Tooth Loss and Dental Implants
Dental implants are a beneficial alternative to other restorative measures, namely bridges and dentures. Dental implants are recommended when a patient has suffered tooth loss due to:
- Tooth decay
- Root canal failure
- Periodontitis (gum disease)
- Trauma to the mouth
- Excessive wear and tear
- Congenital defects
Tooth loss can cause embarrassment, speech difficulties and lowered self-esteem. Dental implants, however, can help restore a person's quality of life by providing a permanent solution to tooth loss. Below are some of the benefits that come with dental implants.
Dental implants help preserve your jaw bone. The human jaw bone maintains its integrity through proper stimulation from the roots of the teeth. When a tooth is missing that portion of the jaw bone atrophies and wastes away. This is why denture wearers have the "sunken" appearance.
Dental implants help save the adjacent teeth. Traditional replacements like bridges or partials permanently damage the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth space. Dental implants are independent of the neighboring teeth and will not damage your natural look.
Dental implants are a lifetime restoration. Properly placed and maintained dental implants will last you a lifetime. Crowns, bridges, and partials only have an average lifespan of 5 to 10 years.
Dental implants feel natural.Dental implants feel and function just like your own teeth. There are no restrictions on the types of food you can eat. Many find that they can return to eating the kinds of foods they've missed for years with dental implants.
Dental implants can give you an internal "facelift." Because dental implants restore the health and the density of your jaw bones, and because your facial muscles can be used properly again most patients notice a visible tightening of their face, and can regain your youthful appearance.
The quality of your surgeon also plays a crucial part in receiving dental implants. Qualifications, experience, and instrumentation-the technology used in the implant procedure-should all weigh heavily when choosing the right surgeon for your dental implants.
If you have any other questions or comments regarding this article, please contact us at (310) 553-2940 or by email at beverlyhillsperio@gmail.com.
Dr. Miles Madison, D.D.S., is an award-winning periodontist in Beverly Hills, California.
