Why NOW Is Better than Later to Replace Your Missing Teeth

Tooth loss is traumatic enough. And it makes sense to ask about your options. Dental implants are a premiere solution for tooth replacement. Even so, there are a number of factors affecting your decision and one in particular makes implant treatment a priority.

Tooth loss generally makes you a candidate for dental implants. That said, be aware of how your health history is a factor.

  • Uncontrolled diabetes

  • Cancer

  • Smoking

  • Alcoholism

  • Uncontrolled periodontal (gum) disease

These can determine whether dental implants are right for you. And here’s the reason…

Your health and medical history can affect whether dental implants will fuse to your jaw bone. Implant treatment stops bone loss. But it also requires healthy bone tissue to be effective.

Tooth loss is traumatic not only to your appearance – it’s traumatic to your bone.Teeth stimulate and promote healthy bone tissue. The more teeth you lose the more healthy function you will lose. In the first year after tooth loss, 25% of your bone width will decrease. When you begin to lose sub-level bone tissue – the jawbone itself begins to resorb (melt away)!

Reverse the damage from losing teeth.

Bone grafts can be placed into the sockets where your tooth is missing. This helps preserve the bone mass or volume needed for replacing your tooth/teeth with dental implants.

Remember the bone in your jaw needs stimulation to be healthy. Dental implants fuse to the bone  stabilizing it and preventing further bone loss.

It’s normal for your bone to deteriorate when there’s no longer a tooth supporting or connecting to it. Dental implants stop this from happening and preserve your bone.

It’s true that dental implant treatment improves your appearance. It’s also the primary treatment option for maintaining a healthy jawbone when tooth loss occurs.

How does understanding bone loss impact your opinion about dental implant treatment?

Why Looks Aren’t Everything – The Cosmetic Benefits of Dental Implants Are Only the Beginning

What you see is what you get.  Fortunately this doesn’t apply to dental implants.

Cosmetic dentistry includes dental implant treatment. But there’s more to replacing missing teeth with implants than aesthetic appeal.

The initial appeal of your dental implant treatment involves replacing missing, damaged, or broken teeth. And realize that the gaps caused by missing teeth have more to do with your overall oral health than meets the eye.

Your desire to fill the gap typically means you don’t like how it looks and missing teeth negatively impact your smile. Dental implants can transform your smile, however the benefits go much deeper.

Start with your gum line. What’s below it, unseen, is where the real value exists. Dental implants compliment the gum line. They appear to grow or emerge directly from it like you natural teeth do. The seamless appearance is a vital benefit to your overall oral health.

You put your mouth at risk if you ignore missing or broken teeth, and it’s a problem that goes straight to the bone. Bone loss occurs over time in the gaps where your natural teeth once were. Your jaw bone tissue needs something to hold on to.

Dental implants form a new tooth root. Your bone adapts to the implant forming a solid and attractive new tooth.

A healthy AND attractive combo.

Missing teeth and the gaps they create provide you an opportunity to take control of your dental health. Avoid taking the easy way out by ignoring them and the consequences of doing so.

Dental implants are the perfect blend of cosmetic dentistry and oral health care  for missing or damaged teeth. There’s more to what you see when you choose dental implant treatment.

How has your understanding of dental implants changed from a cosmetic alternative for missing teeth to an overall approach to a healthier mouth?

Dental Implant: Factors You and a Hollywood Beauty Have in Common

You immediately recognize her dazzling beauty. It has landed her on the covers of popular magazines. What you may not know is that behind Christy Brinkley’s bright smile are dental implants. Missing or damaged teeth can happen to anyone – even those with star power.

Brinkley encountered the need for dental implant treatment when a helicopter she was riding in crashed en route to a back country ski trip. Among other traumatic results, she experienced the fracture of two back molars.

Your missing teeth story may or may not have an equal amount of drama. But however you experience tooth loss, the results can be traumatic.

