Do you have failing or missing teeth? Dr. Louis Olberding often recommends dental implants in Lincoln to replace teeth lost to accident, decay, gum disease or congenital defect. Dental implants are true artificial teeth surgically placed right into the jaw bone for unparalleled stability, durability, and aesthetics. While they may cost more at the outset than other tooth replacement choices, dental implants rarely need replacement. Plus, they look, feel and function like real teeth. Their amazing benefits and versatility make them today’s premiere tooth replacement option.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
A dental implant is composed of a titanium metal screw, inserted into the jaw bone during an in-office surgical procedure. After some weeks of healing, Dr. Olberding places an abutment, or post, onto the implant and then bonds a customized zirconia crown on the post.
Because the implant screw is made from titanium, it melds exceptionally well to the jaw bone through a natural process called osseointegration. In fact, osseointegration helps strengthen the jaw bone, a characteristic unique to dental implants. Other tooth replacement options such as bridgework or traditional dentures simply rest on top of the gums and do not provide the exercise the jaw needs to preserve its integrity.
Additionally, because implants go right into the jaw, they do not require support from adjoining teeth the way bridgework or partial dentures do. As such, neighboring teeth need no enamel preparation, nor do they experience the wear and tear common to bridges and partials. Another great benefit of implants is that they can anchor fixed or removable dentures.
Patients praise dental implants because they stop the tooth drifting that occurs after tooth loss. Also, they enjoy excellent smile aesthetics. Implants are indistinguishable from natural teeth, and implant-supported dentures and bridgework prevent the facial changes and skin wrinkling that occurs when teeth are not replaced. Patients also speak and eat normally, with none of the speech slurring and appliance slippage common to conventional dentures.
In addition, while dental implants initially cost more than other tooth replacement options, implants last indefinitely. Bridgework and traditional dentures require replacement every seven to 10 years, costing patients more money as years go on. So, if you are considering dental implants, think about more than their price tag.
Candidates for Dental Implants
People in good general and oral health may receive implants. The jaw must be of sufficient size and density, too. Your dentist in Lincoln may employ bone augmentation procedures for individuals who do not possess adequate jaw structure.
Finally, while implants have a high success and retention rate (over 90 percent), ideal candidates should not smoke as this degrades gum and bone tissue. Also, implant recipients must brush twice daily and floss around their implants each day. Poor at-home hygiene and infrequent in-office care lead to an infection called peri-implantitis which is similar to periodontal disease.
Learn More about Dental Implants
Dr. Louis Olberding is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and of the International College of Oral Implantologists. He has extensive training through the Misch International Implant Institute and as such is extremely well qualified to deliver predictable results with all phases of the dental implant procedure. Plus, he is well-known for his attention to detail, making him an excellent choice to provide for all your oral health needs.
He and his team would be happy to show you all the advantages dental implants can offer and determine if you are a candidate to receive them. Please contact Olberding Dental today to arrange your one-on-one dental implant consultation.