Modern dental technology advances have increased Dentists choices in ways to replace missing teeth, retain previously teeth thought to be hopeless or to replace all teeth.

Dental implants advances over the past 30 years have helped millions of patients replace teeth.

Q:  How can I have my missing, broken and diseased teeth replaced to look like and function like my original teeth?

A:  The condition of the remaining teeth as well as overall oral health, cosmetics, durability, longevity, cost and number of dental visits required need to be considered. Technology has given us options other than extracting the remaining teeth and making dentures. Consult with your dentist before treatment begins on the best options for you. A Dentist is responsible for a thorough examination and proper diagnosis to determine the best treatment for the patient, evaluate the benefits versus the risk and determine which treatments are necessary.

Q: Why would my tooth have to be removed?

A: A list of reasons include: badly decayed, broken below the gum line, worn by grinding and clenching, gum disease with bone loss and tooth mobility, fractures, accidents, financial ability to pay for treatment or a combination of the conditions.

Q: Can I have all my remaining teeth extracted and implants placed? I’ve seen TV ads for all this done being done in one day.

A: A dental implant is a titanium metal post, surgically placed into your jawbone. The implant replaces the root of the missing tooth. Prosthesis is anchored to the implant.  This can be a single implant crown (cap), multiple implants and crowns bridged together or a multiple implant-borne denture. Healing and integration of implants into the jawbone takes 3-4 months before being able to function like teeth.

Implant teeth you can get the same day involved having all teeth in upper or lower or both jaws extracted, 3-4 extra-long implants per arch placed into skeletal bone and a temporary full denture made that day screwed into the implants.  After healing, in about 6 months, the appliance is removed, remade and replaced with the final screwed in new denture appliance.

There exist many choices in restoring your teeth to proper form and function. Dental implants give the dentist the ability to replace missing or unrestorable teeth. In most cases, the preferred treatment includes saving the remaining natural teeth.

The idea of extracting restorable teeth then replacing with implants should not be an option. Implants are not natural teeth.

The ultimate decision of restorative options is determined between the patient and dentist.