self confidence and quality of life.
Missing teeth can compromise your overall health, eating habits, food choices, speech and appearance. When teeth are lost, jaw bone loss is inevitable, which will affect the fit of your denture. Bone loss will result in the denture becoming loose, which may result in difficulty chewing, cause pain, decreased self confidence, and deterioration of the jaw bone structure over time.
What can you do to help yourself?
The preferred method of tooth replacement is a dental implant. Dental implants form a stable foundation for permanent replacement of teeth. If you wear a full denture (missing all teeth) a few implants may be used to “snap” your denture securely into place. Many people think that one dental implant is necessary for each tooth lost, when in fact a few implants ideally placed, may support several missing teeth. Dental implants also act as a support for partial dentures (missing some but not all teeth) in order to eliminate metal wires (clasps) from showing when you smile.
Other than securing my denture, what other benefits are there to dental implants?
Implants help to preserve the jaw bone by providing stimulation that was previously provided by the natural healthy tooth root. Maintaining bone structure also helps to maintain the integrity of your facial structures. The bone loss over years can be drastic, exposing denture wearers to uncomfortable gums and sensitive nerve impingement.
After all these years, do I have enough bone left to place dental implants?
I have been providing denture implant related treatment since 1988. There has never been a patient I have referred to the implant placing doctor that did not have enough bone. With the evolution of implants and the knowledge of dental professionals, so much wonderful advanced technology is available to create bone in areas where it may be necessary. There are small diameter implants and shorter implants with greater strength that may be used in areas where bone is not optimum.
Who makes the dental implants?
I believe this to be the most important question to ask. I am amazed when patients consult with me for a second opinion and have been given no information regarding the implant system, the company’s reputation or its biomechanical (technical advantages) over another company’s implant. All dental implant manufactures claim to have the best technology, similar to car manufacturers who market their vehicles to us. In fact, more people will know more about the vehicle they are purchasing than the dental implant technology they are considering.
Long term clinical documentation is the only way to compare technology and companies with one another. Straumann ® is the world leader in dental implants. In my 29 years of practice, I trust their technology to be very advanced, offering the clinician and patient many more treatment options. Dental implants are the closest possible replacement for natural teeth, and the best way to restore your natural smile. The cost of these implants has become very affordable. Ask your Denturist about how dental implants might be the right solution for you.
Why are dental implants a good choice?
Implant secured dentures are more stable and “real” feeling than most types of dentures. Implants are a proven restoration option with a long, clinical history and an excellent success rate. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or all your missing teeth. Many patients who have chosen implant secured dentures report they are happy and comfortable for the first time since the loss of their natural teeth.
Is there pain when placing dental implants?
Often, patients who are missing all their teeth have not seen a dentist for decades. They are frightened by the thought of having any dental work performed. In fact, studies show that the number one excuse denture wearers use for not having implants placed is they are dental phobic.
With the advancements in dental fear management and techniques, patients report to me, if they knew that it was that simple, they would have done it years ago.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- improved oral health
- ability to eat well and enjoy a variety of foods
- increased nutritional intake/digestion
- improvement to overall general health
- increased self-esteem
- increased denture comfort
- increased denture stability
In summary, so often denture patients tell me that they lost their teeth when they were young and were not in the same financial situation they are today. With the advancements in dentistry, you can turn the hands of time backwards and restore your smile to the way it once was.
Call Teresa for a consultation.
