Seniors Benefit from Working with an Implant Dentist

As an implant dentist, we have the privilege of working with local seniors. It's a lot of fun to work with seniors of retirement age as they go about planning for their future. Thinking about things like where to travel and go on the vacation, what classes to audit, what hobbies to take up or even what to do with the family house, more and more seniors are taking the time to also think about their appearance and the things that they are ready to change. One of those things is often their teeth. If you are a senior that is tired of wearing ill-fitting dentures or having the restrictions that come from tooth loss, we encourage you to visit our dental office to learn more about your options. There is no need to allow age or tooth loss to restrict your happiness.  With our help, you can have a smile that you are proud of.

How an Implant Dentist Can Help You

When you visit our dental office we will begin by conducting a physical examination and taking x-rays. One of the things that we will be looking for is the density of your jawbone. It is important for you to have enough density to support the implant that needs to be placed. Think of it as a screw going into a piece of wood. If the screw is longer than the wood it will not be secure. If your jaw is not dense enough the implant will not be as secure as it needs to be either. The challenge is that after you lose a tooth you can experience  resorption to the point that 25% of your jawbone density can be lost within the first year alone. This creates a situation where many seniors can not get dental implants without first having a bone grafting procedure. If this is the case in your situation, we will let you know and make a recommendation regarding which steps you should take next.

As an implant dentist, we can also discuss other options with you. For example, you may not have enough bone density to support a long traditional dental implant but you could have enough density to support a shorter and wider implant. Also, if you have suffered complete tooth loss you may benefit from implant supported dentures. These are the types of solutions that we can discuss with you during your consultation and examination. Remember that our goal is to provide you with a natural-looking set of replacement teeth that is going to function at optimal levels. We are confident that dental implants are the best way to achieve this goal and will work with you to identify the exact solution and exact procedure that is going to work best for your health and for your appearance.

The Result

By using dental implants to replace your missing teeth we can give you a full set of highly functional teeth that look absolutely amazing. Our patients find that they are able to enjoy life more than when wearing dentures. This is because dental implants don't come out. They are surgically placed and will remain secure in your mouth regardless of what you are doing or what you are eating. As a senior you can replace your teeth with implants and live life without restrictions. This a far superior way to enjoy your retirement years

An Implant Dentist Compares Dentures, Dental Bridge, and Implants?

As an implant dentist, we specialize in replacing teeth using a permanent solution – dental implants.  We feel that this is the best option for replacing missing teeth, however, we understand that it can be confusing to understand all of the options since both dentures and dental bridges are also used to replace teeth.  While they all provide a viable option, there are clear pros and cons to each and with that in mind, here is what you need to know –

• Dentures.  This method of replacing teeth has been common for hundreds of years with even our Founding Fathers wore dentures made of animal bone and human teeth.  These dentures were smelly and didn't last very long but, fortunately, technology has improved and today's dentures are made of a synthetic materials that mimic the appearance of your natural gums and teeth.  They can last for a long time and provide you with a way to eat and speak, without major issues.  When wearing dentures, however, it can be difficult to eat certain harder foods and those with a full set may even lose some of the flavor sensations that they used to have.  Simultaneously, if the fit isn't perfect, they can slip out of place or make a clicking sound when eating or speaking.  They must also be removed at night and soaked, so they do require adjusting your daily routine somewhat.
• Dental bridges.  Those wearing a dental bridge, have a more permanent tooth replacement option that can look natural.  As an implant dentist, we even have some patients that combine the concept of a bridge with implants by having a set of teeth prepared and then implanted as a unit, rather than one at a time.  Traditionally, however, when people wear dental bridges, they are placed by securing a dental crown onto the two teeth that are surrounding the missing one, then these crowns hold the bridge and synthetic tooth or teeth in place.  Once secure, it is possible to eat most if not all, foods, and the bridge looks entirely natural and shouldn't slip out of place.  The main challenge with a bridge is that your other teeth must be in place and strong enough to withstand the procedure.  This will, however, make permanent changes to the makeup of those teeth that cannot be reversed. 
• Dental implants.  As an implant dentist, we prefer this solution because an implant doesn't require the strength or existence of any other teeth but can rely on its own strength that is gained through a process called osseointegration.  In this procedure, a titanium post is implanted under the gums and secured to the jawbone.  The bone and metal will fuse together to create a root system that the new tooth is attached to.  With a new root system in place, the new tooth behaves like a natural one and is just as durable.  Medically, the main benefit to this solution over the others is that the implant will actually strengthen the jawbone and prevent future bone loss. 

To learn more about working with an implant dentist, call and schedule a consultation.

