Confidently Smile with Dental Implants

By Chie Li Ee DMD, PA and Gina Pratta
Missing teeth are detrimental to a person’s long-term health. Replacing them can dramatically improve a person’s confidence, smile and chewing ability. Luckily, the advances in implant dentistry have made it possible for people with missing teeth to confidently speak, enjoy their favorite foods and function as they would with natural teeth.
The consequences of not replacing missing teeth go beyond appearances, negatively impacting the health and stability of adjacent and opposing teeth. Open spaces where teeth should be causes teeth to shift and move, becoming mobile, eventually leading to more tooth loss.
Dental implants have revolutionized dentistry by offering a much more stable and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth. They can be utilized for single or multiple missing teeth in a variety of different ways. For example, implant overdentures allow a person to comfortably bite into hard foods without the worry of the denture moving, trapping food or causing embarrassing clicking sounds. New technology has even made it possible for some people to have “Teeth in a Day.” This procedure uses implants to anchor a fixed bridge and allows the person to go home with teeth the same day as the procedure.
A dental implant is a titanium post that simulates the root of a natural tooth and can support a crown, bridge or overdenture. (Titanium is used due to its compatibility with bone and oral tissues.) They are very durable and can last a lifetime when properly cared for with regular brushing, flossing and routine check-ups.
Because dental implants provide the same function as a natural tooth root, they are becoming the optimum treatment choice for many adults that have lost permanent teeth. The number of Americans with dental implants is estimated to be about three million and rising with a long term success rate of over 95 percent, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Recurrent decay, gum disease and other factors often doom fixed bridgework to early failure, causing a need for replacement every 7-15 years. Within 5-7 years, a 30 percent failure rate in teeth next to the fixed bridges or removable partial dentures has also been demonstrated, proving that dental implants are even the most cost effective treatment option in the long term for replacing missing teeth.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ee today to determine what will best help you achieve your dental goals. Cape May Dental Associates welcomes new patients and is always happy to answer any questions about your dental health. Call (609) 884-5335, follow us on Facebook or email info@capemaydental.com today.