Saying that tooth loss is widespread is understating the issue. There are several million people who do not enjoy the benefits of their complete smile as a result of factors ranging from gum disease to genetics. Fortunately, modern dental care is keeping pace with this growing problem, spearheaded by advances in dental prosthetics. However, despite being candidates, some patients avoid receiving implant-supported restorations. Their belief that this treatment is too expensive and invasive to be worthwhile leaves them with the question, “What’s so great about dental implants?”
At Sedation Dentistry of San Jose, our commitment to helping patients feel comfortable and confident with their care includes sharing what each option has to offer. We hope the following details about dental implants shed some light on why more than 3 million patients nationwide have opted for these comprehensive tooth replacements.
Superior Results from An Elegant, Effective Design
In terms of versatility, it is hard to find a restorative solution that has any many applications as dental implants. Whether a single tooth or entire dental arch is missing, dentists can use these prosthetics to reinstate a smile’s function and beauty. The three-part design of implants has much to do with the consistent results they produce, averaging a success rate of 98 percent across all cases.
This begins with an implant post made of titanium, a material known for its bio-compatible properties, fusing organically with jaw tissue to become the new root. The post also forms a sturdy foundation for an abutment that can be customized according to a patient’s unique dental anatomy as well as the restoration they receive. On top of these are crowns that are custom-shaded and sculpted to mimic the visible surface of naturally healthy teeth.
Enhancement of Traditional Restorations
Implants provide additional support for dentures, bridges, and crowns – restorations well-known in their own right. Though proven to be beneficial, these traditional options have limitations that can be overcome with prosthetic reinforcement.
Crowns are excellent stand-alone solutions for replenishing impaired dental structure, but when teeth are missing or need extraction, they become only as beneficial as their source of support. Bridges are the conventional replacement recommendation in this situation, drawing their stability from the surrounding dentition. This sometimes means altering the state of otherwise healthy teeth, which, in turn, makes future treatment necessary. Though modern dentures are much improved than they were even a decade ago, patients still experience slippage with these appliances that make them uncomfortable and occasionally embarrassing to wear.
In each of these scenarios, dental implants supply the substantial base to allow restorations to preserve oral health and enhance patient comfort.
Have Questions about Dental Implants? Contact Sedation Dentistry of San Jose Today!
If your everyday quality of life is impacted by the effects of tooth loss, it’s time to explore your replacement options. In designing an appropriate treatment plan for your oral health needs, Dr. Tom Clark uses an honest, informative approach to take on any concerns and build a lasting relationship. Give us a call today and schedule a consultation to learn more about dental implant planning and restoration in San Jose as well as the neighboring communities of Alamitos, Edenvale, and Evergreen.