Why suffer the consequences missing teeth? At Leatherwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Samantha Leatherwood recommends modern dental implants as outstanding replacements for teeth lost to oral injury, extensive decay, and gum disease. An artificial tooth from root to crown, the dental implant in Denton is surgically placed into the patient’s jaw for superior stability, strength and appearance. No other replacement options offers so much.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
The typical dental implant is a titanium metal screw inserted into the jawbone during a procedure with an a trusted oral surgeon in the area. After several weeks of healing, Dr. Leatherwood places a titanium abutment, or post, onto the implant and then bonds a custom-made porcelain crown onto the post.
Because the implant is made from titanium, it bonds with the jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration. In fact, the implant strengthens the bone and preserves its size and density. This characteristic is unique to dental implants. Other tooth replacement options such as fixed bridgework or traditional dentures set on top of the gums and do not exercise the bone.
Also, because dental implants insert into the jaw, they need no support from adjacent teeth the way bridgework or partial dentures do. As such, neighboring teeth do not require the enamel preparation common to bridges and partials procedures. Another great benefit of implants is they may anchor fixed or removable dentures.
Patients and dentists alike praise dental implants because these artificial teeth prevent the tooth drifting that occurs after tooth loss. Also, patients enjoy excellent smile aesthetics. Implants are indistinguishable from natural teeth, and implant-supported dentures and bridgework prevent the facial changes that occur when missing teeth are not replaced. Patients speak and eat normally, with none of the slurring and slippage common to traditional dentures.
Candidates for Dental Implants
People in good general and oral health may receive implants. The jaw must be of sufficient size and density for implants to fully integrate with the bone.
In addition, while dental implants cost more initially than other tooth replacements, implants last indefinitely. Bridgework and traditional dentures must be replaced every seven to ten years, costing patients more over the years.
Finally, while implants feature a high success and retention rate (well over 90 percent), ideal candidates should not smoke as the toxins in cigarettes degrade gums and bone. Also, implant recipients must brush twice a day and floss carefully around their new teeth. Poor at-home hygiene and infrequent in-office care leads to an infection called peri-implantitis which is similar to periodontal disease. Peri-implantitis often leads to implant failure and removal.
Would You Like to Know More?
Please contact Leatherwood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to arrange your implant consultation. It’s a great opportunity to learn all you can about implants and to ask questions of your implant dentist in Denton. We look forward to seeing you soon!