Missing teeth are detrimental to a person’s long-term health, and 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.
Last year, a Haitian man’s life was transformed when his lower jaw was completely reconstructed after a disfiguring jaw tumor was removed. The Inquirer chronicled this transformation of the 30 year old, Daniel Smith. Daniel’s jaw was reconstructed by Jefferson University surgeons using bone from his left leg. Although the reconstruction surgery was a success, Daniel was still missing all of his lower teeth and needed dental implants. Through the generosity of Jefferson University, the family who hosted him and a Philadelphia prosthodontist, Daniel received the implants he needed and is now able to function as a whole person again.
The story of Daniel Smith demonstrates how implants are revolutionizing the dental world. By offering a much more stable, natural-looking and comfortable replacement for missing teeth, dental implants allow people to chew and speak with confidence. They can be utilized for single or multiple missing teeth in a variety of different ways. For example, implant overdentures allow a person to confidently and comfortably bite into hard foods without the worry of the denture moving, trapping food or causing embarrassing clicking sounds.
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% 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% failure rate in teeth next to the fixed bridges or removable partial dentures had also been demonstrated, proving that dental implants are even the most cost effective treatment option in the long term for replacing missing teeth.
Don’t compromise your health and confidence due to missing teeth. Cape May Dental Associates welcomes new patients and is always happy to answer any questions about your dental health. Call (609)884-5335 or log on to www.capemaydental.com today!
By Chie Li Ee DMD, PA and Gina Pratta
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