The modern dental implant restores the damaged smile with a strong, life-like prosthetic tooth comprised of a titanium screw, abutment and beautiful porcelain crown. These gold standards of tooth replacement avoid the devastating effects of tooth loss and give patients healthy, well-functioning teeth.
Tooth loss has important consequences
Some people think that losing a tooth or 2 is no big deal and that’s it’s inevitable as we age.
However, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry states that tooth loss is truly significant and that 2 out of 3 adults in the United States have lost at least one tooth to gum disease.
Other common reasons for tooth loss include extensive decay and accident or injury.
Without a full complement of teeth, the jawbone begins receding, with the alveolar ridge, or portion of the jaw which anchors tooth roots, becoming significantly smaller and less dense within months of tooth extraction. This resorption occurs because, just like human muscle, the jawbone needs the physical forces involved in biting and chewing to retain its shape and strength. Where there is no tooth, the “exercise” is absent, too.
In addition, teeth move to fill the space left by an extracted tooth. As teeth drift, they inevitably become misaligned and weaker. Dentists agree that even teeth with no decay or gum issues are endangered by neighboring empty sockets.
Teeth must be replaced
In years past, the only tooth replacement options were fixed bridgework, which involve false teeth anchored by crowns attached to surrounding teeth, or partial or full removable dentures. While all these options are viable, they:
- are not ideal in terms of appearance
- present dental hygiene issues
- tend to slip and cause speech and chewing difficulties
A dental implant in the 91320 area is a great option
Over the past few decades, the art and science of dental implantology has developed to the point where about 3 million Americans have the devices. Comprised of a titanium screw that melds exceptionally well to bone, the dental implant is placed into a pilot hole that a skilled Newbury Park cosmetic dentist, such as Gary Chaffee DDS, drills into the patient’s jawbone. After the oral tissues heal after this in-office surgery, Dr. Chaffee attaches the abutment and customized porcelain crown.
When cared for properly with twice a day brushing and daily flossing, dental implants can last for decades. Of course, routine check-ups and cleanings on a semi-annual basis remain a priority. Dr. Chaffee wants to encourage patients that the majority of people are good candidates for a beautiful smile through dental implants. These innovative devices may anchor bridgework or fixed or removable dentures, too, for great aesthetics and natural function.
Could you smile beautifully with dental implants?
Newbury Park, CA Gary Chaffee DDS at Paraiso Family Dental & Orthodontics places dental implants as just part of an extensive list of preventive, restorative and cosmetic dental services. He would be delighted to restore your smile to full health, function and aesthetics with state-of-the-art dental implants.
Contact Dr. Chaffee’s staff today for a personal consultation! Find out how dental implants can complete and preserve your smile.