
May
Losing one or more teeth can result in unsightly gaps that can make you insecure about your looks and result in a host of dental issues. Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula at Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo, California, can provide patients with valuable information about permanent dental implants. She can answer all your questions and, after a thorough examination, determine whether or not you will be a good candidate to receive them. Dental implants are a permanent solution that can restore form and function to your mouth.
Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or to secure an entire denture plate. A dental partial can also be created and secured using dental implants. Partials are normally used if you are missing two or three teeth in different areas of your mouth. A partial will snap in and out, just like a denture plate, once the posts are put in place. Once a dental implant is in place, more can be added if more teeth are lost over time.
Dental implants can actually stabilize and strengthen the structure of the jawbone. When a tooth is lost, and the root is gone, the bone has nothing to hold onto and gradually erodes. As more bone tissue is lost, dentures may become loose and slip or slide when you have them in. Embedding the metal post into the jawbone causes calcium and other components to flood the area and build new bone tissue around the post. This firmly secures it in place permanently.
A dental implant can support one or several teeth. An entire denture plate can be secured by four evenly spaced permanent implants. Partials may be supported by one or two implants, depending on where the missing teeth are located. Your dentist will be able to figure out how many implants will be needed to support the teeth you need to have replaced and create an appliance that will accomplish that task. More implants can be added later if needed.
Dental implants are easy to take care of. The posts themselves require very little, if any, care at all. Rinsing your mouth with an ADA-approved mouthwash after meals will help keep bacterial growth to a minimum, and rinse away any food particles left behind. Appliances can be cleaned with a soft brush and toothpaste or by soaking in water with a denture tablet. Cleaning them thoroughly every day will ensure they remain in good condition for many years.
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for permanent dental implants is to visit your dentist and have a complete dental exam. Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula at Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo, CA, can help determine if dental implants are a good solution for your needs. If you are, she can set up an appointment to get the process started. If you are an existing patient, call (949) 362-8523. New patients will have to call (949) 289-9993 to schedule an appointment.