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If you have experienced tooth loss, you may have heard about dental implants. But many patients don’t realize just how important it is to replace missing teeth. It’s not just about your smile … there are many other important factors to consider. Aesthetics And Bone Loss When a tooth is lost, the bone that held it in place will begin to atrophy. This can impact bone in neighboring teeth putting adjacent teeth at risk as well. Since having sufficient bone is necessary for a successful implant procedure, you may require a preliminary procedure to augment bone where the implant is to be placed. If bone loss is allowed to continue, gum tissue can shrivel leading to facial changes – muscle loss can lead to sagging skin making you appear older. Unlike other tooth replacements, a dental implant actually promotes bone growth in the area where tooth loss has occurred. The dental implant will become a permanent part of your dental anatomy. Bone will incorporate the titanium implant which means it will never have to be replaced. Dental implants have become very commonplace and have a soaring success rate. Things you can do to make sure you experience a successful procedure include following all instructions provided by your implant dentist. Keep the implant area clean, and do not use tobacco in any form. Understand Your Treatment Plan Your implant dentist will provide you with a treatment plan that will outline each step and phase in your dental implant procedure. If you have questions or concerns, get answers. If something worries you, ask about it. The phases of treatment involve the consultation that will include a thorough dental exam; bone augmentation, if required; surgical placement of the implant; healing period; placing an abutment on the implant; and securing the cosmetic restoration to the abutment. The final result will allow you to eat all your favorite foods without discomfort or fear of your dentition moving. Missing teeth can result in speech difficulties, so that problem will be eliminated. And you will smile with self-confidence because you no longer suffer from the embarrassment of tooth loss. Caring for your implant is as easy as the care provided for all your teeth; brush and floss daily, and visit the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan every six months for cleaning and dental exam.
Advancements in technology and prosthetics have given patients more options than ever before for replacing their missing teeth. Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement options available today; and for good reason, they’re incredibly durable and lifelike. Implants are the ideal tooth replacement solution because they can last for decades, restore oral function, and support the entire oral health system. How Dental Implants Function Dental implants are unlike any other prosthetic available because they replace the missing root systems of teeth. Replacing the roots of teeth is accomplished by embedding a titanium post directly into the jawbone. This post is shaped like a cylinder and since it’s made from titanium, bone in the jaw will fuse to it so that it stays in place. Once the implant is stabilized, it can be used to support dental crowns, bridges, and even dentures. The materials used to construct the restorations or dentures attached to dental implants can look incredibly natural. Crowns and bridges can be constructed from tooth-colored materials like porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, which lend a very lifelike aesthetic as replacement teeth. Dentures are made from a combination of porcelain to duplicate the appearance of teeth and acrylic bases that are tinted to resemble the gingiva. Benefits of Implant Dentistry Implant dentistry offers unique advantages to patients when compared to conventional tooth replacement methods like bridges or dentures. Conventional bridges and dentures only replace the visible surfaces of missing teeth, not the roots. This means that over time, patients can struggle with bone atrophy and their prosthetics moving during oral function. With implants, however, one will not experience movement of their replacement teeth during meals or when speaking. Bone loss is a common side effect of tooth loss because the jaw at the site of tooth loss lacks stimulation. Since dental implants are loaded into the jawbone, they keep bone active and stimulated. Retaining bone is important for maintaining a youthful appearance and comfortable oral function. Preserving bone helps support existing teeth and other prosthetics, too. If you are evaluating your tooth replacement options, call our office to reserve a consultation with our implant dentist.
