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Are Dental Implants Right For You?

June 7, 2018
Dental Implants

The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that more than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth. Of those, 23 million are seniors. As shocking as that figure is, it’s even more alarming to know that about 120 million people in the U.S. have lost one or more teeth. Missing teeth are a big problem, both in terms of how widespread the condition is and due to the impact on people’s health and self-esteem. At Uptown Dental Associates in Albuquerque, NM we offer dental implants as a preferred, lifetime tooth replacement option.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are composed of two parts. The first is the implant itself, which is a small titanium screw that is inserted into the bone where a tooth is missing. The bone fuses to the screw and anchors it just as firmly as a natural tooth root.

The second part is the restoration which can be a single dental crown, a bridge, or a full arch of dentures. The restoration is secured to the implant or implants and looks, feels, and functions just like your own teeth. That’s great news for dentures-wearers; implant-secured and implant-supported dentures absolutely will not shift, slip, or pop out of the mouth unexpectedly.

Why You Should Consider Dental Implants

With care, dental implants can last a lifetime. That makes them an excellent investment for many people who want to replace missing teeth.

Implants do something that bridges and regular dentures can’t do – they keep the underlying bone healthy. The bone in your upper and lower jaw needs stimulation to remain strong and healthy. It gets that stimulation through the pressure of chewing, which is transmitted through the tooth roots to the bone. When a tooth is missing, the bone begins to deteriorate.

Implants function as replacement tooth roots, transmitting the pressure that the bone needs. That helps avoid the sunken-in look to the cheeks that can happen when teeth are missing.

Implants are the strongest tooth-replacement option, restoring up to 100 percent of your original chewing power. By contrast, traditional dentures return maybe 20 percent of chewing power.

How Do You Know If Implants Are Right For You?

The large majority of people can receive dental implants. The most important consideration for dental implants is the thickness and strength of the bone that will anchor the implants. The only way to determine whether your bone is suitable is by having a thorough examination by Dr. Ryan Shepherd.

There are some other things to consider, but Dr. Shepherd will cover all aspects of whether dental implants are the right teeth replacement option for you. You’ll enjoy the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere at Uptown Dental Associates in Albuquerque, NM. It’s how we approach all patient appointments. We want your experience with us to be as relaxed, comfortable, and pleasant as possible.

You don’t have to live with damaged or missing teeth. Contact Uptown Dental Associates in Albuquerque, NM today at (505) 219-4548 to schedule your consultation for dental implants. You can also use our online form.