Implants: Hope For Toothless People

Even though modern dentistry stresses prevention and maintenance therapy, an estimated thirty million Americans are toothless (edentulous) in one or both jaws; about three million cannot wear dentures for physical or psychological reasons. Fortunately, an innovative dental implant system now offers an alternative, a ray of hope for toothless people.

Substitutes For Tooth Roots

The implant procedure involves the insertion of tiny metal fixtures into the jawbone. These fixtures actually bond with the bone and hold permanent, prosthetic teeth. The new teeth remain in the mouth and can stay secure for years and years.

Our office uses the BRÅNEMARK SYSTEM®, created by Nobel Biocare. We have chosen this specific brand of implant because of the many years of research behing the implant, the high quality, and the success rate of patients who have received Branemark System® implants.

Through the use of implants, single replacement teeth or natural teeth that are slightly loose can be anchored into place. The innovation is enabling thousands of people who have lost their teeth to illness, injury, or congenital defects to enjoy tooth function again.

An Alternative to Conventional Dentures

Dental implants can offer a solution to people who have false teeth and want to avoid removable dentures and to people who are about to lose teeth that could be strengthened. But the implants offer the greatest hope for people who cannot function adequately with conventional dentures.

The problems of edentulous patients begin when the parts of the jawbone that originally housed the teeth begin to shrink. This shrinking is called resorption. As the jawbone becomes smaller, there is less bone to comfortably anchor the denture. As a result, many people struggle with dentures that won't allow them to smile naturally, speak clearly, or chew comfortably.

Implants, on the other hand, can provide support for improved appearance, speech, comfort, and chewing ability. The implant itself is made of titanium. Once titanium implant is placed, the resorption (or shrinking) stops and the bone stabilizes within the first year. The implant procedure requires several office visits for planning, healing, and finally, attachment of the prosthetic teeth. During the healing period, the patient can wear a denture that has been refitted to prevent pressure on the fixtures.

Not For Everyone

Dental implants aren't necessarily for everyone. For example, patients must be in good overall health; healthy gums and sufficient bone help support an implant. The implant, obviously, will not be exactly the same as a natural, healthy tooth. Most importantly, regular dental visits and scrupulous oral hygeine are requisites for success.

But dental implants can be the answer for many people. They already have been. Thousands of fixtures have been implanted around the world, some to replace a single tooth, others to replace an entire set.

If you have any questions about implants, for yourself or someone you know, call our office. We'd be happy to evaluate your situation.

BRÅNEMARK SYSTEM® and the swirl design are registered trademarks of Nobel Biocare.

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