You don’t have to suffer from missing teeth. You could enjoy the many benefits of today’s superior tooth replacements–dental implants in Fort Lauderdale. Implant dentist, Dr. Robert L. Smith, recommends these prosthetics as outstanding replacements for teeth lost to oral trauma, decay, and gum disease. The dental implant is surgically placed right into the jaw bone, conferring exceptional stability, longevity, function and appearance. The advantages are many and the process, so straightforward you’ll be amazed when you learn about it at Island City Dental.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium metal screw inserted into the jawbone during a simple in-office oral surgery. It’s so easy, in fact, that only local anesthetic is necessary to numb the area. After several weeks of healing, your implant dentist in Fort Lauderdale attaches a metal post onto the implant device and then bonds a customized porcelain crown onto the post.
Because the dental implant is made from titanium, the jaw bone melds to it through a natural process dentists call osseointegration. In fact, the dental implant actually exercises the bone and preserves its natural size and density. This benefit is unique to dental implants. Other tooth replacement options, such as conventional fixed bridgework or traditional dentures, just rest on top of the gums and cannot exert any strengthening forces on the jaw. So, bone and gums deteriorate fairly rapidly after tooth loss.
Also, because dental implants reside in the jaw, they require no support from adjacent teeth the way bridgework or partial dentures do. As such, neighboring teeth are not reduced in size or shape in any way when they reside next to dental implants. Another great benefit of implants is that when placed in multiples, they may support full dentures, avoiding the slippage and wobbling common to conventional prosthetics.
In addition, patients and dentists alike praise dental implants because they prevent tooth drifting that occurs after tooth loss. Also, patients enjoy excellent smile aesthetics. Implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, and implant-supported dentures and bridgework prevent the facial changes that occur when missing teeth are not replaced.
More Benefits
Good oral and systemic health is essential to dental implant success and retention. The jaw must be of sufficient size and density for implants to fully integrate with the jaw. As such, many older teens and adults qualify for implant placement.
In addition, while dental implants cost more initially than other options, implants last indefinitely–a lifetime for many patients. Conversely, bridgework and traditional dentures must be replaced every seven to ten years, impacting personal budgets more in the long run.
What Keeps Implants Viable?
While implants are highly successful and well-retained in most cases (well over 90 percent), recipients should avoid smoking as the toxins in cigarettes degrade the gums and bone. Also, implant recipients should brush twice a day and floss daily. Poor at-home hygiene and infrequent in-office care may lead to an infection called peri-implantitis which is similar to advanced gum disease. Peri-implantitis can cause implants to fail and necessitate their removal.
Why Not Explore the Possibilities?
Please contact Island City Dental to arrange your implant consultation. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the many benefits of implants and to ask questions of Dr. Smith. He is a true expert in implant dentistry having been trained at the prestigious Misch Institute. He and his staff look forward to serving you!