(904) 387-3333Dental Implants for Jacksonville, Florida
If you’re missing teeth, you can still get a great smile with dental implants from West Dentistry.
Missing teeth are a very common problem. In fact, almost 70% of American adults will lose at least one tooth by the time they’re 44, and about a quarter will lose all of their teeth by the age of 74. Why do so many people lose their teeth? Gum disease, teeth grinding, decay, dental infections, and injury all contribute to tooth loss, making it difficult to fend off all possible causes of the problem. However, there are multiple solutions to this pervasive issue, and one of the best is dental implants. At West Dentistry in Jacksonville, Florida, we can provide you with dental implants to fix a smile broken by missing teeth.
Dental implants are a great choice for replacing missing teeth because they so closely mimic your natural tooth structure. No other form of tooth replacement rests atop prosthetic “tooth roots.” With dental implants, titanium posts are surgically placed into your jawbone, not only holding your replacement teeth firmly in place, but supporting your jaw health as well.
Why are dental implants so great for your jaw health? Your jawbone serves an important function: holding tooth roots in place. Once those tooth roots are gone, your jawbone begins to naturally deteriorate, which can cause changes in your facial shape, contribute to bite problems, and lead to TMJ issues. When your jawbone is supporting dental implants, however, it doesn’t deteriorate.
If you think about it, dental implants provide greater stability for your new teeth compared to other forms of tooth replacement because they’re anchored into your jawbone. Dentures slip, and even fixed bridges aren’t as stable and strong as dental implants.
What are dental implants? - your questions answered
Full Arch Dental Implants - what are my options?Implant Placement
Dental implants are surgically placed beneath the gum line. Many dentists must refer this portion of the implant procedure to a separate dental office, but Dr. West is highly experienced in every aspect of implant dentistry. She will create a treatment plan and insert the appropriate number of dental implants within the gums. There, they promote the growth of bone tissue and actually become one with your jaw. The recovery from implant placement typically lasts a few months.
Implant-Retained Crowns & Bridges
If you are missing one or more teeth but still have some natural teeth remaining in the gum line, an implant-retained crown or bridge can fill in the gaps while also preventing further tooth loss or the shifting of teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace any number of teeth. For the front teeth, a ceramic crown/bridge can preserve aesthetics, while a porcelain or tooth colored crown/bridge may be recommended for teeth in the back of the smile.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Patients who wear dentures often face issues finding the proper fit. Unfortunately, a loose or uncomfortable prosthetic can cause a host of issues, including stress, anxiety, and sore spots in the soft oral tissues that can increase your risk of infection. Implant-retained dentures solve all of these problems. When a denture is secured on sturdy implant posts rather than your gum tissue, you can eat, speak, and smile with total confidence.
Dr. Jacqueline West provides dental implants in Jacksonville, Florida. Contact us for an appointment to consult with Dr. West regarding your smile and dental implants. We serve Jacksonville, Riverside, Avondale, and Ortega, offering comfortable and complete tooth replacement as well as other restorative dentistry services to make sure your smile is always in excellent health.