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"Dentures are not a substitute for teeth. Dentures are a substitute for NO teeth." Problem: Full Arch Teeth Missing
Dentures do have their place, and there are
some people who manage fine with them. But there are many others who
struggle with them daily, often to the point that the life they once knew has
been changed significantly to accommodate the dentures. For those who
are tired of dentures that do Problem: One or a Few Missing Teeth Other interested persons may be those who have just one, or a few missing teeth. The decision to compromise the surrounding intact teeth, so they can become the needed anchors for a bridge or partial, bothers you. And it should. You may also be concerned about the loss of jaw bone where the tooth is missing. When the bone is not stimulated by the forces naturally being placed on it by the root of the tooth, the bone starts deteriorating. You understand that over time, this can cause the surrounding teeth to collapse toward the gap, as well as enable gum problems. There was a time when there was no better choice available to you. Now there is a good, tested, and proven solution - dental implants. A Good Solution: Ideal for missing teeth, dental implants are the closest approximation to natural teeth available. They are constructed to imitate a natural tooth as much as possible, being anchored in the jaw with a "post" which functions similar to the root of a tooth. (This post is what gives the dental implant its inherent stability, as well as the ability to stimulate the "foundation" bone.) After the post has had time for the bone to heal and become solid around it, the restoration is attached. There are several different types of restorations available, depending on the individual's needs and desires: single-tooth replacement, multiple-tooth replacement, or full arch tooth replacement. Dental implants are definitely not a "one size fits all" solution. Each person's situation and solution is very personalized. Bone density and loss need to be evaluated. Forces exerted on the area are analyzed based on bite and any surrounding or opposing teeth. Medical history is important. The individual's desires and expectations for the final outcome obviously have great influence. Financial considerations may also be a factor. Many times, more than one treatment option is possible, and tailoring the treatment for an outcome that is optimum for YOU only happens after careful technical analysis as well as understanding your needs and wants. We encourage you to read the Dental Implant Q & A's, then call us at 889-0700 to set up a personal consultation with Dr. Snodgrass. With his analysis, you will be enabled to make an informed decision based on the options available for your unique situation, and find out whether dental implants will be able to make an improvement for your life. |