When it comes to restoring missing teeth, dental implants are one of the best options on the market. With a 98% success rate, dentists consider implants the most natural and effective tooth replacement option. At Sudbury Dental Arts in Sudbury, MA, Dr. Joseph Cheung aims to help you decide if dental implants are right to you.
How Do They Work?
Dental implants are secured by a titanium screw set into the bone of the jaw. Attached to this screw is a metal abutment and a dental crown. The screw replicates the root of a natural tooth for a stable and comfortable restoration. The crown restores the beauty of your smile.
What Makes Dental Implants Better?
The key to the success of dental implants is the titanium screw. Without the roots of the teeth to support it, bone loss is a common problem in patients who are missing teeth. The titanium screw provides the support that the root once would have, minimizing bone loss. The screw also provides a stable, permanent attachment point the behaves like a natural tooth and is comfortable and invisible.
What Are My Other Options?
Dentures, partials, and dental bridges are all workhorses in the field of restorative dentistry that have been used for many years. While these are still the best choice for some patients, they do have their downsides. Dentures are glued in place with a dental adhesive that can slip and become less reliable over time, making eating and speaking difficult. Dental bridges are traditionally supported by two dental crowns, one on each side of the loss. This is a more stable option but requires damaging two otherwise healthy teeth. What neither of these treatments does is support the jaw, so bone loss is still an issue.
Am I A Good Candidate?
Dr. Cheung recommends implants whenever possible, but they aren’t the right choice for everyone. Because dental implants are a surgical procedure, the recipient must be in good overall health. You also need enough bone to support the implant. Dental implants can be used to secure a single tooth, a bridge, or an entire denture, so the number of teeth missing is not a factor.
Schedule a Consultation
You may have a lot of questions about dental implants. The whole team here at Sudbury Dental Arts is here to answer them. To schedule a consultation to discuss your questions and eligibility for implants, contact us on our website or at (978) 218-2580.