Dental implants provide a fabulous solution to restore dentition following accidental tooth loss or planned extractions. There are multiple factors that go into the decision on when you may return to work. Everyone’s Situation is Different Your overall health and the extent of your procedure can help determine your timetable for returning to work … not all cases are the same. Usually the patient may return to work the next day following the implant procedure, but some situations may require additional time off such as: How many dental implants were placed? One or two may allow you to resume your normal activities in 24 hours; however, even if only one was placed, you should take as much time as you need to feel well before returning to work. Was additional preparation required? If insufficient bone required supplementation in the form of bone grafting, you may need more time to rest before returning to work. The dental implant itself is a small post that is surgically placed in gum tissue where tooth loss occurred. While there might be minor discomfort, an over the counter analgesic is usually sufficient for pain management. After the implant is placed, your implant dentist will issue a set of post operative instructions; it is important to following these steps carefully. Those instructions begin with planning to rest the remainder of the treatment day. A soft diet is recommended for a few days. Stay hydrated, avoid alcoholic beverages for a few days, and do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco. You are severely risking the success of the implant if you do not follow these instructions. Maintaining a Healthy Implant It is important to keep the implant area clean throughout the healing period. Infection is a leading cause of implant failure; your dentist will explain how to care for the implant to maintain the best oral health possible while you heal. Even if you feel well enough to return to work the next day, you may wish to take it easy. It is important to stay hydrated as your new, temporary, softer diet may leave you feeling less energetic than normal. In a short time, you will be able to enjoy all your favorite foods and smile broadly as your new teeth will look, feel, and function great. To learn more about the dental implant process, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan and schedule your consultation today.
You expect to lose your baby teeth; permanent teeth will replace them. However, what happens if you lose one or more of your permanent teeth? The ability to chew and speak properly can be impacted with tooth loss; not to mention how missing teeth can affect your appearance. Dental implants provide a means to restore tooth loss that looks and feels like biological teeth. The Dental Implant Process A consultation involves a discussion about overall health followed by a very comprehensive dental exam. Dental x-rays will be used to determine bone strength in gum tissue where the implant will be placed. Insufficient bone does not automatically disqualify; there are procedures available to augment bone. A commitment to seeing the process through will be required … keeping the implant area clean to prevent infection; and attending follow up visits as needed to make sure the implant process is staying on track. Tobacco use is discouraged. Many dental providers will not place a dental implant unless they feel certain the patient is totally committed to what is required for a successful outcome. On the day of implant placement, the small titanium post will be embedded in gum tissue where tooth loss has occurred. A protective temporary is provided. The patient is given instructions on how to brush and floss while healing takes place. During the healing period, bone is fusing to the implant … this is called osseointegration. Over time the implant will integrate so thoroughly it will become a permanent part of the dental anatomy providing strength and support for the restoration. The cosmetic restoration will be made to match surrounding teeth. Uncovering the implant will take place; an abutment will be attached to the implant; and your “new tooth” will be tried in for fit and appearance. Minor adjustments can be made, if needed. When correct, it will be cemented to the abutment. Full Function Restored to Enjoy the Health Benefits of a Complete Smile You will now be able to enjoy all your favorite foods; speak without fear of an embarrassing slip or movement of your new restoration; and you will enjoy a renewed self confidence. Caring for your implanted tooth is easy – brush twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste; floss daily; and visit the office of Dr. Buchanan every six months for a cleaning and dental exam.
Have you been considering making an appointment with an implant dentist? If you have lost teeth, it is important to review your tooth replacement options quickly and carefully. Losing a tooth increases your odds for losing further teeth. Dental implants are the most revolutionary tooth replacements available to the public. These prosthetics, and the restorations attached to them, will look and function like biological teeth. This means that patients can enjoy incredibly durable replacement teeth that allow for optimal oral function and a beautiful aesthetic. The Effects of Tooth Loss Losing teeth has lasting effects on your oral health and general wellbeing. Not only are daily activities like eating a balanced meal more difficult, a person’s self-confidence can plummet due to embarrassment over the appearance of his or her smile. Moreover, losing teeth can negatively affect your oral anatomy. Without the roots of teeth to keep the jaw stimulated, patients missing teeth ultimately end up losing bone – to a noticeable extent in many cases, often making a person look much older than he or she should. Many foods are difficult to eat without teeth. Those with total tooth loss or those with uncomfortable prosthetics can develop malnutrition due to tooth-loss induced food restrictions. Improper diets affect every facet of a person’s wellbeing. Dental Implants, a Lifelike Alternative to Teeth With dental implants, a person enjoys replacement teeth that address the loss of the biting surfaces of teeth and their roots. This is accomplished by embedding a dental implant into the jawbone. Over time, bone will stabilize the implant by fusing to it. After the implant is stabilized, a permanent restoration is attached to the dental implant. The restoration will fill in the empty socket of a missing tooth so that the biting surface is restored. Restorations on dental implants won’t budge, either. With implants, a person can eat a full, balanced diet with ease and smile again with confidence. For more information about dental implants, call us today to schedule a consultation with our implant dentist.
