If you’re missing a tooth or two and want to have a full set of teeth again, dental implants may be just what Dr. Mehta orders. Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. This choice will not only improve your mouth’s health, but will give you the confidence to show your entire smile as often as possible. In the greater Houston area, Dr. Mehta and his experienced staff will address all of your questions and concerns regarding this treatment.
Throughout your lifetime, teeth may be lost for a variety of reasons. Statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35–44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, periodontal (gum) disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay. Further, by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth. Prior dentistry practices would have guided patients to use a fixed bridge or removal denture to address the problem. However, fixed bridges often affect healthy teeth, causing recurrent tooth decay and gum disease. Moreover, removable dentures may lead to bone loss in the area where the tooth or teeth are missing. Not to mention, both alternatives usually need to be replaced every seven to 15 years, which can be very time consuming and costly.
Therefore, dental implants are an increasingly popular choice among dentist professionals and patients alike. Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that are surgically placed in the jawbone. Composed of titanium metal that “fuses” with the jawbone through osseointegration, these implants never slip or make embarrassing noises that advertise you have “false teeth,” and never decay like teeth-anchoring fixed bridges. Because they fuse with the jawbone, bone loss is generally not a problem.
A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts: the titanium implant that fuses 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. Even if you’re missing several teeth in the same area of your mouth, you may still enjoy the confidence and lifestyle benefits that come with dental implants. Two or more implants can easily be placed, depending on the number of teeth that are missing.
With almost 50 years of clinical research on their side and an overall success rate of about 95%, dental implants could be the best treatment option for replacing your missing teeth. Call Dr. Mehta’s office today to schedule an appointment.