Dental Implants

Best Treatment for Missing Teeth

Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don’t feel secure, or you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own!

Why Implants?

Did you know that dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth? Rather than resting on the gumline like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that Dr. Nomura surgically places in the jawbone.

Under proper conditions, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies continue to show improving success rates for implants. 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. They form a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function just like natural teeth.

Twenty years ago, many patients with missing teeth would have had no alternative but a fixed bridge or removable denture to restore their ability to eat, speak clearly and smile. (Teeth may be lost because of tooth decay, root canal failure, gum disease, trauma to the mouth, excessive wear and tear, or congenital defects.) Fixed bridges often alter adjacent healthy teeth, and removable dentures may lead to bone loss in the area where the tooth or teeth are missing for a long time. Our aim is to have our restorations, including implants, last at least 20 years, and we have had them last longer. It boils down to your oral home care and having regular cleanings and check-ups. We at Dr. Nomura’s office advocate preventive measures for longevity of the human dentition.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts: the titanium implant that integrates with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line; and the crown, which is fitted onto the abutment for a natural appearance. Because they are made of titanium, implants do not corrode, decay, break down and they are biologically compatible. Once the teeth are attached to the implants it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between real teeth or implants in the way they bite, feel or look. The best part is that they impart youthfulness to the person who has them and they preserve the person’s facial bone for life.

If you are missing several teeth in the same area of your mouth, you may still enjoy the confidence and lifestyle benefits that come with dental implants. We can place two or more dental implants, depending on the number of teeth that are missing. Your replacement teeth will be attached to the implants to allow excellent function and prevent bone loss. The implants will serve as a stable support for your replacement teeth and/or dentures to prevent slipping and bone loss. Implants can be placed under dentures to hold them in the mouth.

Are Implants for You?

The ideal candidate for a dental implant is in good general and oral health. Adequate bone in your jaw is needed to support the implant, and the best candidates have healthy gum tissues that are free of periodontal disease. If you can have routine dental treatment, you can generally have an implant placed. While precautions are advisable for certain conditions, patients with such chronic diseases as high blood pressure and diabetes are usually successful candidates for dental implant treatment.

As you know, your own teeth require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. Dental implants are like your own teeth and will require the same care. In order to keep your implant clean and plaque-free, brushing and flossing still apply!

Benefits

Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally.

When they count the benefits they enjoy as a result of their dental implants, patients say their implants allow them to enjoy a healthy and varied diet without the restrictions many denture wearers face. With a sense of renewed self-confidence, many people rediscover the excitement of an active lifestyle shared with family and friends and the chance to speak clearly and comfortably with co-workers. For all these reasons, people with dental implants often say they feel better… they look better… they live better.

Please give us a call at 206-246-4660 to discuss whether implants are right for you!