Smiling Again With A New Set Of Teeth And Dental Implants
Tooth loss is not all that uncommon with adults, and as we get older, it becomes more and more difficult to keep your teeth healthy. In some cases, people need to replace all of their teeth on the top or bottom of their mouth, and a few need full upper and lower replacements. There are options to consider, and implant surgery is at the top of that list for many people. Let's talk about why.
Dental Implants
If you are not familiar with dental implants, the idea is very simple. Once the teeth are removed, and your jaw is healthy enough, the oral surgeon will place a titanium screw in the jaw bone of the patient. The screw will fuse in and become part of the bone over time and will serve the same purpose as the tooth's root did.
A new artificial tooth is attached to the screw and becomes as strong as your natural teeth when they were healthy. For many people, the idea of an implant that is solid and part of their mouth is more appealing than dentures or bridges. The implant looks and acts like a real tooth, so if you need just a couple teeth replaced, it is a great option.
All-On-Four Implants
This type of implant replaces all the teeth, upper or lower, with one implant rather than doing each tooth separately. The oral surgeon places just four titanium screws in the jaw in very precise locations. They then attach a full set of teeth to the implanted screws to bring back that healthy-looking smile. It does take a little time for the implants to fuse to the bone but once they do, they become permanent and can actually help to stop bone loss over time.
The question of durability comes in when you consider all your teeth are attached to just four screws, but the implant is stronger than any other method currently in use and can be done to replace all the teeth in your mouth, both on the top and the bottom at the same time.
Ditching The Dentures
If you have ever worn dentures, you know that some days they are just not comfortable. Often, they do not fit tightly and will rock or move when eating all the best crunchy stuff. For some people dentures work fine and have for years. If you are happy with the dentures, you will be even happier to have those teeth permanently back in your mouth. No more glue, no more movement, and no more remembering to clean that at night. Just strong teeth that you can bush like normal and smile with confidently.
For more information, contact your local full mouth rehabilitation center.