A New Smile
It's no fun when you're missing teeth. You may not feel comfortable eating or speaking. You might even avoid smiling in public. Fortunately, dental implants can help. Implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth in your mouth. Best of all, they look and feel like natural teeth.
When Teeth Are Missing
It can be embarrassing to have spaces in your mouth where teeth are missing. But you're not alone. Some people lose teeth due to injury, tooth decay, or periodontal disease (infection of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth). Others may not have had all their teeth grow in. Whatever the reason, dental implants can help replace missing teeth. And implants often feel more natural than dentures and other dental restorations.
Implants can help
If you want a dental restoration that looks and feels as though it's really part of your mouth, dental implants may be right for you. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root. Your jawbone fuses with the implant to provide a secure platform for prosthesis (artificial tooth). If you are missing many teeth, several implants can be used to support a partial or complete denture.
Your Dental Evaluation
To learn whether you're a good candidate for dental implants, you will have a dental evaluation. The evaluation includes a dental exam, a dental and medical history, and imaging tests. As part of the exam, the health and structure of your mouth are studied. This helps the dental team understand where to place the implants.
Your Dental Exam
An exam supplies important details about the structure of your mouth. Your bite is studied to see how your jaws and teeth fit together. The condition of your jaws, gums, head, and neck is also checked. This is done to see whether your mouth is ready to accept implants.
During the exam:
The height and width of your jawbones are measured. This is done to make sure there is enough bone to hold an implant.
Your gums are examined for signs of periodontal disease. Diseased gums need to be treated before implants can be placed.
Your gums are also checked to see if there is enough firm tissue to surround an implant.
Feel free to email us at quadmb1@zoominternet.net with any questions or concerns. To schedule an appointment, call 724-282-6100.
