We get a lot of patients who come into our office wanting a dental bridge but leave with dental implants instead. During their first appointment, Dr. Ashley Covington breaks down why dental bridges are an okay method of replacing missing teeth — and why dental implants are that much better. In certain cases, a dental bridge may be perfect for a patient but the vast majority of the time, dental implants are longer-lasting and provide patients with more “bang” for their buck. Here are the top four reasons why we recommend getting dental implants instead of a bridge. Strength A bridge is incomparable to implants in terms of strength. While fixed bridges are secured to surrounding teeth (giving the prosthesis some measure of strength), …
Learn more about Dental Implants with the latest news and information at Lowcountry Family Dentistry’s dental blog.
Dental Implants: Commonly Asked Questions
What are dental implants? Dental implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth (View Example). They are inserted into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure that takes place in the dental office. After the implant has been placed in your jawbone, a completely lifelike porcelain tooth crown is attached. In some cases, the implant needs to fuse with the bone for several months before it is permanently crowned; in other cases, you can have new (but temporary) teeth the same day your implants are placed. Is the procedure painful? Our patients tell us that there is very little to no discomfort associated with the placement of an implant, and there is minimal to no swelling. General anesthesia is available …
A Complete Guide to Mini Dental Implants
Are you looking to replace your missing teeth with implants but don't have the bone mass in your jaw to hold conventional implants? Or do you lack the ability to undergo surgery? All good! Mini dental implants may the best option for you. Mini dental implants are just as effective as traditional implants, but because they're smaller, they come with some additional benefits, including the fact that the procedure is much less involved. As you read on, we'll look at what traditional dental implants are and why they're needed. We'll then look at the difference between conventional and mini dental implants, the procedural differences, and the requirements for application. We'll also talk about how to take the best care of your mini …
Missing Teeth: Causes, Consequences & Solutions
Think that there aren’t any real consequence to missing teeth? Think again! Missing teeth isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Teeth fulfill all kinds of roles, some of which require that they all work together. Gaps can, and do, make a difference in the overall wellness of your mouth/body. Why do adults lose their teeth? There are several common reasons why you might lose a tooth as an adult. Accidents and trauma: Painful events, such as taking an elbow to the teeth during a family football game, are one common way that people lose teeth. This is usually a one-time event that accompanies a trip to the dentist right away. Although painful, teeth that get knocked out are typically of less concern than those lost for other …
SCI-FI Dentistry: Dental Implants = Bionic Teeth
Do you remember that TV show about Steve Austen, The Bionic Man? And how they were able to rebuild him because they had the technology to give him new body parts that would make him better than he was? Well in the decades since that show first aired, dentistry has come up with a replacement for missing teeth, that is positively, bionic. It’s called the dental implant and it’s arguably the most important dental technology to date. Let’s take a closer look to this remarkable innovation that unlike Steve Austen’s new legs, only requires a minor office surgical procedure. A dental implant is a small titanium post that is designed as a replacement of the root part of a missing tooth and is positioned inside your jaw bone just as natural …
How Long to The Wait For a Dental Implant After Extraction?
How Long is Typical? How long a patient will have to wait to have a dental implant placed after a tooth extraction varies from person to person and depends on several factors. In some cases, if enough healthy jawbone is present, it may be possible to place a dental implant the same day a tooth is taken out. However, in most cases, our Ladys Island dentist will recommend waiting 3 to 6 months after a tooth extraction to allow the area to fully heal. But if someone chooses to wait longer than that, they’ll experience more bone loss in the jaw (which naturally occurs when a tooth is removed). If enough time goes by, the jaw may become too thin or weak to support an implant. In those cases, a bone graft may be recommended to restore the …
What are All-On-4 Implant Dentures?
All-On-4 Dentures, also called Implant-Supported Dentures or Implant-Retained Dentures, are a great option for patients who have lost their natural teeth. Implant-supported dentures are the middle ground between the conventional denture that uses adhesive and the more expensive advanced full-arch dental implants. All-On-4 Dentures are a great option for individuals who are seeking an affordable option to significantly improve their ability to chew and smile. The support of the implant allows the dental fixture to be shaped into a horseshoe, reducing the bulkiness and opening the palate to create more space for the tongue and better ability to taste food. Implant-supported dentures are sturdier and do not require adhesive. The …
Our Beaufort SC Dentist Office 8 Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures
While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing and treating oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth, mouth and smile. In other words restorative, general and/or family dental practices address dental problems that require necessary treatment, whereas cosmetic dentistry provides elective – or desired – treatments or services. Cosmetic treatments may also provide restorative benefits. For example, dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat decayed teeth. Previously, most dental fillings were composed primarily of gold, amalgam and other materials that left visible dark spots on the teeth. Todays dental fillings may be considered cosmetic to a certain …
Three Reasons You Should Replace Missing Teeth
The aesthetic benefits you get from replacing missing teeth are a good enough reason to start the process, but the impact goes way beyond that. Replacing lost teeth is crucial for your long-term oral health. Here are some of the reasons why patients should consider replacing missing teeth sooner rather than later: 1. Lost function and form are restored Teeth and their roots work in tandem to stabilize a person's bone structure and bite. When some teeth are missing, the teeth surrounding them are prone to shifting towards the gap created by the lost tooth. This can easily lead to crooked teeth alongside the hole in the person's smile. A tooth's roots serve an important role in keeping the bone structures in and around the jaw …
What’s Better: A Dental Implant or a Bridge?
Tooth loss is extremely common. It’s estimated that 69 percent of adults 35 to 44 have lost at least one adult tooth. By age 74, about a quarter of Americans lose all of their adult teeth. When you lose a tooth, it’s essential to get a proper replacement to keep the rest of your teeth aligned. Replacement teeth can also help you maintain your facial shape and avoid difficulties with eating or speaking. Two of the most common options are dental bridges and implants. Dental bridges are false teeth held in place by the teeth around your missing tooth. They’re usually made from materials like porcelain or plastic to match your natural tooth color. They can cover one or several missing teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots …