Many times a person who has missing teeth may be looking for ways that they can replace the lost teeth while avoiding some of the problems other types of treatments caused in the past. In times past, many people who had lost teeth were primarily given the option of dentures, which could feel unnatural and cause discomfort and/or pain as well. This caused many to avoid having treatment for their condition. However, today a Cosmetic Dentist in Salem, OR can offer patients other options that can eliminate these issues.
One of the main types of treatments that a Cosmetic Dentist in Salem, OR will often recommend for a person who is missing teeth is dental implants. Unlike dentures and other types of replacement treatments dental implants can provide a patient with replacement teeth that not only look natural but feel natural as well.
In most situations, the Cosmetic Dentist Salem OR will first need to examine the patient to determine what type of dental implants the patient’s jawbone can handle. Most dentists prefer to use endosteal implants, which are implants that are surgically placed into the patient’s jawbone. However, if a patient has several missing teeth or they have been gone for a number of years, the mas in their jawbone may not support this type of implant. If this is the case, the dentist will need to use subperiosteal implants. These implants are placed atop the bone through the use of a custom fitted metal frame.
If the patient can handle the endosteal dental implant then a Cosmetic Dentist in Salem, OR will perform a minor operation to place the implants or metal rods into the patient’s jawbone. These rods are made of biocompatible materials so that they can begin to bond with the jawbone and create a firm foundation for the replacement teeth appliances. Often the dentist will need to leave the implants alone for a period of months so that this bonding can become complete.
Once the implants are bonded, the dentist will be able to affix dental appliances such as crowns, bridges or dentures to them. This can provide the patient with replacement teeth that look natural and do not move or slip about in the mouth. This can be very beneficial for a patient when they are eating, speaking and smiling as well.
