Multiple Teeth Replacement With Dental Implants
Your teeth are an important feature of your mouth and have several vital roles in your daily life. Taking care of your teeth, and your mouth is essential for preventing serious oral health issues. However, sometimes, issues, such as facial trauma, tooth decay, or gum disease occur that can result in tooth loss. Missing teeth, even small sections of missing teeth, can have a major impact on your oral health, your smile, and your overall quality of life. Replacing your missing teeth is essential for giving you back your life. At Neil Starr, DDS, PC, we can help to restore missing teeth with multiple teeth dental implants.
Traditional Methods for Replacing Missing TeethIn the past, if you were missing sections of multiple teeth, there were two options. The option used depended upon your specific circumstances. One to three missing teeth were replaced with dental bridges. More than three missing teeth meant partial dentures.
A bridge consists of your replacement teeth set between two dental crowns. The crowns are anchored onto the adjacent healthy teeth, providing stability for the restoration. A partial denture is a removable prosthesis that consists of false teeth set into a colored gum base. The base rests directly on the gum tissue. The partial denture also has metal clasps that help to anchor the restoration in place. While both of these options are still available today, we provide a newer, better, alternative: dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?Dental implants are the latest option available for replacing missing teeth. This revolutionary treatment method consists of three major components. The implant itself is a small, titanium rod that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. The bone fuses to the implant as you heal, turning it into a stable root. An abutment, or connector, is placed on top. Finally, ceramic crowns, used to replace the visible portions of your missing teeth, are screwed into place on top.
Dental implants offer numerous benefits over more traditional methods of multiple tooth replacement. Along with restoring the basic functions of your teeth, including eating, speaking and the beauty of your smile, dental implants are much more comfortable. Rather than relying on adjacent teeth or your gum tissue for support, your replacement teeth are supported by the implants. Implants are more natural in appearance. They require no special cleaning. The greatest benefit of dental implants is that they help to stop the bone loss that naturally follows tooth loss. Because of this, your jawbone remains strong and healthy, and there is no need to worry about replacing your restorations because they no longer fit.
Placing Your Multiple Teeth ImplantsDental implants are placed in a surgical procedure. We begin with a local anesthetic and sedation. We then make small incisions in your gums, exposing the bone. Small holes are drilled, and your implants are placed. The exact number of implants needed will depend upon your specific situation. The gums are sutured closed around the implants, and temporary teeth are placed. As you heal, we monitor your progress to ensure that the implants are fusing properly. After you have fully healed, we then begin the process of creating and placing, your permanent replacement teeth.
Replacing sections of missing teeth will help to restore not only your oral health but your smile and your quality of life as well. Call Neil Starr, DDS, PC today at (202) 293-7177 to schedule your consultation and find out if dental implants are right for you. |
