Dental implant solutions from a biological approach

As a child, losing a tooth is a rite of passage; one that is often accompanied by posting adorable photos on social media, calls to grandparents and a visit from the Tooth Fairy. However, losing a tooth as an adult can be overwhelming, stressful and embarrassing. Tooth loss or the apprehension linked to possible extraction can cause anxiety about how one might look and feel without a full set of teeth. Dr. Kindal Robertson of Living Wellness Dental Dorchester helps clients find biocompatible solutions for missing teeth through applying his expertise from a biological approach with dental implants. 

Causes of adult tooth loss

Adult tooth loss is more of a common occurrence than one might imagine. Tooth loss may occur from: 

• Trauma related to an accident – From the dreaded “adult fall”, to a car accident, or an errant foul ball, it’s common for the trauma related to similar mishaps to crack or dislodge teeth in a way that requires the care of a dental professional.
• Isolated Decay or damage – Dental caries (cavities) that go undetected or untreated will continue to grow and cause more decay. Eventually, a simple filling may not be possible because there may not be enough healthy tooth structure to support a crown.
• Severe disease, general wear and tear, and unfavourable genetics – whatever the case may be, sometimes there is nothing that can be done and a new tooth or full set of teeth is the only answer.

Tooth replacement options

In some cases of fortune, a tooth may be realigned or reinserted. But when the trauma experienced affects the structure of the tooth or opens up a dangerous pathway for infection to creep into the realm beneath the gums (subgingival) a replacement tooth/teeth is likely the best and safest option. Clients have several options for replacement including:

• crowns or a bridge,
• dentures, or
• dental implants.

Crowns or bridges have worked great and are relatively ready to use sooner.  Implants tend to feel more like natural teeth and don’t rely as much on the strength of neighboring teeth to function.  Dentures are easier to repair and tend to be more economical.

About dental implants

A dental implant serves as a replacement tooth and root – a post and abutment, made of materials that can be assessed to be biocompatible with a client’s physiology, are carefully inserted into the jawbone. The bone is given time to heal and adhere to the post (osseointegration). Once the post and abutment are firmly in place, a permanent prosthesis (crown, bridge or denture) which also can be carefully fabricated with biocompatible materials is attached. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, or several teeth, or in conjunction with other dental solutions, such as dentures, to secure an entire upper or lower set of teeth. This procedure is sometimes referred to as an “All on Four”.

The dental implant procedure does require several trips to the dentist’s office over a period of several months. Living Wellness Dental Dorchester also offers its clients the ability to condense the total time to complete the procedure by expediting the healing phase through using a natural process called Platelet Rich Fibrin or PRF. PRF has been known to greatly accelerate the flesh and bone healing process through applying the client’s own blood platelets to the extraction/implant site! Once the implant and replacement tooth are in place, and after a speedy recovery clients can smile confidently, speak clearly, and enjoy the full functionality of natural looking and performing teeth for many years. 

Advantages of dental implants

Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option for most adults. This treatment offers several advantages, including: 

• Natural appearance: The tooth/teeth is customized to match and function like the remaining teeth.
• Stability and performance: The replacement tooth root/post is inserted directly into the bone offering enhanced stability for the crown/bridge/denture as well as for adjacent teeth. These implant options also offer superior functionality over other less permanent, less secure options like regular dentures.
• Easy care and maintenance: Caring for a dental implant requires the same dental care and regular checkups recommended for all teeth.
• Natural experience: Implants function as other teeth and leave the palette or gaps in your teeth free from awkward appliances that may otherwise inhibit the full experience of enjoying the flavour and texture of your favorite foods.

For more information about biocompatible dental implant procedures and associated benefits or to schedule an appointment, call Dr. Kindal Robertson at Living Wellness Dental Dorchester, (587) 327-1500, today.