Missing teeth and researching your restorative options? Today’s standard bridges and dentures are highly realistic. But if you want the ultimate in dental prosthetics, consider dental implants. By replacing missing tooth roots, implants can have enormous benefits for your overall oral health and quality of life.
At Seacliff Dental in Huntington Beach, CA, Dr. Jason Cellars offers implant-supported restorations. After an oral surgeon has positioned the implants themselves, Dr. Cellars will provide a custom-made restoration. He will carefully design the prosthetic to match your smile, and he will check that it maintains your proper bite alignment.
At an initial consultation, Dr. Cellars can determine whether you may be a candidate for implants. Contact our office to book your appointment.
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Implants Are Versatile.
Whether you are missing one tooth or all of them, implants may be appropriate. One implant post can support a crown. Two or more can uphold a bridge. And it is possible to receive a permanent denture supported by as few as four dental implants.
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Implant-Supported Dentures Look Realistic.
A traditional denture has a plastic or acrylic base that fits over the gums. It also requires denture adhesive. And a partial denture often comes with small metal clasps that connect to the adjacent teeth. Though modern fabrication techniques have made dentures much more realistic, these safeguards are still necessary for relative stability.
On the other hand, an implant-supported denture will sit right along your gum line. It will attach to the exposed tops of the implant posts, eliminating the need for adhesives or visible connectors.
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Implants Function Just Like Real Teeth.
When you select dental implants, you won’t have to worry about changing your diet to protect your prosthetic. An implant-supported restoration will never slip in your mouth, so you can enjoy corn-on-the-cob, juicy steaks, crusty bread, and even chewing gum!
Plus, you will take care of your implants the same way you take care of your teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist are typically all that is required.
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Dental Implants Are Durable.
With appropriate dental care, implants can last a lifetime. In fact, one study showed a 90-95% survival rate ten years after implant placement. Note that the implant-supported restoration may need to be replaced, but this is typical of any restoration. So if you choose a traditional prosthetic, that will likely need replacement, as well.
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Implants Can Protect Your Jawbone and Other Teeth.
Perhaps the most important benefit of implants is that they can prevent jawbone recession. When you lose just one tooth, your jawbone starts to deteriorate rapidly. This process is even more pronounced if you are missing multiple teeth. However, by replacing your tooth roots, implants prevent jawbone recession and the additional tooth loss that may follow.
Furthermore, implants are a more conservative option in terms of your remaining healthy teeth. To place a bridge, your dentist would need to reshape the adjacent teeth because they would form the foundation of your new restoration. Implants leave these teeth untouched.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Cellars can evaluate your jaw, gums, and health history to determine whether implants may be right for you. Contact our office today to book your appointment.
Complete our convenient online form or give us a call at (714) 848-4247.
