The most appealing thing about dental implants, which replace the roots of your lost teeth, is that they help keep your jawbone and oral health healthier and more vibrant following tooth loss. This means that you have a better chance of preserving your remaining teeth and oral structures thanks to the stimulation that dental implants provide. However, patients in Encinitas/San Diego who have dealt with tooth loss for a long time may question if they can still benefit from dental implants. Fortunately, you can, though your periodontist will have to determine if you’re a good candidate now or if you may require one or more prerequisite procedures first.
The Difference of Implant-Supported Prostheses
The reason dental implants have become so widely implemented is because of their unusually high success rate (over 90 percent) since becoming a routine part of smile restoration. Dental implants are comprised of highly biocompatible titanium, which facilitates your jawbone fusing to them after the posts have been placed. Once your jawbone has healed and your prosthesis is attached to the implant posts, your new teeth will look, feel, and perform more like natural teeth than traditional prostheses can. The posts will also help preserve the rest of your jawbone structure and good oral health by reestablishing a higher amount of stimulation when you bite and chew.
What You May Need First
After losing one or more teeth, your jawbone can begin to lose its mass and density because it isn’t being stimulated as much. If it’s been a while since you’ve lost teeth, then jawbone degradation may have already become prominent enough to make your jaw weak. If so, then you may require bone grafting to strengthen it before it can receive the appropriate number of dental implants. If gum disease is present, then you may also require a schedule of routine periodontal maintenance to stop the disease from compromising the rest of your teeth and your dental implants.
Improve Your Bridge or Denture with Implants
Even if you already wear a prosthetic bridge or denture, you may qualify for an upgrade with one or more dental implants. For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.