With advancements in dental technology and treatments, dentures and bridges are no longer your only option for restoring your smile. In fact, dental implants are the preferred choice for replacing missing teeth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists. Yet, you still may wonder if they’re the best option for you.
Our dental implant experts, Dr. J. Paul Fuentes and Dr. Andrew Peterson at Arcadia Perio in Arcadia, California, want you to know more about dental implants and why you may be a good candidate for this permanent tooth replacement option.
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option, and they look and feel just like your real teeth.
An implant consists of three parts:
During your dental implant procedure, we surgically implant the titanium post deep into your jawbone. Through a biological process called osseointegration, your jawbone then grows around the implant to secure it in place.
Once your dental implant is firmly attached to your jawbone, we complete the process by placing the abutment and your custom-made dental crown. With good oral care and regular dental check ups and cleanings, your dental implant should remain in place for at least 25 years.
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, we prefer dental implants over dentures and bridges because they provide predictable, long-lasting results.
Unlike dentures and removable bridges, you never have to worry about your teeth falling out when talking or eating. They’re also more comfortable.
Your dental implant also prevents jawbone deterioration. When you lose a tooth, your jawbone no longer gets the stimulation needed from the tooth root to maintain bone health and strength. This affects your facial features and the shape of your mouth, increasing your risk of losing more teeth.
Because the titanium post serves as a replacement for your natural tooth root, your jawbone continues to get the stimulation needed to maintain strength and shape for better overall oral health.
Almost everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. We’ll conduct an in-depth evaluation during your dental implant consultation to determine the type of treatment best suited for you and your oral health needs.
We consider you a good candidate for dental implants if you’re missing one or more teeth and your oral and overall health is generally good. You also need to have healthy gums, a strong healthy jawbone to support the post, and no periodontal disease.
However, if you have periodontal disease or bone deterioration, that doesn’t mean you can’t ever get dental implants. We offer many innovative treatments to improve oral health, including regenerative therapy and periodontal surgery. We also offer LANAP™ laser dentistry. LANAP, or laser-assisted new attachment procedure, is a minimally invasive and painless treatment for periodontal disease.
You don’t have to wear ill-fitting dentures to replace your missing teeth. Dental implants can fix almost any smile. To learn more, contact us by phone or online today.
