Do you have a missing tooth? Several missing teeth? Eventually, tooth loss can threaten your dental health and compromise your ability to chew and digest food properly. Missing teeth can also affect your self-esteem.
At Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego, OR, we want to restore your smile and well-being. We want you to enjoy a complete smile and feel more confident.
Of course, dental implants have been around for a while, but they are still the gold standard and the tooth replacement option most recommended by dentists.
In this blog, we explore dental implants, including how they work, and compare titanium implants to our modern holistic alternative.
We’ll explore:
- Holistic Dental Implants in Oswego, OR: A Modern Approach to Tooth Replacement
- Understanding the Materials and Technology: A Closer Look
- What are Traditional Titanium Implants?
- What are Holistic Zirconia Implants?
- How to Care for Your Restored Smile and Prevent Future Tooth Loss
- The Right Choice for You: Making an Informed Decision
Holistic Dental Implants in Oswego, OR: A Modern Approach to Tooth Replacement
At Aesthetic Dentistry in Lake Oswego, we take a modern and holistic approach to dental care. Part of that approach involves using the most biocompatible materials available to restore your smile, as well as the latest technologies to enhance your experience, outcome, and long-term results.
Whether it’s dental implants or general dentistry, our aim is holistic and natural!
Understanding the Materials and Technology: A Closer Look
The materials we use in dental implants are not always traditional. For example, we offer zirconia implants, which are more biocompatible than conventional metal or titanium implants and come with specific benefits.
We also use metal-free crowns or zirconia to cap your dental implant post.
Zirconia is a ceramic material fashioned from zirconium. It is a naturally occurring substance, but it is processed for medicinal purposes. It is strong and resistant to chips and cracks.
We also offer holistic technologies such as:
- Ozone Therapy
- Laser Dentistry
- Saliva Testing
What are Traditional Titanium Implants?
Titanium dental implants are metal screws surgically placed in the jawbone. These screws act as your new tooth roots. After integration, we top these implants with dental crowns or a custom prosthetic, such as implant-supported dentures.
What are Holistic Zirconia Implants?
Zirconia implants (or Z-Look3) are similar to titanium, but the materials are more biocompatible and offer the following benefits:
- Discretion: Zirconia dental implants may look more natural at the gumline.
- Temperature Safe: Some crown or restoration materials are heat-sensitive, but zirconia is not.
- Integration: Zirconia may be more biocompatible than titanium.
- Lower Infection Risk: Zirconia is exceptionally resistant to bacterial buildup compared with other materials.
- Lower Corrosion Risk: Zirconia is corrosion-resistant, which means it is less likely to fail due to corrosion.
Your dentist can help determine whether zirconia implants are suitable for you. If you are not a candidate for dental implants, we explain why and discuss alternative options, such as dental bridges.
How to Care for Your Restored Smile and Prevent Future Tooth Loss
Dental implants don’t require special care or added maintenance. They are so similar to natural teeth that they have the same basic needs.
However, you should brush and floss your teeth after meals no less than twice daily.
When you brush, be sure to spend time hitting every tooth on all surfaces. When you floss, always use fresh lengths of string as you go.
It’s also essential to continue visiting your dentist every six months for regular checkups and professional teeth cleanings.
Even if you have full-mouth prosthetics, we must protect you from gum disease, which can cause implant failure and systemic health complications.
Excellent oral hygiene and ongoing dental care are your best defense!
The Right Choice for You: Making an Informed Decision
To ensure dental implants are suitable for you, we have you visit us for a consultation. This visit covers a lot of ground:
- Determines whether implants are ideal for you
- Determines whether you’ll need pretreatments, such as a bone graft
- Answers any questions you might have, including costs and financing
- If you’re a candidate for treatment, we plan your dental implant placement
Schedule Your Consultation with a Dental Implant Dentist in Lake Oswego
For more information about our treatments and services, or to schedule a tooth replacement consultation with our holistic implant dentist, please call us today at (503) 675-7300.