When people lose more than one tooth due to aging, injury, or other reasons, they may think that dentures are their only option for leading a normal life. However, dentures can be uncomfortable, slip out when you’re eating or talking, and they don’t help prevent bone loss that occurs when you lose tooth roots.
Dental implants include an artificial tooth root and a cap that is color-matched to your surrounding teeth (or selected to look as natural as possible). The implant is inserted surgically into the jaw, where it fuses with the jawbone. The cap is then placed on the post, creating a permanent and worry-free tooth replacement.
Patients who have lost several teeth and are considering dentures, or already use dentures, can also benefit from dental implants. A procedure knows as All-on-4 involves the placement of four implants along the jaw. The patient is then fitted with a complete arch of teeth that fit over the implants.
All-on-4 allows you to leave the office with a complete set of teeth, so you can smile confidently.
As an implant dentist can tell you, patients who have lost all teeth on their top or bottom jaws are susceptible to bone erosion. Without the tooth roots there to stimulate the bone and hold it in place, the jaw begins to wear away. If these patients are considering dental implants, a bone graft may be required to prevent the implants from failing.
All-on-4 does not require a bone graft because the implants are strategically placed in the parts of the jaw that are least affected by bone loss. Avoiding a bone graft can remove several months of healing time and an additional surgical procedure.
Dental implants require simple routine cleaning and check-ups. They can replace single lost teeth or an entire set of upper or lower teeth. Regain your confidence with a natural smile by choosing dental implants.
Call the office of Dr. Michael Lassle today to consult with our experienced team about your implant options.
