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Posts for tag: dental implants

By Joseph E. Touhalisky, DDS
August 24, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures

Dental ImplantFor your best smile, do all you can to preserve your natural teeth and healthy gums. However, if tooth loss occurs, consider closing those smile gaps with today's premiere tooth replacements: dental implants from Dr. Joseph Touhalisky in Findlay, OH. Embedded in the jaw bone for superior stability and longevity, dental implants are the next best things to natural teeth.

Your tooth structure

A natural tooth has two basic parts: the root within the gums and jaw bone, and the crown, or part which you can see in your mouth. When lost to decay, infection, oral trauma or other irrevocable circumstance, the natural gum tissue and supporting bone in the empty tooth socket begin to deteriorate.

While conventional bridgework or dentures successfully replace tooth structure above the gum line, they do nothing to replace root structure or bone. Denture slippage and facial changes typically occur.

Enter the dental implant

A dental implant is an actual artificial tooth because it replaces both tooth root and crown, and it exercises the supporting jaw bone. Composed of three parts (a titanium implant screw, a metal alloy extension and a porcelain crown), an implant confers the physical forces of biting and chewing into the bone in which it resides.

Therefore, the bone retains its natural shape, size and density. In fact, the bone melds to the embedded implant device through what dentist's call osseointegration--a truly miraculous process unique to titanium implants. Your dentist will fully evaluate your jaw, oral health and more to determine if dental implants are the right replacement option for you.

The implant evaluation and treatment

During your first appointment with Dr. Touhalisky, he'll do a complete oral examination to determine if you have enough bone in your jaw to support an implant.

During your next appointment, Dr. Touhalisky will numb the empty socket, open the gums and drill a small opening into the bone. He'll select the proper size implant, insert it and close the gums with some sutures. The ensuing osseointegration and healing take several weeks to months, but when complete, the dentist can attach the metal post and customized crown.

Versatile implants

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry says that the dental implant grows in popularity every year in the United States--to the tune of 500,000 more placements every year. Why do dentists recommend dental implants? With good care at home and in the dental office, dental implants last for decades, and they faithfully mimic real teeth in form and function.

In addition, dental implants are versatile. Placed in multiples, implants support fixed bridgework, partial dentures and even full dentures, giving patients smiles that feel natural and look great.

No more gaps

Find out if you are a candidate for state-of-the-art dental implants from your dentist in Findlay, Dr. Joseph Touhalisky. For your consultation, call the office at (419) 427-1500.

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By Joseph E. Touhalisky, DDS
March 29, 2018
Category: Dental
Tags: dental implants  

Dental Implants Help Restore Function to Your Bite

Your smile is one of the first things that someone notices about you, and a missing tooth or multiple teeth can put a damper on that first impression.  Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to support a restoration for a missing tooth or teeth, helping to stop or prevent jaw bone loss.  By replacing missing tooth roots, dental implants provide people with the strength and stability to eat all the foods they love without struggling to chew.  Dental implants can also stimulate and maintain jaw bone, preventing bone loss and helping to maintain facial features.  With a visit to your dentist in Findlay, you can find out if you are a candidate for this smiling saving procedure. 
 

Your Findlay Dentist Explains How Implants Work

Strategically placed, dental implants can be used to support permanent bridges, eliminating the need for a denture.  Implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the tooth where the root normally is contained.  They are anchored to the jawbone or metal framework on the bone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge.  In some cases, dental implants can also be used to attach dentures.
 
Dental implants today are virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth.  The appearance is aided in part by the structural and functional connection between the dental implant and the living bone.  Implants are typically placed in one sitting, but require a period of osseointegration, which direct anchorage of the implant root and the bone of the jaw occurs.
 
Osseointegrated implants are the most commonly used and successful type of dental implant, taking anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal.  Once healed and anchored, your dentist in Findlay can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown.  As soon as the implant has anchored with the jawbone, artificial prosthesis may be attached and the process is completed.  If osseointegration does not occur, the implant may fail.
 

Advantages of Dental Implants

If you, like millions of adults, have lost one or more teeth, then you understand the unpleasant consequences that accompany tooth loss. Missing teeth result in an older appearance, discomfort, inconvenience and an overall less active lifestyle. 
 
Since implants are securely attached, you gain confidence to eat what you like, speak clearly and freedom from embarrassment. Other benefits of implants include:
  • Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel just like your own teeth.
  • Improved Comfort: Implants are securely anchored, so there is no slipping as there is with dentures. This eliminates some of the key inconveniences of dentures, including poor fit, gum irritation, and pain.
  • Improved Health: Dental implants can help prevent deterioration of the jawbone caused by loss of teeth, so your face retains its natural shape.  
  • Durability: Implants are strong and can last a lifetime with proper care. 
  • Convenience: Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent, eliminating the inconvenience of removing your dentures. With implants, you can brush and care for your teeth just as you would your natural teeth.  
 
Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants.  If you’ve lost one or more of your natural teeth, it’s possible to continue to live confidently with dental implants from your dentist in Findlay at Joseph E. Touhalisky, DDS. They look and feel exactly like your natural teeth, and unlike conventional restoration solutions, implants can last a lifetime. 
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