5 important guidelines when weighing dental implant options
CONTACT: Barbara M. Fornasiero; EAFocus Communications; 248.260.8466; barbara@eafocus.com
Rochester, Mich.–– September 18, 2018––Studies estimate that about 178 million Americans are missing at least one permanent tooth. Marco L. Tironi, D.D.S., of Doolin Haddad Advanced Dentistry, a Rochester, Michigan, practice that focuses on cosmetic, implant and restorative dentistry, notes there is a profound impact on the quality of life for those missing some or all of their teeth.
“Although tooth loss is often a traumatic experience for the patient, missing teeth often bring esthetic, functional and psychosocial concerns as well,” Dr. Tironi said. “If left untreated, patients may experience diminished facial support, loss of jaw bone support for other teeth, drifting and shifting of neighboring teeth, inability to eat/chew, difficulty speaking and an overall decrease in their quality of life.”
Dr. Tironi points out that as we age, the issue can become more common. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 30 percent of adults between the ages of 65–74 have no natural teeth.
While there are several tooth replacement options available to patients including the use of removable dentures or a dental bridge—which connects to the neighboring teeth and places an artificial tooth between them—Dr. Tironi often recommends dental implants because of their durability.
Dental implants, which involve placing a titanium fixture (screw) into the jaw bone and allowing adequate healing time to become stable, are the best alternative to teeth available at this time, according to Dr. Tironi. The 15-year life span rate for a dental implant is at or above 95 percent; for a bridge replacing one tooth, it is approximately 74 percent. Dr. Tironi added that dental implants mimic the roots of natural teeth, in addition to offering the ability to replace single or multiple teeth without relying on surrounding teeth.
When weighing options, the tooth replacement procedure chosen by patients often depends on the condition associated with each person’s mouth and the oral and physical health of the individual. Therefore, Dr. Tironi offers five tips for individuals to consider in their process of deciding which solution is best for them.
1.) Choose a dental office with the credentials and a dentist who uses the most up-to-date diagnostic tools and technology
Find a dentist who can provide whichever tooth replacement option you choose from start to finish. General dentists with comprehensive implant dentistry training beyond dental school are well-equipped to provide both implant placement as well as restoration of the implant(s), enabling patients to have all of the procedures completed under one roof.
2.) Plan ahead if tooth loss is inevitable
If tooth loss is inevitable at the present time or in the near future, and dental implants are a desired option to replace the missing teeth, plan ahead by having a 3d (CBCT) scan. Pre-planning allows for better pre-operative diagnosis, precise dental implant placement, and better overall results. Another form of pre-planning includes the use of dental bone grafting. Often times, a bone graft will need to be completed at the time of tooth removal. This generally allows for improved healing and a much better outcome.
3.) Provide a thorough health history to your dentist
Before receiving an implant or undergoing any type of dental surgery, provide a thorough health history as well as a list of medications to your dentist so the best plan for dental implant success can be developed for you.
4.) Don’t wait…your dental health and quality of life may depend on timing of implants
If you are waiting to have failing teeth removed, there is a good chance that they may become painful or further infected if you procrastinate too long. The ideal time to consider dental implant placement is approximately 3–4 months after the tooth has been removed, but in certain cases, the dental implant can be placed at the same time as the failing tooth is removed. Teeth actually stimulate your jaw bone, but when this stimulation stops (when the tooth is removed), the jaw bone begins to deteriorate at a fairly rapid rate. This may preclude dental implant placement if the jaw bone is allowed to deteriorate, without tooth replacement, for an extended period of time.
5.) Think of this as an investment
These types of treatments are really investments in your overall health. As with any decision in life, know the pros and cons of each option up front, but make dental decisions with long-term goals in mind and with a “comprehensive” mindset.
“When exploring options for tooth replacement for yourself or a family member, take an in-depth look at dental implant placement as the premier option. Set aside time to have your questions answered and make sure to find an experienced dentist who provides a thorough consultation,” Dr. Tironi said. “I often remind my patients that you don’t need teeth to live, but the quality of life is a lot better with them!”
To learn more about Doolin Haddad Advanced Dentistry and the additional restorative and cosmetic dental services for tooth loss, visit www.discoverdh.com.
About Doolin Haddad Advanced Dentistry
Founded in 1990 by Dr. Kurt Doolin and with the introduction of Dr. Jeff Haddad in 2001, Doolin Haddad Advanced Dentistry delivers the latest advances in dentistry to their patients. Beyond dental school, Dr. Doolin is a graduate of the Misch International Implant Institute, the Pikos Implant Institute and the Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dental Studies. Dr. Haddad is a graduate and Fellow of LVI. Both doctors perform complex restorative and cosmetic dentistry, treat TMJ disorders and are sought after speakers on relevant topics in the advanced dentistry field. Marco Tironi, D.D.S., joined the practice in 2013 and has continued his training at Spear Education, LVI and the Misch International Implant Institute. Discover Health. Discover Happiness. Discover How. DiscoverDH. To learn more, visit www.discoverdh.com.
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