Dental Implants
Are They the Right Fit
for Your Needs?
NEAL M. SOLAR, DMD With the loss of one or more
teeth, more than your smile
may be at stake. Missing teeth
can lower confidence, but they can also
contribute to health problems. For many
patients, implants are the ideal solution.
There are many reasons patients
lose teeth, from accidental injury
to periodontal disease or advanced
decay that necessitates their removal.
Whether the patient opts to replace
these with full or partial dentures, or
chooses to live with one or more gaps
between remaining teeth, the result
can often prove problematic.
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
Denture wearers sometimes have
problems achieving a proper fit,
resulting in discomfort and difficulty
with eating certain foods. Improperly
fitting dentures or bridges can also
cause self-consciousness regarding
personal appearance which can
contribute to lowered self-esteem and
even depression. Loose dentures can
also make speaking more difficult,
another source of frustration.
But aside from these performance
related issues that can impact lifestyle
and confidence, a missing tooth can
lead to deterioration of the underlying
jawbone. A partial denture can often
add to the damage since they rely on
neighboring teeth for support.
THE IMPLANT ADVANTAGE
For those who still have healthy
gums and underlying bone structure,
implants may be a more desirable
solution for tooth replacement.
Essentially an artificial replacement
for tooth roots, dental implants are
surgically placed anchors upon which
crowns can then be attached. Made of
titanium and other materials that are
well-suited to the human body, implants
actually help to maintain jaw
strength and health as they integrate
with surrounding tissue.
Dental implants achieve a secure
fit which can help patients chew
foods like steak or an apple, which
might otherwise pose a problem for
denture wearers. Implants can be
used in both upper and lower jaws
and have been used successfully for
decades.
18 COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE DIGEST • OCT–DEC 2018 | WWW.CHDIGEST.COM
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