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.