Your first reaction to missing or damaged teeth is most often a cosmetic one. You don’t like how you look, especially if tooth loss has occurred to your front or visible molars .Brinkley experienced fracturing to her back molars. Though less visible and having less impact on her radiant smile she chose dental implant treatment.

Read more of Christy Brinkley’s dental implant story.

How do you feel about dental implant treatment knowing there’s a celebrity connection?

10 Solid Reasons Dental Implants Are Your Best Choice for Missing Teeth

Did you wake up one morning and discover you have missing teeth? If you do you sleep deeper than most.

Trauma or neglect is a common cause of tooth loss. When it occurs suddenly or over time you have three typical choices.

You can ignore it. Doing so puts your overall oral health at risk along with your appearance, and diet and lifestyle choices.

You can select the inexpensive alternative of dentures (full or partial). Even though the cost is less, there are plenty of reasons to choose a more solid alternative.

We’ve covered some appealing aspects of dental implants here. The most significant is how a dental implant actually creates a stronger tooth root than your natural tooth.

Thank titanium. The primary reason besides strength is its compatibility with your body.

We’re all about implant treatment. And in case you’re wondering why, check out the following…

Top Ten Reasons Dental Implants are a Solid Choice for Your Missing or Damaged Teeth.

1-You will look good.

There’s a reason your appearance will improve. It’s because dental implants look more natural than removable dentures or partials.

Your dental implant is anchored to bone. It creates an  attractive replacement for your missing tooth or teeth.

2-You will feel good.

Missing teeth can be embarrassing. But what about replacements that move, shift, or even fall out. That’s an embarrassing blow to your confidence.

Dental implants will not move. Eat, talk, and go about your life with confidence.

3-Simplify your life.

No one enjoys pain and hassle. Dentures can create both.

Sore spots often result from wearing dentures. And there’s the nightly cleaning and daily application of adhesive to keep them in place.

Dental implants are low maintenance. Simply maintain them as you would your natural teeth.

4-Strength rules.

Implants are strong and durable. Replace missing teeth for a lifetime with dental implant treatment.

5-Eat better.

Enjoy eating what you want. Unlike removable dentures your meal choices are less complicated with dental implants.

Your ability to chew food with implants is comparable to your natural teeth. Chewing efficiency is 20 to 25 percent with dentures compared to 80 percent with an implant supported prostheses.

6-Taste improvement.

Full upper dentures cover the roof of your mouth. This affects your ability to taste your delicious food. A dental implant keeps your taste buds unhindered so you can enjoy every meal.

7-Increased nutrition and health.

With dentures some foods are off limits to you. Eat from every food group with dental implant treatment.

Add fruits and vegetables back into your diet. And enjoy healthier food choices with dental implants.

8-Speak clearly.

Dentures can have a negative impact on your speech. Word formation can be unclear when your teeth slip within your mouth.

Dental implants help you maintain clear conversations. And this builds your confidence in your important relationships.

9-Cut your losses.

It’s easy to lose or misplace your removable dentures. Dental implants are one less thing to manage since they cannot be removed or misplaced.

10-Bone survival.

Bone Loss occurs with removable dentures. This causes them to shift, fit poorly, and require ongoing adjustment – even replacement.

Dental implants perform like natural teeth. This aids in stimulating bone survival and necessary growth.

There you have it. Ten substantial reasons dental implants are a superior treatment alternative for your missing or damaged teeth.

Reflect on the Top Ten list. What point(s) gives you hope and confidence for missing teeth replacement?

Can You Argue with Success? Why Dental Implant Treatment is a Winning Choice

Success leaves clues. Follow successful athletes, business leaders, parents, students, and various professionals long enough and you’ll learn something. Dental professionals understand the procedures with a legacy of success. Clues are certain when considering dental implant treatment for your missing teeth.

One reason dental implant treatment is superior. There’s an undeniable comparison between a dental implant and other treatment for your missing or damaged teeth. You have choices but not all restorative dentistry will deliver the desired long term results.

