Fix Missing Teeth - Amelia Island Periodontics

Dental implants with Dr. Darryl Field are the favored tooth replacement because they assist in preventing bone loss. Whether you need to replace one tooth or many teeth, dental implants can do the job. They can even be used to stabilize dentures and bridges for a comfortable and more dependable smile.

Conventional dental appliances are still available, but they can be difficult to wear and are not always the best option when it comes to preventing bone loss. People with missing teeth are already at risk for bone loss because the tooth roots are no longer engaging the jaw bone to keep it healthy. Traditional appliances make the situation worse because they do not engage the bone either. As bone deteriorates, the muscles in the face also become slack. Poor facial structure can make dentures hard to wear because the muscles are no longer strong enough to help keep them in place.

• Removable partial dentures: Dentures were once the only choice patients had to replace many missing teeth. This flesh-toned appliance is made from a pliable material and held together with plastic and metal. Worn on the gum line and held down with several metal clips, dentures fail 30 percent of the time and need replacing every five to seven years.
• Fixed partial denture/Three Unit Bridge: Bridges fill in the gaps between two missing teeth. The bridge works by anchoring to a patient’s existing teeth, which have to be grinded down to accommodate it. This places the teeth at a greater risk for damage and decay. Like dentures, bridges also fail 30 percent of the time and need replacing every five to seven years.

Dental implants can replace single or multiple missing teeth and prevent bone loss. Built from decay-resistant titanium, dental implants are placed in the jaw where they act very similarly to human teeth. They fuse to the bone and engage it every day, which is why they are so well noted for preventing bone loss. Plus, they look natural too. Dental implants can even stabilize conventional appliances. Preventing bone loss and beautifying your smile is possible with dental implants from Dr. Field. Call us today for a dental implant consultation.