Approximately one out of every ten Americans is totally without teeth; in addition to this, approximately 30-40 million people are missing five or more teeth. It is known that problems associated with either partials or poorly fitting dentures are very common in the United States. Fortunately, the new generation of osseointegrated dental implants may offer a solution.
Natural teeth are intended to last a lifetime. When an individual loses teeth, the jawbone loses its normal function. The result is atrophy or resorption of the underlying jawbone. Some of you may identify with the premature aging (shrinking) of the jawbone. The process of resorption is due to lack of stimulation and function that was provided by the presence of the teeth.
Unlike traditional full or partial dentures, implants are supported by the bone, not the gum tissues. Since implants are placed directly into the remaining bone, the artificial teeth placed on the implant are very stable. The implant and replacement teeth may be able to restore 90% of the chewing force of natural teeth. Some of you may have noticed that with your full or partial dentures, your chewing of food may be limited. After all, the ability to eat properly is the driving force behind the emergence of the dental implants.
In response to public demand, alternatives to traditional dentures, implants have been on the forefront of dental research. Today, more people are choosing dental implants than ever before. The complaints of slipping, pinching, and sore spots due to ill-fitting dentures and partials will be a problem of the past.
Please contact an American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) Dentist today so you can smile again with confidence.