The Best Choice for Healthy and Whole Smiles - Dental Implants.
Dr Shawn Gurley, D. D.S, advises on dental implants versus bridges and partials. Modern-age materials combined with excellent expertise, have made implants the best solution for tooth replacement.
(PRWEB) March 22, 2005
Dental Implants: The best Choice for Restoring Smiles Permanently
Not only can Edentulism (missing teeth) plague an individual with insecurity, it can also have a dramatic impact on their quality of life. In fact, if missing teeth are left untreated, they can place stress on the remaining teeth since they require extra support, leading to an even greater tooth loss. Fortunately, there is a beautiful solution.
Modern-age materials resulting from long years of research and clinical trials, combined with excellent expertise, have made implants the best solution for Edentulism. “An implant is an artificial root made of titanium,” explains implant specialist Dr. Shawn Gurley DDS, of North Atlanta Aesthetic Dentistry.
Dr. Gurley performs the procedure much more efficiently using a local anesthetic – a huge advantage for his patients. “The placement of the implant takes about 20 minutes,” says Dr. Gurley, and the results are permanent!
Partial dentures, full dentures, and fixed bridges are now considered mediocre remedies compared to dental implants. Partial dentures can be unsightly and cause tooth decay; fixed bridges require the cutting down and crowning of natural, healthy teeth. “Dental implants,” Dr. Gurley comments, “are more ‘tooth friendly’.”
The most commonly used type of implant is placed in the actual bone (Endosteal). This type of implant is a great alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures. According to Dr. Gurley, “The primary factor in implant success is that the patient must have adequate bone structure, since the implant relies on the jawbone for support.”
The process of dental implants may be intimidating for some patients. “It helps to know that implant techniques have been employed since the 1950’s, and improvements in procedures and materials have given implants an average success rate of 93 percent or better in a ten-year period,” assures Dr. Gurley.
There are a multitude of benefits once dental implants are in place. Dental implants look and feel so natural that patients may even forget they ever lost a tooth, and proper chewing functions are restored. The gooey adhesives of unattractive dentures are no longer necessary, gums are no longer painful, and there is actually an improvement in speech. Dental implants help to stop the progressive bone loss and shrinkage of the jawbone by mimicking the roots of natural teeth. At last patients suffering from Edentulism can have restored self-confidence and brilliant smiles.
Frequently asked questions when considering dental implants:
Can failed implants be replaced?
According to Dr. Gurley, “If an implant fails, which is highly unlikely, it can usually be replaced by another implant – and patients wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says.
Are dental implants obvious to others?
Implant treatments enable patients to have their new teeth look and feel like their very own. Dr. Gurley recommends taking a close look at the dentistÂ’s previous work, since some have a better artistic eye than others.
Will I need to be hospitalized?
Most implant procedures are performed in the dental office and under local anesthesia, although some patients may desire pre-medication or IV sedation to control apprehension. Hospitalization may be necessary for complex surgical procedures or general health complications.
Is there pain or discomfort?
Many patients report implant surgery less troublesome than having teeth removed. With modern anesthesia and close attention to post-operative care, one can expect minimal discomfort.
Shawn Gurley, DDS, received the Meritorious Service Award in 1986 from the University of Tennessee. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Northern District Dental Association and the Hinman Dental Society. He is also a member of the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. For more information, please call Angela Braden at 310-309-7046 for more information, or log onto www. northatlantasmiles. com.
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