Dental Implants in Hollywood, Florida
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth, consisting of both crown and root, used to replace a missing tooth. Not only do these dental implants fill an unsightly gap, but also restore function and balance to your smile in the most natural way. Going without a tooth is not only embarrassing and a little frustrating, but can also impact oral health and the state of remaining teeth. Instead of dealing with an absent tooth, it might be time to consider dental implants from Dr. Gordon.
Avoiding tooth loss may not be entirely in your control. There are some things you can do to retain your teeth, like regularly brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. You can also quit smoking and use mouthguards during athletic activities. However, in some case there is only so much you can do to save a damaged or malformed tooth. There are many risk factors for tooth loss, and not all can be managed by you.
Top Reasons for Tooth Loss
- Age
- Genetics
- Diabetes
- Dental trauma
- Tobacco use
- Extensive decay
- Dental diseases
- Unnecessary wear
- Congenitally absent tooth
- Loss of neighboring teeth
What are Dental Implants?
At their most basic, dental implants are prosthetic teeth anchored directly to the jaw to replace a tooth that is missing. There are two types of dental implants. Endosteal dental implants are when a titanium screw, post, or blade is placed into the jawbone. These are the most common form of dental implant. The bone will graft to the metal securing it firmly in place. The screw or post is then topped with a dental crown and acts as any natural tooth.
The second type of dental implant is subperiosteal. It is placed on top of the jaw with an existing metal framework. This procedure is most commonly used for patients with minimal bone height or those who cannot have conventional dentures or implants.
Dental Implant Procedure
1. Dentist will evaluate your smile and oral health, making sure dental implants are the right way to restore your missing teeth.
2. During the first appointment, the titanium post will be placed in the jawbone to act as the root of the prosthetic tooth.
3. Over the course of a few weeks, the bone will fuse with the implanted root, creating a secure anchor for the crown.
4. During a following appointment, a permanent crown will be installed on the implant, completing the procedure and your smile.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
The best patients for dental implants should have good general and oral health. They need to have adequate bone in the jaw to act as an ideal support for the implant. Candidates also need healthy gums, free of periodontal infection and should not use tobacco. Lastly, they must maintain good oral hygiene habits at home, to reduce the risk of infection, decay, and possible failure of the prosthetic.
Leading Benefits of Dental Implants
The leading benefit of dental implants is the fact that they will permanently replace a missing tooth. This will restore the function and aesthetic of your smile, making eating and conversing easier. Also, by filling the gaps, you are providing stability to your mouth. This will reduce the risk of neighboring teeth shifting out of place. Dental implants also help stimulate the jawbone, cutting down on the risk of bone loss that is often a result of missing teeth. Dental implants both look and function like your natural teeth, and also require the same care. Lastly, dental implants are a long term solution for tooth loss.
Dental implants can be used to:
- Replace one or more missing teeth
- Support dental bridges or other dental prosthetics
- Restore biting and speaking function
- Enhance the beauty of your smile
Why is Replacing Missing Teeth Important?
Each tooth is essential to help maintain the proper alignment of your bite. Once a tooth goes missing the jawbone will begin to deteriorate and other teeth will start to shift out of place, moving to fill the gap. As a result, not only are the neighboring teeth impacted by tooth loss, but all other teeth in the mouth. If more teeth go missing, the bone is no longer stimulated and will deteriorate even more dramatically. This will impact both your appearance and your oral health. Missing teeth can also cause TMJ disorders and headaches.
Replacing missing teeth is important, yet still some people will let the fear of pain or the cost of dental implants deter them from getting treatment. Do not allow yourself to fall into this category. Tooth loss is a big deal. Though you may not notice any of the above changes right away, over time the problems from having missing teeth will manifest. Bone loss from a missing tooth can be detected by an x-ray, which is why it is important to seek the help of a dentist as soon as you can and prevent future problems.
Why Choose Dr. Karen Gordon for Dental Implants?
Dr. Gordon has worked with many patients, helping to restore their smiles with dental implants. She will do all she can to make dental implant procedures efficient and comfortable so her patients can get back to normal life as quickly as possible. The work done by Dr. Gordon is seamless; no one will ever need to know about your dental implants. She values your dental health and ensures the end result will be all that you would hope for from dental implants.
Contact us today with any further questions about dental implants or to schedule an appointment.
