Dental Implants Restore Lost Teeth . . . Beautifully
By Dr. Helaine Smith
Have you lost a tooth or teeth due to injury, disease, or other reasons? If so, you may be a candidate for dental implants.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that a periodontist places into your jaw to hold a replacement bridge or tooth. Generally, this root is made of a high-end metal, such as titanium.
A relatively new technology, dental implants have been a boon to patients and dental professionals alike because they are a beautiful and secure solution to missing teeth.
Although the procedure sounds invasive, it actually involves less stress than traditional bridgework or partial dentures, for two reasons: dental implants don't rely on the surrounding teeth for support nor do surrounding teeth have to be ground down in order to fit the bridge or "partials."
Dental implants look and feel natural -- no one will ever guess you have "false teeth."
When placed properly by a periodontal professional, dental implants allow you to smile and eat with confidence.
Types of implants used today
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, dental practitioners use two types of implants:
Endosteal (in the bone) -- This is the most commonly used type of implant. A screw or pin is surgically placed into the jawbone and holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.
Subperiosteal (on the bone) -- These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework's posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. This type implant is used for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height.
Your dental professional will take into consideration your oral and general health, current dental work, and the condition of the jawbone, gum line and surrounding teeth to determine which implant type is best for you.
The advantages of dental implants
Dental implants are a wonderful solution to missing teeth because they provide so many benefits including:
- Better oral health -- Because dental implants are integrated into your jawbone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession associated with bridges.
- Improved self-confidence -- Dental implants look and feel natural and eliminate the worry and nuisance that come with dentures and bridgework.
- Longer life -- Dental implants last much longer than traditional bridges or partial dentures, which typically have to be replaced every ten years (or less).
Advanced dental procedures require advanced training
Dr. Abboud, our new in-house periodontist and dental implant specialist, recently completed a three-year Periodontal and Implant Surgery Residency at Loma Linda University's School of Dentistry. Dr. Abboud was also recently nominated as a Diplomate with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). A truly prestigious achievement, the Diplomate designation involves hundreds of rigorous case hours, authored articles, and presentations before the ICOI board.
Dr. Smith has completed a full mouth reconstruction course, which only 2% of U.S. dentists have completed. She is currently working on her Mastership, a five-year course of study with the Academy of General Dentistry.
Both Dr. Abboud and Dr. Smith can help you determine if you're a candidate for dental implants. In addition, they're both certified in sedation dentistry, meaning you'll receive the most advanced care possible in a relaxed and soothing environment.
Don't you deserve the best?
Whether you're looking for advanced cosmetic treatments such as
Dental Implants or Dental Veneers, or simply want regular check-ups,
Dr. Smith can help you. Please call or email the office to set up
a free consultative appointment.
To learn more, please view the Services section of our Website. We've also updated our "Before and After" section with new patient stories and photographs.
Contact Us
By phone: 617.327.1350
Through our Website: www.helainesmithdmd.com
Email: helainesmithdmd@aol.com
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