Dental implants are the most modern and effective way to replace lost teeth. Unfortunately, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry finds that "More than 35 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws." This condition occurs largely due to age, diseases, or accidents. Living without teeth or with fewer teeth than one needs creates a number of challenges.
For starters, lost teeth restrict what food one can eat since one has to be careful about chewing hard foods. In addition, people who have lost teeth tend to be very self-conscious and do not smile as much as they could or should. This creates a social challenge. Finally, lost teeth can influence speech patterns, making it difficult to clearly pronounce or enunciate certain words. With dental implants, all these problems can be a thing of the past.
A natural feel and appearance
It can be difficult to find tooth replacements that feel natural and function naturally. The dental implants system works much like the natural system that the body designed. There is an anchor, which is the dental implant itself, and then there is the tooth. The tooth itself is replaced with a dental crown, which is a common replacement for teeth. The dental lab will make dental crowns out of a durable porcelain that does not harm other teeth. In addition to this, the porcelain dental crowns look and feel exactly like your natural teeth, so nobody will ever even know they are there.
The dental crown is attached to an abutment, which is a small portion of the dental implants left above the gum line. The dental implants themselves are a tiny cone-shaped object, often a screw, which is placed directly into the jawbone for added strength and stability. The flat portion of the dental implants is where the abutment is attached and provides the surface for the tooth to be attached.
Similar to the root of a natural tooth, the tiny screw acts to support the tooth and work in concert with the jawbone itself to support the new tooth. Even more impressive, patients do not ever have to worry about taking them out or providing special care for the dental implants.
Dental implants are sturdy and functional
Dental implants are one of the most permanent solutions available when it comes to replacing lost teeth. Upon placement, they remain in the mouth indefinitely. Caring for the crowns on top of the implants are much the same as caring for the regular teeth. Brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash are all ways to keep the implant healthy. While the porcelain itself cannot get cavities, infections or discoloring, the gum is still natural tissue and needs preventative dental care through proper oral hygiene.
In addition, you do not want to encourage infections or cavities in the teeth around the dental implants. If these teeth yellow, the implant will become far more obvious. Dental implants are changing the way we see tooth loss. Do not hesitate to consider dental implants for tooth replacement.
Dental Implants
If you have experienced tooth loss, dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. We create beautiful looking teeth that are as strong and durable as natural ones.
Dental ImplantsOkamoto and Bigley Dentistry
At Okamoto and Bigley Dentistry in Pasadena, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule where possible. Our professional staff aims to create a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. We will identify any dental issues you are struggling with and work with you to find the solution that works best for you.
Our staff seeks to create a comforting environment at the office to ease patients into the procedure. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of quality oral health. At Okamoto and Bigley Dentistry, your dental health is our prime concern.
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