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At Triad Dentistry, Greensboro, NC area patients have access to dental treatments that can improve the health, beauty, and function of the smile. When patients are faced with the loss of teeth via injury, disease, or extraction, they may be worried about the gap that is left behind. A missing tooth can have a negative impact on the appearance of the smile, while putting it at risk for bone loss, shifting of the teeth, and poor function. Instead of using dentures or dental bridges to replace these teeth, our team may suggest treatment with the placement of dental implants.
Patients who hear of implants often think of implants that are placed in the body. In a way, that is how a dental implant works. The implant itself is titanium, a biocompatible material that is used in other implants in the medical field. The implant is placed into the bone of the jaw and acts as a tooth root replacement. This oral surgery is done by our team of professionals within a single appointment. Once the implant is in place, it activates osseointegration. Osseointegration results in the bone of the jaw fusing to the implant, giving it a strong and sturdy foundation. Once this has occurred, the dental implant can be restored over the abutment. For a single tooth, this is done with a dental crown. Other options include dental bridges and full dentures, which use the dental implant as an anchor.
Once a tooth has been lost, patients can ask about the placement of a dental implant. The implant is put into the bone during oral surgery, and then allowed time for osseointegration to occur. The implant is then restored with a dental crown, allowing the restoration to be a stand-alone option for patients who want a permanent solution.
There are many reasons patients will consider dental implants. These restorations are:
Dental implants are a popular choice for patients who want a no-fuss way to replace their missing teeth.
There is more than one way for patients to replace missing teeth, and dental implants aren’t the only choice. The doctors at Triad Dentistry may encourage patients to ask about alternatives. Dentures are a way for patients to replace one or more teeth. These restorations are made of metal and acrylic and snap into place within the dental arch, using a false tooth to slide into place where the natural tooth once was. The restoration is easy to adjust and simple to remove and replace. Another option is the dental bridge. Dental bridges are porcelain restorations that are made of dental crowns and pontics (false teeth) fused together to create a final repair. These are bonded onto the adjacent teeth to create a flawless repair of the smile. Dental bridges are more permanent than a denture, as they cannot be removed, but may need to be replaced over time. While dental implants are the most expensive option, they are often the best choice for patients seeking long-term replacement of the missing tooth that doesn’t require any special care or attention.
To have dental implants placed, patients need to have sufficient bone structure to support the implant. The bone structure can be determined with the use of x-rays. Without enough bone, patients may want to consider an alternative, or speak to their dentist about the possibility of bone grafting in preparation for implant placement.
If you live in or around the area of Greensboro, NC and are ready to learn more about the benefits of using dental implants to replace missing teeth, we encourage you to book an appointment with one of the doctors at Triad Dentistry. Patients who are faced with tooth loss will find that this is a wonderful solution for permanent replacement. Call the office today at (336) 383-1482 and visit the practice at 2516-A Oakcrest Avenue.