Dental Implants- 21st Century Technology
03/07/2008
By Dr. Steven Goldy
Gaps in your smile caused by the loss of permanent teeth can cause you to miss out on more than dental health – you could be losing out on good nutrition and good times with friends and colleagues. Feeling embarrassed about your smile can hold you back in many areas of life.
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. And by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth.
For thousands of years once a tooth was lost it was gone forever. Then dental technology gave us dentures and bridges. 21st century technology makes it possible to replace the teeth with dental implants.
Although there are now a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. In fact, in many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures.
Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements surgically placed in the jawbone. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or several missing teeth. The implant is constructed in three parts: a titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line; and the crown, which is created by a (restorative dentist and fitted onto the abutment for a natural appearance.
With an overall success rate of about 95% and almost 50 years of clinical research to back them up, dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth.
Author Bio:
Dr. Steven Goldy, DDS is a cosmetic dentist practicing in Beverly Hills. His approach to cosmetic dentistry is founded in his belief that everyone deserves to have the best possible oral health and a confident smile. You reach Dr. Goldy at 310 550 1511. His office is located at 416 N.
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