Dental Implants  >  Implant Dentistry

How an Implant Dentist Helps Seniors

If you are a senior, visiting an implant dentist will provide you with more options for replacing your teeth.  Many seniors make the mistake of thinking that they have to wear dentures after losing a tooth or teeth. This is a common solution that has been used for centuries.  While effective at restoring appearance and the ability to eat and speak, they can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Fortunately, there is a better way. 

Dental implants are a permanent solution to dentures that are far superior in both appearance and functionality.  They look and feel completely natural and do not rely on the strength of any existing teeth to stay in place.  Once implanted, the new tooth or teeth will stay there permanently.  This means that they do not need to be taken out, nor do they require any additional maintenance steps. Simply brush and floss like normal along with regular teeth cleanings to keep your implants looking perfect and new. 

An implant dentist has multiple ways to replace teeth.  The traditional way is to implant each tooth individually.  This is done by placing a metal piece underneath the gum line and attaching it to the jawbone.  A metal post is used in place of a natural root system and enables each tooth to stand on their own without depending on the teeth around it.  This is ideal for people that need to replace a few teeth or want to enjoy the long term stability of implanted teeth. The key is that the jawbone needs to be strong enough to support the procedure. 

Those who want a faster way to replace all of their teeth will benefit from a mini-implant procedure.  In this scenario, an implant dentist will place four to six metal posts in the upper and lower gums.  The new teeth will be created as a single piece that can be secured into place. This combines the best of implant and denture technology because the new set of teeth is created similarly to how dentures would with natural looking, synthetic teeth.  The major difference is that mini-implants take less time to install and the recovery time is reduced since there are fewer posts to implant.   They are still completely sturdy and will not move out of place, like dentures can. 

There are pros and cons to both types of procedures.  Traditional implants create a level of flexibility and durability that cannot be achieved otherwise.  Each tooth can be moved into place individually and if needed, be replaced in the future without impacting the other teeth.  With mini-implants, the teeth function as a unit so damage to one, means damage to everything as the entire unit would need to be removed and repaired.  

An implant dentist makes it possible to have a natural looking smile that functions like natural teeth.  That is by far the largest benefit. Instead of worrying about maintaining false teeth or having them become loose, seniors can enjoy an active lifestyle that does not involve thinking about their teeth.  To learn more call and schedule an appointment with the Perio & Implant Center today.

What an Implant Dentist Can Do for You

An experienced implant dentist can help to restore your smile.  The majority of adults experience some form of tooth loss over the course of their life.  The percentages start small, with only around thirty percent of adults in their thirties and forties losing a tooth or teeth.  By the time people become senior citizens, seventy percent will have lost at least one tooth.  These are staggering statistics. For the majority of US citizens the question isn’t if they will lose a tooth, rather it is when they will lose a tooth.

When a tooth falls out, or is pulled due to infection, it can cause a variety of other problems.  For example, a missing tooth can make it difficult to speak or sing clearly.  It can also make it harder to eat your favorite foods.  This is in addition to changing your appearance and being embarrassing.  People that lose too many teeth can start to have a sunken appearance as the jaw and face structures start to change.

Fortunately, an implant dentist can help to restore the full functionality and appearance of your teeth.  This is done with a permanent procedure that does not require any additional maintenance or at home care.  Once the implant is installed, simply brush and floss like normal, in addition to having regular dental, exams and teeth cleanings.

The Process

Before an implant can be installed, the dentist will conduct a thorough examination to determine if the gums are healthy enough to support it.  Any infections or cavities will need to be treated before the procedure can begin.  This is important, as the mouth needs to be in good health in order to heal quickly after the metal piece is implanted. 

A mold will be taken of your mouth so that the new tooth can be created in the lab that is the correct size and shape for your mouth.  This tooth will also be made to match the color of the surrounding teeth.  If you want to whiten your smile, do so prior to having this new tooth created since synthetic materials don’t bleach well.

On the day of the procedure, the implant dentist will give you anesthesia in order to make your comfortable and keep you pain free.  A metal piece will then be implanted underneath the gum line.  Over time, it will fuse with the jawbone to create a durable synthetic root system.  Patients will typically go home after this in order to recover.  The gum tissue needs to heal prior to continuing.  In the meantime, the dentist can provide you with a temporary denture to wear so that no one will know you are missing a tooth.

Once your gums have healed, the second metal piece will be attached the first.  This is what the new tooth attaches to.  The implant dentist will secure the new tooth into place and ensure it is perfectly straight and beautiful.  After the procedure is done there may be some minor recovery time before you can eat like normal.  This is a permanent solution that will give you the functionality and appearance of someone with a full set of natural teeth.

