Are Dentures the Only Answer for Extensive Tooth Loss?

total mouth reconstruction Provo

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and with proper home care and regular checkups at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, they can. But sometimes things go wrong, in spite of everyone’s best efforts. Dental implants are an ideal solution for anyone who loses one or more of their natural teeth.

Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone. Once they do they become rock-solid supports for one or more replacement teeth.

Mulitple implants, usually four, can support a full dental arch. They have a number of advantages over ordinary dentures:

  • More stable. Because they are attached to titanium posts that have fused with the jaw, people have much greater biting and chewing power.
  • Natural in appearance. They look more like natural teeth, and are easier to care for.
  • Built to last. Because they are physically attached to the jaw, implants are long-lasting.
  • Prevent bone recession. With traditional dentures, the bone around missing tooth roots begin to deteriorate. The titanium posts replace some of the tooth roots, so the bone is preserved.

Implant-supported dentures can transform your life, and they are available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Patients come to our office from American Fork and Lehi for implants, general dentistry, and much more. Please call to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8230

The Rate of Bone Loss After Extraction Can Be Slowed or Stopped With an Implant

bone loss after tooth extraction A serious side effect of losing a tooth by extraction, accident, or disease is the potential for bone loss. This can be minimized, or even avoided outright, with a dental implant from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

The alveolar bone

The bone surrounding the teeth is called alveolar bone. Its main job is to support the teeth and provide a tough foundation for tooth roots. Normal mouth function maintains bone health. As you chew, it stimulates bone cells to consistently produce new bone.

When a tooth is lost, the bone where the tooth once was is at risk. The forces of chewing no longer stimulate the bone in that area. The bone begins to get narrower, then shorter.

Studies have shown that a considerable amount of alveolar bone loss can take place within six weeks of losing the tooth. Since it recedes so quickly, the sooner you can get an implant, the better.

Unfortunatley, conventional dentures do nothing to prevent bone loss. A dental implant, however, simulates the natural tooth root and stimulates the bone.

Whether it’s for one or more lost teeth, dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo help to prevent bone loss. People from American Fork and Lehi also come to us for comprehensive general dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8267

Implants Prevent Denture-Related Health Problems

tooth implants Provo

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of adults over 65 have no remaining teeth. Many of them choose dentures. But dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are a state-of-the-art alternative.

Problems With Dentures

Conventional dentures usually fit properly at first, but the mouth changes as you age. Normal wear and tear takes a toll. Eventually, the dentures will need to be relined or replaced.

In addition:

  • Ill-fitting dentures can aggravate gums and cause inflammation. Inflammation can result in additional health issues.
  • Dentures can change a person’s bite, which impacts the (jaw) joint. This, in turn, can lead to pain in the face, neck, and head.
  • Dentures trap food debris. This can result in gum disease.
  • Missing teeth eventually result in bone loss. When the jaw no longer has tooth roots, it shrinks and recedes.

With dental implants you can avoid these health issues.

Dental implants are titanium posts inserted into your jaw. The post gradually fuses with the bone to provide a solid base of support, much like a natural tooth root. One implant can support one artificial tooth, and several can support dentures.

Implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo may be the best investment you ever make. We have placed them in patients from American Fork and Lehi. People also come to us for our full range of general dentistry services. Call today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8088

What are Possible Dental Implant Complications?

risks of dental implants Utah

Dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are state-of-the-art, with a success rate in the area of ninety-eight percent. That number is a testament to implant technology. But like any medical or dental procedure, there are risks. In this post, we will consider possible complications of a dental implant.

  • Infection. Any surgical procedure poses an infection risk. That’s why we often prescribe an antibiotic beforehand. Beginning the second day post-surgery, the implant site should also be rinsed with a salt water solution.
  • Slow healing. A patient is more likely to experience slow healing if they have another medical condition. Possible conditions include gum disease, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism, or poor circulation due to smoking. We take preexisting conditions into account.
  • Sinus problems. Upper implants are placed very close to the floor of the sinus. Because of this proximity, an implant can perforate the floor of the sinus cavity. This is rare.
  • Implant failure. If an implant fails to integrate with the surrounding bone, it is usually due to insufficient blood supply. Teeth grinding, smoking, and the medical conditions discussed previously can impair blood circulation.
  • Nerve damage. Nerve damage occurs in a very small percentage of implant procedures. Patients may have pain, tingling or numbness at the implant site.

An informed patient makes the best decisions, and at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we make sure every dental implant patient knows exactly what is involved. Patients from American Fork and Lehi trust us with implants and also come to us for complete general dentistry. Call us for an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8296

A Missing Tooth Can Lead to Bone Loss

Utah County tooth implants

Dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo support teeth so lifelike, patients have been known to forget some of their teeth aren’t real. That’s now natural their look and function is.

Those simple facts are enough to make most people choose dental implants if they need to replace one or more of their teeth. Then they learn that in addition to those benefits, implants can actually preserve and promote healthy bone mass in their jaws.

Dental Implants and Bone Loss

An unfortunate consequence of losing teeth is that the bone surrounding the lost tooth begins to atrophy. This begins almost immediately, and is usually noticeable within a year or so. The person’s face takes on a shrunken or sagging appearance. The more teeth that are missing, the more pronounced it is.

This happens because of the missing tooth root. But because dental implants are physically attached to the jaw, they mimic the root. The natural biting and chewing motions stimulate the bone and encourage new tissue to grow around the implant.

One dental implant can support one artificial tooth, and several can support a bridge, and even a full dental arch. At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo we have placed them in patients from American Fork and Lehi. Please give our office a call to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8540

Implant Dentures: Fixed Or Removable?

implant dentures Provo

For anyone who has lost all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo may sound like a dream come true: dentures that are attached to the jaw, and surpass traditional dentures in appearance and functionality.

