Studies carried out by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons found that 69 percent of adults will lose at least one permanent tooth by the time they reach 44.
Tooth loss is not only a common problem, but it can also result in a long list of cosmetic and health issues that all patients will want to avoid. Modern dental implants can be used to permanently restore the form and function of a patient’s smile in as little as a few months.
The Lingering Effects of Tooth Loss
Patients that lose one or more teeth will immediately notice how it affects their appearance, but they might not realize what is about to take place in their mouth.
In addition to helping you eat and speak, teeth also stimulate your jaws and keep them from deteriorating.
When tooth loss is not treated, the remaining teeth will begin to shift around, and this will increase your risk of losing even more teeth.
Studies have shown that patients with missing teeth are also at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease (gum disease) and facial deformations.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most patients that have lost one or more permanent teeth will be good candidates for dental implants. This treatment is quite effective and has a very high success rate, but there are some health issues that might need to be treated first.
Those with gum disease or tooth decay should have those problems addressed before they have implants put in their mouth.
Other issues that will affect the success of this procedure include heavy drinking, the use of tobacco products, and uncontrolled diabetes. Patients may need to check with us regarding lifestyle changes prior to carrying out this treatment.
Preparing for Your Procedure
As with all other major oral procedures, this process begins with an initial consultation to determine if you will be a good candidate for dental implants.
Our dentist will carefully examine your mouth and ask you about your medical history to see if there is anything that will affect your procedure.
On the day of the treatment, the dentist will use topical anesthesia to numb the soft tissue before anchoring the implant (a thin titanium rod) directly into the jaw. Patients that need multiple implants or additional treatments might require general anesthesia.
The Proper Aftercare
Once the implants are in place, it is important for patients to carefully follow all instructions given to them by the dentist and to keep their mouth as clean as possible.
After the tissue has healed and the implant has formed a bond with the jaw, a crown is then attached to complete one’s smile.
Custom-made crowns will match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Patients that properly care for their implants will be able to enjoy a complete and healthy smile for the rest of their life. Contact Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry today to schedule your consultation.