Tooth loss can occur due to trauma, decay, or disease. Perhaps maybe one or more permanent teeth never erupted properly. Dental implants provide an ideal solution to resolve missing teeth allowing the patient a permanent and beautiful restoration that looks and functions just like your natural teeth. In preparation for the dental implant process the patient will undergo a medical questionnaire to assure they are healthy enough to ensure a successful procedure, and a thorough dental exam will follow including dental x-rays to determine bone strength in gum tissue where the implant is to be placed. Insufficient bone does not automatically disqualify the patient, for there are options available to enhance the bone if needed. The patient is called upon to keep the implant clean by brushing and flossing as directed to prevent infection, a leading cause of implant failure. Tobacco is strongly discouraged as it’s another reason why implants fail. The implant process begins with surgical placement of the titanium post in gum tissue where a tooth is missing. A healing period follows … during that time bone is grafting to the implant to form a solid base to support the restoration. The process of bone merging with the implant is called osseointegration … eventually the implant becomes a permanent part of the patient’s dental anatomy. Once healed an abutment is attached to the implant and the tooth is tried in. When fit, appearance, and function are correct, your dentist will permanently cement it in place. Your dental provider will have fashioned the restoration to perfectly match surrounding teeth in size, shape, and color to make your new tooth indistinguishable from your surrounding natural teeth. When the process is completed you will be able to eat all the foods you love; smile and laugh with confidence; and speak clearly without fear of an embarrassing slip as your new tooth is securely cemented in place. Caring for your implant couldn’t be easier. Just as you brush and floss your natural teeth, that is all that is needed for your newly implanted tooth as well. During every six month dental visit, your dentist will carefully examine your implant to make sure all is well. Dental implants are becoming a very popular way to restore missing dentition … a consultation with your dentist is your first step to a permanent solution for tooth loss. Contact our team today!
One of the many appealing qualities of dental implants is their convenience. In many ways, caring for a dental implant differs little, if at all, from caring for a biological tooth. Dental implants become osseointegrated into the jaw after placement. That is, the surrounding bone forms a bond with the implant, which is made of the biocompatible metal titanium. The implant, which is a small titanium cylinder, functions as an artificial tooth root. The technology behind dental implants means that these devices can stand alone without support from neighboring teeth. As such, they do not require any structures to connect them to adjacent teeth. Those same structures also block access to the gumline, so it can be difficult to brush and floss around a fixed dental bridge, for example. Although dental implants are structurally similar to biological teeth, you may need to take some special measures in caring for them, especially as you heal in the initial weeks after they are placed. Your dentist will thoroughly educate you on dental implant maintenance, so be certain that you understand all of the directions you receive. You should also inform your dentist and dental hygienist of the location of your dental implant, as special instruments or techniques may be needed to clean the teeth in that area. In addition to being able to care for your dental implants using ordinary techniques, you also should be able to enjoy a normal diet after the osseointegration process is complete. Dental implants are able to mimic the chewing function of natural teeth, but you should keep in mind that anything that can harm your natural teeth (think fingernails, pencils, etc.) can damage a dental implant, as well. So steer clear of bad habits like biting your nails in order to protect both your dental implants and your biological teeth! Your denitst will give you specific instructions on maintaining your dental implants, but it’s likely that you’ll find your routine will be quite similar, if not identical, to the tasks you do to protect your biological teeth. If you have any questions about any aspect of your dental implants, please don’t hesitate to ask us! Contact our office to schedule an appointment today!
