Your smile is the first thing people often notice about you. If you are missing one or more teeth, consider Dental Implants Lubbock TX. Dental implants differ from dentures in that they don’t rest on the gum line and they don’t use adjacent teeth like fixed bridges do. A dental implant is a long-term solution to a missing tooth and is surgically placed in the jawbone. Why do many choose implants over other solutions and what are the advantages of doing so?
Studies show that 69% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 are missing at least one permanent tooth. The tooth may have been lost for a number of reasons, including a failed root canal, gum disease or an accident. By the age of 74, a quarter of the population has lost all of their permanent teeth. In the past, dentists would either use a fixed bridge or removable denture to replace these teeth to ensure the patient could eat and speak properly. Often, these solutions led to a whole new set of problems.
Dental Implants in Lubbock TX are made using titanium metal and this metal fuses with the jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration and ensures that you won’t have the problems seen with dentures and fixed bridges. Bone less is rarely a problem when this option is chosen. Dental implants can also last a lifetime while dentures and fixed bridges typically need to be replaced every seven to 15 years. No matter how many teeth you are missing, dental implants can be used to prevent slipping and bone loss.
Dental implants have been successfully used for a wide range of people. Those with existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can typically have dental implants and people with problem teeth or gum disease have a high rate of success when dental implants are used. Smoking does lower the implant success rate, but doesn’t eliminate this solution completely. Those who wear partials or dentures may wish to have dental implants to stabilize and secure the dentures and those with bone loss may have implants after bone grafts are done.
Speak to a dentist today to see if dental implants are right for you. Many find they are the solution the patient has been looking for. With a great success rate, you can have a healthy, natural smile again.
