Bend, OR Dentist Discusses the Wonders of Dental Implants!

Since you lost your teeth, eating certain foods and smiling with confidence have become distant memories. Unfortunately, a life with missing teeth has become your reality and you desire to make a change, but what’s the best route to take for restoring your smile? Your local dentist is weighing in with information on the best method available to replace your missing teeth – dental implants in Bend. As you continue reading, you’ll learn about the methods available.

What are Dental Implants?

Implants are surgically inserted titanium posts that are placed beneath your gums into your jawbone. They serve as replacements for the roots of your teeth and fuse with your existing bone to form a sturdy foundation.

After an initial period of healing, an abutment (connector) is mounted to the implant and allows for a crown or another permanent fixture to be attached. The patient is then left with the most durable and efficient form of tooth restoration available.

As a result of the continued advancements in oral care methods, there are some options available for the dental implant procedure.

Dental Implant Variations

Not all patients are the same, so it helps to have different options available for the dental implant procedure:

• Implant Supported Crowns and Bridges – As we learned earlier, for single tooth replacements, crowns are attached to the implant, but when there is more than one tooth missing in a series, a more efficient method of restoration is needed. That’s the purpose of the dental bridge. It’s made of ceramic just like the dental crown – but with multiple teeth custom-made into one fixture.
• Implant Dentures – Whereas traditional dentures rely on adhesives to hold them in place, you won’t have that problem with implant-supported dentures. That’s because they will be anchored by either snaps or a special bar that attaches to your implants. This method will also provide more support for your facial structure.
• Mini Dental Implants – For some people, the traditional implant method of attaching the implant to the bone is not an option. The mini implant method, though, allows patients to still receive some of the benefits of the traditional implant procedure, by using shorter posts to accommodate weaker jawbone structures. It’s also a far less invasive procedure, usually only requiring local anesthesia, with no need for stitches or sutures.

It’s Important to Inquire Now

If you’ve been living with tooth loss, it’s important to not hesitate about contacting your dentist for a consultation, because waiting too long could further compromise your bone health. Furthermore, if there is an ongoing gum infection, your dentist in Bend will be able to address it, so that you can proceed to being fully restored. To schedule an appointment, reach out today!