Consider your overall dental health when deciding to restore your missing tooth or teeth. Quick fixes will only deliver temporary relief and may cost you more in the long run.

Dental implant treatment is superior because of its long term viability. A dental implant is estimated to have a 92% to 98% success rate for up to…40+ years.

It’s safe to say that success rates for dental implants do not decrease over time. Compare this to a dental bridge that’s observed to decrease steadily in effectiveness in as little as 10 years.

It’s been noted that 1 in 3 dental bridges fail at the 15 year mark. That’s a 25 to 30 year gap that dental implants successfully own over the standard restorative option for missing teeth.

Elements that determine dental implant success:

The type of implant used has an impact on upon the success rate. We will diagnose your case and prescribe the restorative dental treatment that’s appropriate for the position of your missing tooth/teeth.

Your age is another consideration. Bone loss and available bone structure can vary with age.

We will evaluate the placement site. Our diagnosis will explore how “compromised” your bone structure is and determine the most effective long term solution.

Your overall health is an important factor too. Dental implant treatment will not be prescribed if we determine any risk factors.

An even better reason to choose dental implant treatment. A missing tooth or teeth can easily get all the attention. But there are other collateral effects that require consideration.

Your adjoining teeth can suffer too if restorative treatment is delayed or ignored. Research indicates that an implant supported crown can improve the health of your adjacent natural teeth.

Dental implant treatment has a reputation for success. Follow these clues and ask us how it can provide you long term restorative care for your missing teeth.

What dental implant “success clue” appeals to you?

Are You Doing the Math When Considering a Dental Implant?

What is perceived value? It’s understanding the quality, craftsmanship, and long term viability of your investment.

Think Rolex compared to Casio. One is referred to as a “watch” and the other is known as a “timepiece.” Dental implants are suited to these criteria. After all you’re considering a surgical procedure that places a medical device into your body.

Even so, today’s market is saturated with low cost options for dental implant treatment. And as the saying (or personal experience) proves you often get-what-you-pay-for.

Dental implants have a higher perceived value than an alternative treatment such as a tooth supported bridge. As they should, because they provide a more effective long term solution for your overall dental health.

You have two standard options when you lose a single tooth. You can replace it with a tooth supported bridge or with an implant supported crown.

The ADA (American Dental Association) reports that a bridge has an average lifespan of 10.1 years. Compare this to clinical studies that indicate dental implants have a 95% success rate for 20+ years.

Do the math:

Conservatively speaking, let’s initially price a tooth supported bridge between $3,000 and $4,000. Next, consider the estimated 10 year replacement costs associated with a bridge that requires a secondary investment of another $3,000 to $4,000.

Then add another $3,000 to $4,000 of replacement costs at 20 years. Your total investment in a tooth supported bridge for 20 years is conservatively estimated at $9,000 to $12,000.

Now, let’s run the numbers for an implant supported crown. Again, these are conservative estimates considering market and expertise.

Estimate your dental implant placement between $2,000 and $3,000 and your implant crown at $1,500 and $2,500. Your total investment for the same 20-25 years is now $3,500 to $5,500.

Either estimate could be reduced depending on your dental insurance coverage for a tooth supported bridge or an implant supported crown. You can see the significance of the perceived value when investing in the implant versus the bridge.

Ask questions:

It’s important to ask questions about replacing your missing tooth or teeth. Questions about cost estimates, treatment procedures, expertise, insurance coverage, ongoing maintenance, etc. are all fair and necessary.

Remember you’re trusting the long term viability of placing a medical device in your body. It’s entirely appropriate to inquire about your costs and the overall treatment process for your dental implant.

In fact, we expect it.

What’s important to you when weighing the option of dental implant treatment? Cost? Expertise? Treatment procedure?

