Dental Implants- Computerized Placement
Dental Implants
If you have experienced tooth loss, you are not alone. According to the American Dental Association, more than 20 million people in the United States are missing all of their natural teeth, and more than 100 million are missing from 11 to 15 teeth. In 1997, dental professionals performed more than 500,000 dental implant procedures worldwide.
Dental implants offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. For over 30 years, dental implants have brought naturally beautiful, confident smiles to patients. A dental implant is a small titanium screw or cylinder which is surgically placed in the upper or lower jawbone. The implant replaces the root of the missing tooth, providing an anchor for your new tooth/teeth. Many patients choose dental implants over other procedures, because the result is a natural appearance which is permanent.
Restoring naturally beautiful, confident smiles means more than just restoring teeth, it means restoring and improving your quality of life. With implants, chewing and speech are restored or improved, and a permanent natural appearance is achieved. Whether you are missing one or all of your teeth, implants allow you to enjoy your favorite foods and have the confidence you desire for an active professional and social life.
Implant dentistry is the most advanced therapy available to replace teeth. In addition to looking and feeling like real teeth, dental implants allow you to:
· Improve your smile
· Eat the foods you enjoy
· Restore chewing for easy digestion
· Speak with ease
· Restore your facial structure
· Enjoy an active lifestyle
· Live with confidence
Single Tooth and Multiple Tooth Replacement
Because dental implants replace the tooth root and serve as an anchor, your new tooth/teeth are secured directly on the implant. This treatment allows teeth to be restored naturally, without harming or involving your surrounding teeth. Small metal posts are connected to the implant, allowing the replacement tooth to be permanently secured with dental cement or a small screw.
Implant Supported Dentures
Dental implants can also be placed to permanently anchor and support partial or full dentures, eliminating the need for dental adhesives. Enjoy having the confidence to eat the foods you previously avoided. Dentures can be supported with either a bar/clip or ball/socket attachment for removal, allowing for regular cleaning.
Treatment Ease
Dr. McNeel will perform a complete examination involving x-rays to determine if implants are right for you. Once your specific needs are assessed, he will schedule an appointment for you to come in for a consultation. Together, you will discuss your options and decide which treatment is best for you. Depending on your needs, your treatment may be complete in three steps.
Are Implants For You?
Dental implants can improve the quality of life for many people, but they aren't for everyone. Use the checklist below to help determine how you feel about your dental health. The more that apply to you, the more likely it is that dental implants will be a good choice.
· Do complete or partial dentures cause discomfort when you eat?
· Do you wear a denture that slips or fits badly?
· Are your teeth holding your bridge loosening or moving?
· Are you embarrassed about missing teeth or dentures when you smile or laugh?
· If you have a complete or partial denture, do you sometimes carry it in your pocket or leave it at home?
· Can you wait three to nine months for the entire implant process to be completed?
· Are you willing to spend extra time caring for your dental implants?
· Will you follow up with regular dental checkups?
A Winning Smile
It takes time and commitment to make dental implants successful. Dr. McNeel and his staff at Ozark Prosthodontics will provide their expertise and careful attention to detail. Add to this your dedication to good oral hygiene and regularly scheduled follow-up care and, together, you have the makings of a winning smile.