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Charlotte area patients who are interested in addressing missing teeth within the smile are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. This can help in reducing the likelihood of problems such as shifting teeth within the dental arch and reduced efficiency in eating and speaking. Missing teeth can also have a negative impact on aesthetics as well, so working with a dentist to restore the smile is very important for both function and appearance.
Dr. Carl McMillan of the Cary and Cornelius Holistic Dental Centers offers several ways to replace missing teeth which include dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures. While we often do not recommend dental implants as the first option, there are times when they are the better solution. We can help patients decide if dental implants are right for them with a thorough examination and a better understanding of their specific needs. At our practice, we do not use traditional metal titanium dental implants when we do place them as this essentially places an immunosuppressive electrical rod in the bloodstream that is systemically active. It does more harm than good, which is why when we place dental implants, we use zirconium instead. This is more biocompatible and highly encouraged over the traditional types.
Dental implants are posts surgically implanted into the bone of the jaw and restored over the top. They have better strength and stability versus alternatives though may cost more. These permanent restorations may last a lifetime with proper care. There are several benefits which is why many patients strongly consider them when it comes to replacing missing teeth within the smile.
In order to have dental implants placed, we recommend that patients have a series of examinations done to determine candidacy. Dental implants require enough bone in the jaw to hold the implant in place and help the process of osseointegration to occur. This is a process of bone growth that causes it to wrap around the implant and hold it in place. Dr. Carl McMillan can determine if someone is a viable candidate with a series of x-rays which allows them to see the bone structure of the jaw.