Implant dentistry: Preserving Natural Dentition

Preserving Natural Dentition

Dental implants have become one of the most comfortable and effective means of teeth replacement. The reason for the widespread use of dental implants in state-of-the-art restorative dentistry is the excellent set of aesthetic and functional properties of dental implants. Among the numerous benefits of dental implants, the most important is the preservation of the natural dentition.

After the loss of a tooth, the surrounding bone undergoes resorption (bone loss) extensively due to lack of support. A dental implant placed in the same socket holds the bone and prevents undue loss.

Dental implants can prevent problems by providing a functional replacement for the missing tooth.

Loss of a tooth creates an imbalance in the dental occlusion. The tooth present opposite to the missing tooth becomes functionally compromised. There can be a drifting of the rest of the teeth causing gaps between them and the tight contacts open up. Food particles and debris can get trapped in these gaps and become difficult to remove. Eventually, the teeth undergo decay and might even progress to the stage of loss of vitality if treatment is not done in the right time. Proper oral hygiene in such circumstances becomes difficult, thus increasing the chances of periodontal disease. Dental implants can prevent these problems by providing a functional replacement for the missing tooth.

If crowns and bridges are utilized as an option for teeth replacement, the integrity of neighboring teeth can be affected adversely. This is mainly due to the fact that they derive their support from the adjacent teeth. The periodontal ligament and the bone of the adjacent teeth have to bear extra stresses which in due course of time weaken them and, at times, even lead to their loss. Dental implants are inserted directly into the bone so they do not require support from the neighboring teeth. They function independently and naturally similar to every other tooth in the dentition.

Are you interested in learning more about dental implants?  Dr. VanderMolen has the answers you need.  Call and make an appointment at Advanced Dental Care today, (217) 546-3333.

Learn about our Free Dental Implant Seminars where you can get more information first hand from Dr. VanderMolen at no obligation.