subject: Dental Implants- Implant Supported Crowns, Bridges And Dentures [print this page] During the fall and winter seasons the last thing you want to worry about is losing a tooth or multiple teeth. With participation in outdoor activities such as swimming, baseball and biking, however, the risk for losing a tooth increases significantly. People who have lost teeth may feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can also have a negative effect on eating habits, leading to secondary health problems including malnutrition. By replacing missing tooth roots, dental implants provide people with the strength and stability required to eat all the foods they love, without struggling to chew.
Dental Implant Procedure
Teeth are lost for a variety of reasons, but dental implants are available to replace your missing teeth. Before beginning your procedure, your Nashua dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to see if you are a candidate for dental implants. Based on the condition of your oral tissues, oral hygiene, personal habits and commitment to follow aftercare instructions, your dentist will advise you of the most appropriate dental implant treatment plan.
Dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from other teeth, which is aided in part by the structural and functional connection between the dental implant and the living bone. Implants are typically placed in a single sitting but require a period of osseointegration, which is the process by which the dental implant anchors to the jaw bone. Osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal. At this point, your dentist can complete the procedure by placing a crown restoration.
Implant Supported Dentures
An implant supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants while a regular denture rests on the gums, and is not supported by implants. Implant supported dentures are used when a person doesn't have any teeth in their jaw, but have enough bone to support implants. They are typically made for the lower jaw because regular dentures tend to be less stable there, and simply snap onto attachments on the implants. You should remove an implant supported denture daily to clean the denture and gum area.
Why Dental Implants?
Missing teeth can affect your appearance as well as your ability to eat and speak normally. Dental implants are stronger and more durable than their counterparts, such as crowns and bridges that are cemented into place. They offer a permanent solution to tooth loss and help you gain back your natural appearance and function.
Lost teeth may affect how others view you personally and professionally, as well as how you feel about yourself. Your smile is the first impression you make on others and dental implants can be your doorway to renewed self-confidence and peace of mind. If you are considering dental implants, your mouth must be examined thoroughly, in addition to the review of your medical and dental history. Contact your dentist in Nashua for proper evaluation of your mouth to see if you are a candidate for dental implants. It isn't too late to regain your smile.