Implant-supported dentures both provide numerous advantages over standard dentures.

  • Secure in the mouth—no slipping
  • Furnishes up to 100% natural chewing function
  • Upper denture doesn’t cover as much of the palate
  • Comfortable
  • Little or no gum irritation
  • Don’t impair speaking ability
  • Strong and durable
  • Implants prevent bone loss and “sunken face”
  • Minimally invasive oral surgery for implant placement

Bone Condition

Implants require a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure for placement. The condition of your jaw bone affects whether it can support implants and where the posts can be inserted.

Implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are game-changers, and we have placed them in patients in American Fork, Lehi, and elsewhere. To find out whether they are right for you, please call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7788

Are There Drawbacks to Dental Implants?

tooth implants Orem

Dental implants have been called one of the most important steps forward in the history of modern dentistry, and we are proud to make them available to our patients at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

Dental implants as we know them today have been around for decades, but they’re one of those things that most people to learn about until they need one. When they do, certain questions crop up pretty consistently:

  • Are dental implant procedures too expensive?
  • Are implants unsafe?
  • Are they experimental?
  • Is the surgery painful?
  • Does it take a long time to recover?

The answer to all of these is: No.

Dental implants are an investment in a better quality of life

Dental implants aren’t cheap. We understand that. But you get so much more than a titanium post and porcelain crown or denture.

You get the ability to chew steak and raw vegetables. You gain self confidence. You preserve the shape of your face. You prevent your teeth from shifting after an extraction. You avoid embarrassing dentures slipping around in your mouth.

Permanent dental implants are a safe, mainstream dental procedure.

In healthy patients who are good candidates for the procedure, implants have a success rate around 98%. Are you thinking about an implant? We only recommend them for those who are good candidates.

If you get a permanent dental implant, it could last the rest of your life.

Dental implant surgery has very little pain and patients usually recover swiftly.

The procedure doesn’t usually take very long, though it depends on how many implants you’re getting. When it’s finished you may experience:

  • Minimal pain at the implant site
  • Minimal bleeding
  • Swelling and/or bruising of the gums and cheeks

These effects should subside after a few days. Ibuprofen and ice packs usually take care of the pain. We will have specific instructions for you.

Dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo restore smiles and restore lives! To find out if they are right for you, please call our office for an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8271

Why is the 4-Step Tooth Implant Timeline Necessary?

why does a tooth implant take several months? Provo

Dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are state-of-the-art in tooth replacement.

The process for getting an implant can take several months, but don’t let that discourage you. Each stage of the procedure is important. It’s not a drawback; it is indicative of the permanent nature of an implant.

The Dental Implant Timeline

1. Dental Implant Examination and Assessment

A complete tooth implant and restoration consists of the post or root replacement, the abutment, and the final restoration (crown, denture, bridge, or partial denture).

It all starts with a consultation. We’ll take X-rays and analyze your mouth and examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If you don’t have adequate bone at the implant site, we may recommend bone grafting.

2. Placement

The first step is to insert the titanium implant into your jawbone. This is not as difficult or painful as it sounds. Most patients are surprised at how fast and easy the procedure is. It usually takes one to two hours.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough for post-surgery discomfort. Most people can go back to work after the surgery.

3. Osseointegration

The key to implant placement is called osseointegration, which means the titanium post fusing with the bone. In most cases it takes three to six months for this to happen. Once it does, you’ve got a rock-solid foundation for the implant.,

4. Placing the Final Restoration

The final step is a crown, bridge, or denture. A connecting piece called an abutment attaches the restoration to the artificial root(s). The crown, bridge, or denture is all that is visible at the end of the process.

Teeth supported by dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo are life-changing. We’ve placed them in patients from American Fork and Lehi. We also offer porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Please call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 8248

How Do Implant Dentures Work?

implant dentures Provo

Dental implants are an ideal tooth restoration. They can restore anywhere from one to all missing teeth. Dental implants are available at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the patient’s jaw. What makes implants so unique is that they actually fuse with the bone, to provide a solid support for one or more artificial teeth.

The implant acts as a replacement tooth root. Because of this, they help to prevent bone recession and, in turn, support the patient’s facial structure.

What Are Implant Dentures?

Implant-supported dentures are attached to the titanium posts. It takes from four to six to support a full dental arch.

Implant dentures are usually made for the lower jaw. The reason is that conventional dentures, when placed on the lower jaw, are less stable. But implant dentures can be made for the upper jaw, too.

The titanium posts are usually inserted into the front part of the patient’s mouth. That’s because there tends to be greater bone mass there. It’s essential to have enough healthy bone to support the post. Even if the patient doesn’t, though, bone grafting can promote new growth, enough to support the implant.

Implant-supported dentures from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo transform lives! People from American Fork and Lehi call us about implants and complete family dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7787

Go Back In Time

cosmetic dental and implants Orem

So you’ve lost some teeth and hesitate to smile because of the gaps. If only you could go back in time and regain that full-toothed smile you once had. Guess what? With dental implants from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, you can!

For most patients, a dental implant is the ideal replacement for a missing tooth, because it replaces both the root and crown. They feel so authentic that some people forget they’re there!

A dental implant is a titanium post inserted into the jaw, where it fuses with the bone. A supporting device (called an abutment) and crown connect to the post.

While a single implant can support one artificial tooth, multiple implants can support a set of dentures.

Dental implants are available here at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. Patients from American Fork and Lehi also come to our office for complete family dentistry services. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):


3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

 

ArticleID 7301