If you’re between the ages of 35-65 and aren’t missing a tooth, you’re actually the minority. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, an estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and nearly 40 million Americans are missing all their teeth. That’s because the older you get, the more prominent complications like gum disease become, which can weaken the overall structure of your teeth.
If you’ve already lost a tooth, chances are you want to replace it for cosmetic or sentimental reasons. Teeth feel personal to us in a way that many other things don’t, and losing them can be traumatic for many. If you don’t count yourself as a sentimental person, however, there are plenty of other reasons to replace missing teeth, as they can actually create larger issues concerning your overall oral health.
Dental implants are one of the most popular ways patients choose to replace their missing teeth, because they are safe, effective, and can last a lifetime when properly cared for. Each implant is rooted into your jaw bone, just like a real tooth, and has an attractive, durable crown that blends right in. If you’re interested in dental implants, follow our three-step, no-nonsense guide to getting those teeth replaced.
Step One: The Consultation
As is the first step in almost any procedure, it’s best to start with a scheduled consultation. During this time, your dentist will perform an oral exam to ensure your oral health is good enough for implants. If you have gum disease or other dental problems, it may be recommended that you resolve these problems before moving forward with implants. Your dentist will also take a comprehensive model of your teeth, and provide you with your tooth replacement options.
Step Two: The Plan
Using a model that was created from the scans, your dentist will come up with a surgical plan which allows us to completely optimize the procedure. We will precisely design provisional restorations. This step can be done between visits, reducing the amount of time that you’re actually sitting in the dentist’s chair.
Step Three: The Implant Procedure
Finally, it will be time for the actual procedure. During the procedure, your comfort will be of the utmost importance. For those patients who suffer from extreme dental anxiety, sedation dentistry offers an array of treatments — many of which are drug-free — which can help you feel more relaxed and in control. With improved imaging technology and techniques, dental implants carry a nearly 98 percent success rate. So you can sit back, relax, and know your teeth are taken care of.
If you are missing one or more teeth and live in or around Mohegan Lake, New York, please call (914) 526-2144 or contact Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake online to schedule a dental implant consultation.
