Implant dentistry is also very flexible and can be used in conjunction with dentures and dental bridges. A single dental implant can be used to support the dental crown in a dental bridge. And if you need to replace all your teeth, implant-supported dentures are a great substitute for removable dentures, creating a more secure, more comfortable fit.
Advances in implant dentistry have also helped make dentures more effective. Implant dentists can now correct problems with a floating lower denture by using mini dental implants for stabilization. Unlike traditional dental implants, mini dental implants are just 1.6mm wide - about the size of a toothpick! Both patients and implant dentists love mini dental implants for several reasons. First, they're minimally invasive, sometimes requiring no incision at all for insertion. In most cases, there's little dental anesthesia required. Second, your implant dentist just has to use a single injection of anesthesia where the implant will be placed. Best of all, you can use your mini dental implants with little to no discomfort just as soon as you leave your implant dental office!
And here's some news that's bound to make you smile: Recent progress in contemporary implant dentistry has cut down the time needed for surgery. How? The Nobel Teeth in an Hour™ system is the perfect example. It uses a computer during the planning stages to precisely measure bone length and width and determine the implant's position. This technology is unmatched in implant dentistry, and implant dentists and patients reap the rewards! Since your dental implant dentist does most of the work beforehand, dental surgery only takes about an hour. That means less time in the dental chair for you and an easier procedure for your implant dentist. Plus, it also reduces post-op healing time. So getting a new smile is easier now than ever.
What Causes Tooth Loss?
When you're a kid, tooth loss is a natural part of your development. Losing your teeth as an adult is part of the same process - aging. But being too lax about with your oral hygiene habits and skipping regular dental visits can leave your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. And without gum disease treatment, periodontal disease can cause tooth loss. Poor eating habits or malnutrition can also accelerate tooth loss. Accidents and injuries are other sources; so if you're active or athletic, it's always important to protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard. In many cases, your dentist can create a custom-made mouthguard that perfectly fits your mouth and effectively protects your teeth.
Find a Dental Implant Dentist
If having a toothless smile has been weighing heavy on your mind, an implant dentist can help. In fact, there has never been a better time to see an implant dentist! Advances in implant dentistry are even speeding up the osseointegration phase - the stage during which a dental implant molds into the jawbone - which can take anywhere from 3-6 months. By using new implant dentistry techniques, your implant dentist can reduce the osseointegration phase by months!
The first step to a new smile - and a new you - is to schedule an evaluation with an implant dentist. But choosing the right implant dentist should be done with care. You'll need an implant dentist who not only has the skills but also the patience and caring to help you achieve your ideal smile.