If you have smile gaps, you can fill them with tooth replacements that are superior to conventional bridges and dentures. Called dental dental implants implants, these completely artificial teeth bite, chew, feel and look like real teeth. In fact, they even have prosthetic roots made of titanium, a metal which adheres right to the jaw. Do implants sound interesting? Then, learn the details from your professional team at Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry in San Tan Valley, AZ.
Why dental implants?
Dr. Matthew Roper, Dr. Nathan McLaws and Dr. Matthew Scheerhorn offer dental implants to replace one, two or more missing teeth–even an entire arch. It’s important to fill gaps caused by oral trauma, decay, and abscess because tooth loss affects how you:
- Appear
- Speak
- Eat
- Feel about yourself
Yes, tooth loss impacts self-image because gaps make you look older as bite height decreases, facial wrinkles increase and jaw bone and gum tissue shrink in size and density. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry says that these artificial teeth definitely preserve your facial structure.
How does a dental implant do all that? The benefits come from a process called osseointegration. When your dentist places a dental implant in your jaw, the bone immediately starts to bond to it. Over the several weeks after the in-office placement surgery at Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry, osseointegration continues. When the site is sufficiently healed, the dentist bonds on a metal alloy extension post and custom-crafted porcelain crown.
Other uses for implants
Besides single-tooth implants, your dentist uses these amazing devices to support bridgework (filling gaps of two or more adjoining teeth) and partial or full dentures. A complete oral examination, and X-rays tell your dentist in San Tan Valley if you have enough healthy jaw bone to receive dental implants.
Caring for dental implants
Don’t worry. It’s straightforward. Brush twice a day, just as the American Dental Association recommends for everyone–implants or not. Floss carefully each day, too, because plaque and tartar are the biggest threats to implant retention. Also, if you smoke, work toward stopping, and enlist the help of your primary care physician in that important goal. Finally, see your dentist at Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry semi-annually for your check-up and hygienic cleaning.
Find out more
Yes, you should consider dental implants. Why not call Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry today to set-up a personal implant consultation with one of our knowledgeable dentists? Phone (480) 457-1977.