Jun
Missing teeth can be a serious problem. Most Lakewood area patients think it is just an aesthetic issue, but it truly does affect function. Our teeth are necessary to help us chew our food so it can be easily digested. It allows us to eat the foods that provide nutrients and calories for our body to work at its best. When patients are missing teeth, they may not be able to enjoy their favorite foods. They may have difficulty biting and chewing. Additionally, missing teeth leave gaps in the smile that can result in the shifting of the existing teeth. This may result in the need for orthodontics to correct alignment. Instead, Dr. Scott Stewart recommends that patients speak to him regarding repairing the smile promptly after tooth loss to ensure proper function and aesthetics.
Patients have many options available to them when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Dr. Scott Stewart offers three traditional options including dentures, bridges, and dental implants. When patients are seeking a permanent solution that is a wise investment in their smile, they often choose dental implants if they are an appropriate candidate for placement.
Dental implants come in a few different varieties. The traditional implant is made of titanium, and now our practice offers an alternative such as zirconium dental implants, which are more aesthetic and biocompatible. Dr. Scott Stewart can speak with patients to determine which is most appropriate for their needs.
The process of placing dental implants is rather simple but more invasive than the placement of dentures or bridges. Oral surgery is done to make a hole in the bone for which the implant is placed. The gum tissue is sutured and the area must be allowed many weeks to heal, during which osseointegration occurs. This is a process where the bone of the jaw grows and retains the placement of the implant. Afterwards, the implants can be restored on top as decided upon before the treatment takes place.