Dental Implants An Overview
Dr. Spink emphasizes the importance of keeping one’s natural teeth for as long as possible. However, there are many reasons that a tooth, or teeth, may be lost and replacing it quickly and with the most suitable option is necessary to ensure long term dental health.
Dental implants are often recommended as a natural-looking and functioning permanent solution for lost teeth. Dr. Spink is one of few local dentists offering complete services for dental implants. This means that all phases of the process are performed in his comfortable Vestavia Hills dentist office.
Dental implants have the highest success and patient satisfaction rate compared to any other dental treatment. With dental implants, you can eat, drink, speak and smile with confidence and without any restrictions.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant consists of three parts: a titanium post, which is surgically implanted into your jaw bone by a dentist to replace the tooth root; an abutment, which sits just below the gum line to secure the new tooth to the implant; and a restoration, or artificial tooth, which can either be a dental crown, dental bridge or denture.
I have more than one missing tooth, can I still use implants?
Yes. A dental implant can be used to replace one missing tooth or used to replace all of your missing teeth by supporting a denture or over-bridge. If the dental implants are being used to support a denture or over-bridge, Dr. Spink may place as few as four dental implants to secure the restoration.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- 95% or higher success rate
- Improved bone and gum health (compared to alternative restorations)
- Avoids degradation of health teeth (as in conventional bridgework)
- Improves the appearance of smile and lower face
- Patients can enjoy a healthy diet without restrictions
- No worry of slippage or dentures “falling out”