If you should ever have the misfortune of losing a tooth, either from an accident, decay, gum disease, or a crack, you may be forced to make a swift decision in choosing the best way to replace the tooth.
As a practicing dentist for the last 28 years and after surgically placing and/or restoring thousands of dental implants, I have insight and experience that I would like to share with you. The benefits of replacing a missing tooth far outweigh the costs as well as the negative emotional, physical and social impact that can occur. Having missing teeth will lead to gradual loss of facial support due to bone loss and shifting of adjacent teeth. It can also cause frustration with chewing and make it embarrassing to smile.
Dental Implants vs Dentures
Traditional dentures have some benefits, but also have several drawbacks. Since they are removable artificial teeth replacements, they are prone to slipping, and finding a perfect fit for a patient’s teeth and gums can be difficult. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants are strong, permanent replacements that look, act and feel natural. Custom-made for your specific needs, they do not slip and provide less risk of gum irritation.
Something to Smile About
A dental implant procedure involves a multi-step process performed by a dentist with special training. Your dentist will place a thin cylinder or post underneath the gum and anchor it directly to the jawbone. The post will fuse to the bone within three to six months. Once it has fused, your dentist will attach a custom-designed crown to the post. When your dental implant procedure is complete, it should look and feel just like your own natural tooth, improving your smile and giving you greater ease with chewing and speaking. Dental implants are made to be permanent – without the hassle of removal and maintenance, other than your regular daily habits of brushing and flossing.
To learn more about Implant Dentistry, please visit our website at:
Bradley A. Ross, DDS is the owner of Mission Trails Dentistry,
located at 6902 Navajo Road at Jackson Drive.
Dr. Ross welcomes questions from readers at dentistrysandiego@gmail.com 619-582-9700
