“WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE TO REPLACE MY TOOTH WITH A DENTAL IMPLANT?”

Today, choosing dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth is considered the standard of care.

How many of you remember, or still wear, the old traditional partial or full dentures utilized to replace one or multiple teeth?  I am certain that many of you do...remember them...that is.  I hope, however, that very few of you still wear these today.  It is my belief that these types of non-implant supported appliances should no longer be part of our armamentarium when discussing treatment options for the edentulous ( missing teeth ) mouth.  

Dental implants may not be indicated for certain oral conditions or even for patients suffering from specific medical ailments that affect their immune systems.  Successful dental implant therapy requires a healthy immune response during the healing process to assure an optimal state for success.  Additionally, a sufficient quantity and quality of bone is necessary for proper implant integration into the jaw itself.  Sufficient space within and surrounding the edentulous area/areas is also required for successful treatment.  Minor to moderate insufficincies may be improved prior to implant placement so as to provide you with the opportunity to benefit from these great restorations.

Why should you use a dental implant to replace your missing teeth? I am going to list a few very important reasons to choose this restoration when discussing your treatment alternatives. When not possible to utilize dental implants, a  traditional crown and bridge or a removable partial/full denture may be considered.

• Dental Implants Preserve Bone.  They give a reason for the jaw bone to remain in place and not recede once the natural tooth is extracted.
• Dental Implants enable single tooth crowns to be placed as opposed to splinting ( connecting ) multiple crowns together as is needed with a traditional crown and bridge.  
• Dental Implants allow you to floss in between and on either side of them since they are not connected to each other or to other teeth…unless they are restored as an implant bridge or full denture.
• Dental Implants enjoyed a very high success rate ( over 98%).
• Dental Implants are made of biocompatible, inert materials such as titanium or zirconia.
• Dental Implants do not decay.
• Dental Implants used to support removable partial or full dentures provide stability, retention, and esthetics to an edentulous arch or mouth, increasing the patient’s quality of life.
• Dental Implants may be surgically placed in one appointment under local anesthesia and typically do not require major pain medications to alleviate post surgical discomfort.

Whenever possible, I recommend the use of dental implants as the standard of care when restoring one or multiple missing teeth.  For reasons stated above, these restorations provide successful and long term results 

Do YOU or ANYONE you know have a missing tooth, or teeth, that may benefit from dental implants?  Do something good for them; recommend they visit their dentist to learn more about how these wonderful restorations can help them achieve that "Smile They'd Be Proud To Wear...ANYWHERE!"

Remember to follow us on Linked-In, FB, Twitter, and www.ritadarghamdmd.com