 

What Lies Beneath? Compare Dental Implants to Dental Bridges

We’ve discussed  in a recent post, that when your teeth are missing or removed the surrounding bone is compromised. Bone resorption places your oral health at risk.

Typically, a dental bridge or dental partial has been the standard of care. Yet, here are three considerations:

1) Tooth enamel is removed to prepare for your dental bridge. This exposes the spongy layer of tooth, called dentin.

2) Over time, the cement that holds your bridge in place washes out. Bacteria can seep under the bridge and begin to quickly decay the dentin.

3) The compromised dental bridge can fail. If decay reaches your tooth’s nerve you could require a root canal.

How Dental Implants Are a Safer (and Stronger) Alternative

Imagine knocking the supports from beneath a massive structure like The Golden Gate Bridge. The magnificent expanse would plummet into the bay under its own weight. Your teeth require support. Any bone beneath them that’s compromised by lack of proper root foundation or decay will impact your oral health.

  • Dental implant treatment preserves the bone. Avoid costly treatment from compromised tooth structure.
  • Dental implants on the front (anterior) teeth are generally more aesthetic. Prevent the visible defects from bone resorption as result of tooth loss.
  • Dental implants do not impact your adjacent teeth. Remove potentially damaging pressure on surrounding teeth.
  • Dental implants have a higher restorative success rate. Experience a 95% success rate over 20 to 50 years (compared to an average life span of 10 years for a dental bridge, according to the American Dental Association).

Remember it’s what lies beneath (a bridge) that poses a threat. And dental implants are your safe passage to better oral health.

Bad-to-the-Bone: How Dental Implants Reverse the Damage Caused by Missing Teeth

Teeth, like trees, are strongest at their roots. What happens when your tooth roots are weak, or worse – deteriorating? Strong roots hold a tree in place. The same is true with your teeth.

Missing teeth are bad-to-the-bone.

When teeth are missing from lack of proper treatment, poor care, or trauma the bone that once supported them begins to deteriorate. This melting away of the bone is called bone resorption.

Tooth roots are naturally embedded in the jawbone. When the tooth and its root are extracted the bone structure loses function and begins to deteriorate or “resorb.”

What over 50 years of clinical research and a 95% success rate can do for you.

Dental implants replace tooth roots and prevent bone deterioration. The bone in your jaw bonds to the implant and begins to function as your natural tooth roots do.

Your natural tooth roots embed themselves in your jawbone. The roots form a stable foundation that enables your teeth to function properly.

Think of your dental implant as a substitute tooth root. They provide you all the function and appearance of your natural teeth on a solid, stable new root foundation.

Dental implants cover you from front-to-back and everything in between.

Front (anterior) tooth loss is risky. The bone is thin in the front of your mouth and it typically melts away more quickly. Your appearance changes in more ways than one when you lose front teeth. The gums cave in and collapse altering your smile. Even replacing a front tooth with a tooth supported bridge will eventually create a false-tooth look. The gums and once supportive bone begin to collapse and suspend the tooth without support.

A dental implant supported crown on a front tooth looks and functions naturally. It preserves your bone and prevents further defects.

Missing back (posterior) teeth actually collapse as your bone deteriorates. This causes your front teeth to flare-out as your bite collapses and mouth corners droop. Replacing back (posterior) teeth with partial dentures can actually accelerate the bone resorption process. Eating presses the partial down on your gums and underlying bone. Implant supported bridges preserve the bone. They prevent your bone from deteriorating and resulting in bite collapse from missing teeth.

Missing all or most of your teeth is equally complicated. Your jaw is at risk from quicker deterioration.

Even worse, as your bone melts away facial muscles pull back from their natural position. This causes your lips to cave in and give way to increased wrinkles around your mouth.

Dentures, a standard alternative, can actually compromise your facial structure. Bone resorption can be accelerated by dentures as they put pressure on the underlying bone.

The collapse in facial structure leads to more maintenance on your dentures. They must be relined (thickened) to compensate for increasing bone loss.

