Should I Get Dental Implants?

Have you lost a tooth due to injury or tooth decay? Tooth loss is a common problem for many Americans, and the risk factors increase with age. In fact, 30% of Americans between ages 65-75 have none of their natural teeth! So what can you do if you’ve lost one, several or even all of your teeth due to disease or injury? Dental implants are a popular and practical option. This post covers the basics about dental implants, including what they are and the common types to choose from.

Dental implants replace the root of a tooth or multiple teeth lost due to injury or disease. Implants work by effectively screwing a post into your jawbone.  This post fuses with your jawbone, creating stability throughout the affected teeth. In this way, the implant works as a replacement root with a restorative crown on top. Implants allow you to have a permanent solution to tooth loss. Dental implant procedures involve two separate visits, one for the implant and a subsequent appointment for the restorative crown.

Tooth loss occurs for many reasons, some of which include injury or the result of advanced dental disease like periodontitis. Periodontal disease softens and damages the gum tissue, resulting in lack of support in and around the tooth itself. If not treated early, tooth loss is a result. But what options do you have for dental implants? Here are some of the choices we offer at Ascent Dental Care.

A single tooth implant works by replacing the root of a missing tooth with the process mentioned above. A replacement piece is fastened into the jawbone which creates stability around the tooth and gums. If you are only missing one tooth here or there, a single tooth implant is a good option for you.

Implant bridges work well if you have three or more missing adjacent teeth. In this instance, two implants support a porcelain bridge. An implant-supported bridge gives a beautiful aesthetic while providing stability for spaces with several missing teeth. The procedure is less cumbersome than the process for natural teeth, which involves shaving them down prior to placing the crown on top of the implant.

If you are missing a full arch - the top or bottom row of teeth - implant supported dentures can provide a secure alternative to traditional removable dentures. The process involves fastening the dentures to a fixed implant. A full arch typically requires four implants, and work for full, partial, fixed or removable dentures.

Dr. Coughlin has been placing dental implants since 1984 and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and has thousands of successful implant cases completed. At Ascent Dental Care, we have invested heavily in technology, hardware, and software which allows our team to place your dental implant virtually avoiding costly mistakes. Once we are happy with the virtual placement, a 3D printer creates an intra oral surgical guide allowing us to place the implant in the exact location angulation and position for your new teeth with little to no pain! Looking for information on dental implants in the Pioneer Valley? Call us today to learn about these or any of our other dental services.