When you’re missing one or multiple teeth due to diseases in the mouth or from a traumatic accident, you are likely to feel self-conscious about your appearance. While options such as dentures may offer an effective solution, they may not be as comfortable and long-lasting as dental implants. That is why dental implants are often the first solution an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will recommend in order to replace missing teeth.
The good thing about dental implants is that you do not have to worry about taking them out or taking special care of them as you would removable dentures. Dental implants are surgically inserted into your jaw bone so you can enjoy a natural, strong new set of teeth! First impressions are always the most important, and when you have a smile that is incomplete, you may not enjoy life as much because you’re always worrying about how you appear to others.
I’ve experienced this first-hand with many patients who come to me wanting a new smile to improve their smile and their overall appearance. The other added benefit of dental implants is that you will once again be able to enjoy the foods you may not have been able to without your full set of teeth.
Although dentures are specially made to fit over your alveolar bone – the bone ridge of bone that contains the tooth sockets and hold teeth – it may take some time for your mouth and jaw to adjust. Patients often experience discomfort while adjusting to their new set of dentures.
Dental implants, however, involve a surgical procedure where titanium posts are inserted into the jaw bone to hold the new teeth and covered with an abutment, or cap, on which the crown is placed. This creates a solid, durable system that enables you to enjoy a full set of teeth that you can care for just as you would your other natural teeth. They look and feel like your own teeth and do not disturb adjacent teeth throughout their life in your mouth.
Dental implant patients who come in for their follow-up visit often tell me how pleased they are with their new set of teeth. They experience very little discomfort during healing time and feel confident that their dental implants look just like the other teeth in their mouth. While not everyone is a candidate for dental implant surgery, this is one of the most recommended procedures in my practice for those who are missing teeth and do qualify.
There are various reasons you may not qualify for dental implant surgery, so if you have any questions or feel you may be a candidate for dental implants, please contact the Northeast Surgical Specialists office or visit www.northeastsurgical.com. We serve patients in two locations, including Queensbury – (518) 793-9424 and Saratoga Springs – (518) 583-2900.
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