Teeth tilting and drifting. What in the world causes that? Actually, the cause is something that affects millions of Americans. It's tooth loss, a truly devastating condition that mars oral function, bone structure, gum tissue and yes, where your teeth reside in your jaw bone. An expert in dental implants and in bioesthetic dentistry, Dr. Ernest Skaggs uses dental implants in his Radcliff, KY, practice to ensure your teeth stay in place, and bite and chew are comfortable and efficient. Learn here about dental implants and the role these inventive tooth replacements play in stabilizing your teeth, gums, jaw and more.

The remedies for missing teeth

For generations, dentists have replaced missing teeth with conventional prosthetics such as fixed bridgework and full and partial dentures. Unfortunately, these appliances provide little support for neighboring teeth and no exercise for gum tissue and jaw bone.

Fortunately, your dentist in Radcliff supplies dental implants for individuals who have sufficient bone density and good overall and oral health. These amazing devices provide the natural-looking facial appearance and optimal oral function patients need to look and feel their best. Plus, dental implants support bridgework and dentures and halt the movement of teeth near a smile gap.

Placement of dental implants

This restorative treatment involves several steps:

1. Complete oral examination and X-rays to determine oral health and necessary bone structure
2. Installation of the implant device (or in the case of bridges or dentures, multiple devices)
3. Healing, or osseointegration, in which the titanium implant and jaw bone fuse
4. Placement of an extension post and custom-fabricated dental crown

While the dental implant process takes many weeks to complete, the wait is well-worth it as, afterward, patients experience a very natural facial appearance, biting, chewing and speaking. In fact, dental implants help the entire dentition (arrangement of teeth, gums, joints, muscles and bone) to equalize, a major objective of bioesthetic dentistry.

Additional benefits

Dental implants require no enamel reduction the way conventional tooth replacements do. For instance, to anchor a partial denture or fixed bridge, your dentist must remove portions of tooth enamel from the surrounding teeth. This reshaping allows the clasps or crowns to adhere firmly to their natural neighbors. Dental implants, on the other hand, are stand alone prosthetics. They get their support from the jaw bone.

Also, dental implants stay in place for decades. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry maintains that implants last indefinitely as long as the patient brushes, flosses and gets professional cleanings. So in the long run, dental implants are the more cost-effective replacements.

Support your smile

Dr. Ernest Skaggs and his staff will help you do it with dental implants. Contact their Radcliff, KY, office today for your one-on-one consultation. Call (270) 351-3265.