An Implant Dentist and Emergency Dental Work

You may need an Implant Dentist if you have a dental emergency.  It is common for people to have their teeth knocked out during an automobile accident, while playing sports, are simply rough housing.  When this happens it may hurt and more importantly, leave you with a gaping hole in your mouth. 

In the past, the only option after tooth loss was to wear partial dentures or live with the gap.  This can look awkward and feel uncomfortable.  Not replacing your missing tooth can cause problems with speech, eating, and your appearance.  Fortunately, dental technology has changed, and we can now offer a permanent solution to correct missing teeth.

As an Implant Dentist, we can replace missing teeth permanently.  An implanted tooth will look completely natural and won’t require any additional maintenance steps.  You simply brush and floss like normal to keep your natural and synthetic teeth in good health.  If you play sports, we do recommend wearing a mouth guard so you can prevent tooth loss in the future.

The Implant Process

Call our office to schedule a teeth cleaning, examination, and consultation.  It is important to clean your teeth in order to remove any bacteria or plaque that has built up around the gum line.  Your gums need to be in good health in order to perform this procedure so we will recommend any additional work that needs to be done in preparation for implants.  If your gums appear healthy enough for the procedure, we will schedule a time to begin and take a mold of your teeth.

The first step is to implant a metal piece underneath your gum line.  This piece will be secured to your jaw bone and, over time, they will fuse together.  This creates an extremely strong and durable synthetic root system.  Since the root itself is synthetic, it also ensures that your new tooth is perfectly straight.

While you are healing from the first phase of the procedure, your new teeth will be created in the dental lab.  Your new teeth will be perfectly sized to match your existing ones and the shape of your mouth.  The color will also be matched to your existing teeth in order to keep in natural looking.

Once your gums have healed from the initial procedure, we will attach a second metal piece to the first one. This will be at the surface of your gum line and your new tooth will be secured to it.  We will position your new tooth perfectly and once completed; no one will be able to tell that it is not natural.

As an Implant Dentist, we recommend this procedure for anyone that has lost a tooth in an emergency accident or has suffered from tooth loss due to old age.  Dentures are a viable option, but they require additional care, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to not feel them in your mouth.  With implants, once they are set you won’t even notice that you had dental work done.  Call our office and schedule an appointment to learn more. 

An Implant Dentist Restores Your Teeth

If you have lost a tooth, turn to an implant dentist for a permanent solution.  Teeth can be lost for a variety of reasons including injury, accident, tooth decay, and old age.  Dentures are a viable solution, but they do not have the ease of use that implants have.  Once installed, implants function like natural teeth, making them easy to care for.

Here is how the process works.

1.       Consultation Appointment.  In order to determine if you qualify for implants, schedule an appointment with the Perio and Implant Center.  We will review your overall oral health to determine if you are a good candidate. 

2.       Correct Oral Health Concerns.  If you have cavities in existing teeth, need a root canal, or other dental procedure this must be done before starting the process.  It is important for your teeth and gums to be in the best health possible.

3.       Teeth Created.  Your new teeth will be created in a lab.  They will be perfectly sized and colored to match your existing teeth.  We recommend having a teeth whitening procedure completed before your new teeth are made.  This way the synthetic teeth will be made brighter and whiter to match your new sparkling teeth.

4.       Oral Surgery.  A metal piece is inserted under the gum line where your new tooth, or teeth will go.  This metal piece is secured to your jaw bone.  Over time, it will fuse to the bone, which creates a completely sturdy root system.  How long this process takes is based on how your body responds but it is safe to plan for a few months.

5.       Root System Completed.  Once the inserted metal piece has fused to the bone, a second metal piece will be attached at the base of your gum line.  This is what your new tooth attaches to.

6.       Tooth Attached.  Your new tooth, or teeth, will be attached and positioned perfectly.  The dentist will typically make any last minute corrections prior to finally securing the tooth in place.  This is to ensure that each tooth is a perfect match for you face.

7.       Rest.  It will probably take a few days for you to feel comfortable and any swelling to go down.  Use ice and eat soft foods during the healing process. 

8.       Caring for your teeth.  The best thing about your new teeth is that once your implant dentist has completed the procedure they will look amazing.  Your new teeth will be bright, white, and straight.  They are very easy to take care of because they function like natural teeth.  This means that you can brush and floss like you normally would, without taking any extra steps.

If you are ready to transform your smile, we can help.  Implant dentistry has come a long way and is continuing to provide relief for patients that want a natural beautiful smile.  The process takes time but is completely worth it because once done, you won’t have to worry about your teeth anymore.