Dental Implants in Erlanger
The Pitfalls of Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can create a host of dental and general health problems, including shifting teeth, bruxism, and malnutrition from not being able to eat certain foods. Unsightly gaps can also damage your self-esteem. To replace missing teeth, Dr. Henry offers great-fitting prosthetics such as bridges, partials, and complete dentures, but for a more stable option, you may want to consider dental implants. Consisting of titanium rods inserted into the jawbone, implants can be used to anchor a single replacement tooth, bridge, or denture in place. Unlike removable prosthetics, your dental implant restorations will feel so much like natural teeth that you may even forget you’ve had restorative work done at all!
Dental Implant Restorations
Dr. Henry’s first order of business is to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. She will thoroughly examine you for signs of healthy teeth and gums, as well as adequate bone tissue in the jaw to support implants. If you are a candidate, she will refer you to a specialist who will place the titanium implant posts in your jawbone. After a period of three to six months, during which the bone grows and bonds with the implants to anchor them in the jaw, you will return to Dr. Henry ‘s office to have your restorations attached to the part of the titanium cylinder that extends beyond the gum line. She will then secure your crown, bridge, or denture, precisely designed by her superior dental lab to complement your mouth and facial structure, to the implant(s), where they will remain securely in your mouth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Not only do dental implants anchor your restorations in place securely, but they can also help you look younger! Missing teeth cause jawbone deterioration because there are no natural tooth roots in place to stimulate the bone through biting and chewing. This loss of jawbone tissue is responsible for the aged, sunken-in facial appearance commonly seen in seniors. Because dental implants are artificial tooth roots, they provide the necessary stimulation your jawbone needs to retain healthy tissue, giving your face a more youthful appearance.