When patients lose teeth, their ability to chew food and speak distinctly is significantly degraded. Many people are uncomfortable with dentures, as they do not replace the quality of function of natural teeth. More dentists and patients are considering implants instead of dentures. A study indicates that natural teeth can withstand biting pressure of up to 540 pounds per square inch. With dentures, after years of deterioration of the supporting tissues, many people can apply only 50 pounds per square inch. With a successful dental implant, people can absorb as much as 450 pounds per square inch. As a result, dental implants are becoming the alternative of choice.
Dental implants are substitutes for natural tooth roots, which rely on the bone for support. Implants give replacement teeth a more stable base and improve the use patients can get out of their dentures and bridgework. Implants are a small component made of light titanium metal, and some are coated with a bone-like substance (hydroxylapatite or HA) that helps tissue growth around the implant. Most implants have a 10-year, 70 percent to 95 percent survival rate. The success of dental implants depends on many factors, including the patient’s bone type and amount, the patient’s medical condition, the bite relationship of the remaining teeth, cosmetic concerns, personal expectations, the training and experience of the implant dentist, the number and type of implants chosen by the implant dentist, and the quality of the patient’s home care skills once the implants are in place. The incidence of bone rejection or allergy to the implant are minimal — less than one-tenth of one percent.
Statistics indicate that more than 40 million Americans older than 55 have lost some or all of their teeth. Thus, many patients, especially old people, are more likely to seek implant therapy. However, some patients are not recommended for dental implants such as patients with a recent heart attack, AIDS, hepatitis, chronic or severe alcoholism, prolonged corticosteroid use, blood dyscrasias, and collagen diseases. When you consider dental implants, you need to see your dentist for an overall examination and consultation.
For more information about dental implants, please call Dr. Sun at 661-799-8800 or visit her dental office at 23450 Lyons Avenue, Suite B, Newhall, CA 91321.