When a patient is missing a tooth, or multiple teeth, the last thing he or she wants to do is settle for gaps in their smile. This can surely cause low self-esteem and anxiety in public situations. To help eliminate gaps, dental implants have become the most popular solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring smiles.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into a patient's jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. This procedure is ideal for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or multiple teeth due to periodontal disease, injury or other reasons. While dental implants may be high-tech in nature, they are more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
No one ever wants to lose a tooth, yet alone multiple teeth. Thankfully, with advancements in dentistry, patients are able to obtain the tooth restoration they need so they no longer need to be ashamed to smile.
Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that the dentist surgically places in the jawbone. Dental implants consist of titanium metal that "fuses" with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Implants never slip or make embarrassing noises. Additionally, they are used to anchor fixed bridges because they fuse to the jawbone, which helps to eliminate bone loss.
Patients are encouraged to obtain a free consultation with Dr. John Beckwith at Cornerstone Dental who will be glad to answer any questions you have and determine the best alternatives for your particular situation.
