For Ultimate Stability, Replace a single tooth or a mouthful of teeth with dental implants

Our dentists at New Leaf Dental have invested in numerous advanced technologies, which support exceptional treatment outcomes and a gentle experience at our practice in Meridian, Idaho. These capabilities also support a diverse base of patients. We can offer many different types of treatments. So, patients who may not have been good candidates for dental implants can now benefit from this “gold standard” in tooth replacement!

The beauty of implants

Traditional forms of tooth replacement are designed to replace the parts of the teeth visible in the mouth: the crown and, in the case of dentures, the gummy tissue surrounding the crown or white part of the teeth. The trouble with that approach is it doesn’t mimic the actual design of natural teeth. Much of each tooth cannot be seen in the mouth. These structures and tissues include the tooth roots, and each root helps to hold the tooth in place. Conventional dental bridges and removable dentures do not replace the tooth root.  

Dental implants are designed like natural teeth, from the roots upwards. The implant is positioned in the jaw to replace the tooth root. Implants are made from biocompatible materials, which safely and naturally integrate into the surrounding jawbone. Once the implant has healed and is a part of the jaw, the replacement tooth (or teeth) can then be attached. This system provides the ultimate stability and chewing function. Implant-supported (or implant-retained) teeth also prevent or stop destructive bone loss. The loss of bone in the jaw occurs when this hard tissue does not get the stimulation needed to remain strong and dense from chewing and other functions. This stimulation is lost when extracted teeth are not replaced quickly. The longer patients go with gaps in their smile, the worse the effects of bone loss can become. It can make existing problems with chewing and speech more severe and alter the face’s appearance. Facial tissues may sag without a strong structure, and sunken areas that age your face can arise.

Options for many smiles 

Implant success rates depend on the availability of bone in the jaw. Traditionally, if patients did not have sufficient bone left in the jaw for implants, grafting would be ordered. But not every patient is a good candidate for grafting, nor does every patient want to undergo such a procedure. In these and other cases, our dentists may recommend mini implants. Since these implants are smaller than their standard counterparts, more conservative techniques can be used to place them. Bone grafting is not necessary. To find out more about this option, and other ways to replace everything from one missing tooth to a full mouth of missing teeth, call us at (208) 896-2284 to schedule an appointment. New Leaf Dental is proud to call Meridian “home” and serves patients in Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Mountain Home, Middleton, Star, and the surrounding region.