Teeth replaced with an implant supported over-denture or bridge preserves the bone. The implant-bridge combo prevents further deterioration of your facial structure and the health problems associated with complete tooth loss.

Keeping your teeth healthy and fully functioning is your top priority. If you experience tooth loss dental implant options will keep your mouth healthy, strong, and functional at the roots.

What dental implant insight or option is most useful to you and your current dental health?

Got Steak? Five Ways to Benefit From Dental Implants

It takes more than a knife and fork to enjoy a delicious steak.

One of my oldest patients, Mr. Jame, is a great example of the benefits of dental implants . This 100 year old gentleman is savoring his steaks now for the first time since he can remember. Dental implants are the reason he can. Stay tuned to our blog for more of his story and others like him.

5 Ways You’ll Benefit from Dental Implants (steak is only the beginning)

1) Watch your mouth

A restorative dental implant replicates natural tooth function. A strong root replacement forms a solid foundation that enhances your ability to bite and chew – without an artificial look or feel.

2) Save face

Tooth loss can lead to bone resorption. Dental implants prevent bone from collapsing and distorting the lower third of your facial appearance.

3) Go natural

Traditional tooth supported bridges lack long term, natural looking aesthetics. Implant supported teeth prevent visible bone defect that’s characteristic in the front of your mouth.

4) No compromise

Dental bridgework requires grinding down teeth adjacent to the missing tooth or teeth. Preserve your tooth structure with a dental implant and avoid compromising existing teeth any further.

5) Go low maintenance

Tooth supported bridges and dentures are high-maintenance and a hassle to clean. Dental implants keep oral hygiene convenient as with natural teeth.

You’re missing more than teeth if you haven’t considered dental implants. And savoring a delicious steak dinner is only the beginning of what awaits your best choice for restorative dental care.

What dental implant benefit appeals to you the most? If you have dental implants — tell us about a memorable meal since having them.

Implant Dentistry: A basic understanding of dental implants could save your appearance and chewing ability

photoLife happens. Missing or broken teeth are a common occurrence.

Many patients prefer an alternative to the standard treatment of a bridge or dentures. Consider a dental implant as a solid and cosmetic dental option for your missing teeth.

What are dental implants?

Think of a dental implant as a redesigned tooth and root structure. Picture the solid steel infrastructure of a building under construction.

The foundation is prepared and the solid iron beams are placed first. Once they’re anchored in place the aesthetically designed exterior is added.

The visible exterior delivers the appeal. Even so, the architectural wonder is a complete package from the foundation up.

photo (2)Consider your missing tooth space as the foundation for new architecture – dentally speaking. The available bone structure creates the solid base for anchoring your dental implant.

A titanium post forms the necessary infrastructure. Once it’s surgically placed and adapts to your bone tissue, the new exterior tooth can be applied to design your renewed, attractive look.

Why now is the best time to plan for a dental implant.

Your dental implant treatment is a thorough process. The duration from start to finish will vary patient to patient.

Let’s assume yours is treatment planned around a missing tooth. No extraction is necessary.

Your treatment goal is to replace a missing tooth with a strong, functional new tooth. And an implant is the perfect solution to rebuild your mouth within the coming year.

Your dental implant procedure in four (simplified) steps.

  • photo (1)Step 1 – Consultation and X-rays – schedule your consultation and x-rays to determine supportive bone structure and tissue health.
  • Step 2 – Implant placement and healing period – your implant is placed in the jaw and allowed to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone. Three to six months should be allowed for healing and restoration to occur.
  • Step 3 – Tooth (Crown) Impression – an impression for the crown is obtained to form the new tooth.
  • Step 4 – Try-in – fit, color, attachment and adjustment are determined.

Dr. Spina will guide you step by step along the way. This partnership will assure that your dental implant effectively supports your new tooth, heals appropriately, and creates the aesthetic and function you desire.