A patient who is facing a choice of treatment to replace a missing tooth will consider a number of factors, including the structure of the replacement tooth and the long-term stability of the intervention. While no prosthetic currently available fully replicates a biological tooth, dental implants offer the most structurally complete tooth replacement for patients. A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder that essentially replaces a missing tooth’s root. After a dentist inserts an implant into a patient’s jaw, the bone material in that area will form a strong bond with the implant’s surface. The implant becomes a permanent structure affixed in the jawbone, much in the same way a natural tooth’s root is. In doing so, the implant not only supports an artificial crown, bridge or denture to restore the visible crown portion of the tooth. It also helps to stabilize the underlying jawbone, which atrophies in the absence of a tooth’s root. This quality means that dental implants can last for decades with adequate professional care and a healthy home oral care routine. Additionally, dental implants are better positioned to withstand the forces needed to process harder or crunchy foods, allowing patients to continue to enjoy a healthy diet that includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Dental implants are placed in an outpatient surgery that takes just a few hours. Depending on the extent of restoration you need (and therefore, the number of dental implants), you may be able to return to work or school as early as a day or two after your appointment. Because dental implants do require a surgical procedure for placement, your provider will discuss the risks associated with that so that you are making a fully informed decision about this treatment. You will also receive thorough instructions about post-operative care to reduce the risk of complications that could result in implant failure. Patients who want to access the tooth replacement that most closely simulates a biological tooth should explore dental implants as a treatment option. If you have suffered tooth loss and want to learn more about this intervention, contact the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan at 214-343-1818 today.
Patients who have experienced tooth loss may be concerned about how a replacement prosthetic will affect their diets, and understandably so. Certain tooth replacement methods fall short of the function of natural teeth when it comes to chewing because they lack a root-like structure that helps the prosthetic to withstand strong forces necessary to chew. Because they are structurally complete, dental implants have a better design to facilitate chewing. The titanium cylinder replicates a biological tooth’s root, and the surrounding bone forms a bond with the implant. That link not only renders the implant a fixture in the mouth, it allows the implant to mimic a root and absorb most normal chewing forces. As a result, patients who work with their dentist to get dental implants usually can enjoy a wider variety of foods than their counterparts who opt for dental bridges or conventional dentures. Almost nothing is off limits, although patients should use common sense. Don’t try to chew on anything that could damage a natural tooth, as doing so could also damage a prosthetic one. Your dentist can give you more specific instructions on items to avoid eating with your dental implants. Of course, the ability to enjoy a more varied diet is not the only benefit a patient will get from dental implants. These devices tend to be more stable than alternatives. With proper care, they can last for decades while a bridge or denture will need to be adjusted or even replaced after some time. Dental implants also help to preserve the integrity of the jawbone, which wears away after a missing tooth’s root is no longer available to serve as an anchor. Because the implant mimics the root, it can serve a similar function in preventing jawbone atrophy. These devices are also convenient because they require minimal adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. Of course, it’s essential to follow-up with routine dental care at recommended intervals, in addition to maintaining a good oral home care regiment, to get the most benefits and longevity from your dental implants. If you want to continue to enjoy your favorite foods after tooth loss, consider dental implants as a tooth replacement solution. Schedule a consultation today with our knowledgeable dental team to explore this treatment option.
Losing teeth in adulthood is life changing. Patients with missing teeth tend to suffer from a number of problems associated with oral function. In addition to difficultly eating and speaking, those missing teeth typically develop social anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem. Since tooth loss has such far reaching effects on emotional, physical, and oral health, it is important for patients to evaluate their tooth replacement options as soon as possible. If you have suffered from tooth loss, our dentist can help you regain oral function and confidence with dental implants. How Tooth Loss Affects Oral Health Just losing one tooth increases your risk for a number of oral health complications. Oral structures work as a whole to facilitate mouth movement and many other functions. When one component of this system is damaged or diseased, it will affect all of its components in one form or another. For example, losing a tooth increases your risk for losing more teeth. This is because teeth support one another and when there is an empty tooth socket, neighboring teeth do not have the support they require to stay in their upright positions. With time, teeth will shift or collapse into empty sockets. Additionally, tooth loss will affect bone health. Without a tooth’s roots anchored in the jaw, the bone will begin to atrophy as the body resorbs it. Over time, bone loss can lead to losing more teeth and will alter the shape of the mouth by changing the jaw line. While these are a just a few of the complications associated with tooth loss, they illustrate their profound effects on oral health. How Dental Implants Can Help Dental implants are permanent replacements for lost teeth. Implants go beneath the surface of the gums to replace a tooth’s roots. The process begins when our dentist inserts a titanium post into the jawbone. Over time, bone will fuse to the post to anchor it permanently in place. This allows the post to prevent bone atrophy, act as a tooth’s roots, and support a tooth-shaped crown. Once the bone has integrated to the post, a permanent, custom-made dental crown is attached to complete a patient’s smile. Call us today at 214-343-1818 to schedule a tooth replacement consultation.