If you're missing one or more teeth and wish to replace them, you have made the right decision. At Dunkling and Penney Dentistry in Burlington, VT, our dentists place dental implants as the most reliable and long-lasting way to fill troublesome smile gaps. Dr. Paul Dunkling or Dr. Greg Penney can tell you how dental implants could benefit your oral health and personal appearance.
Dental implants completely replace missing teeth
Made of biocompatible titanium metal, a dental implant substitute for your natural tooth root. After your dentist inserts it into your jaw at his Burlington, VT, office, your bone cells begin to adhere to the implant.
This bone-building activity is called osseointegration. Once complete--over subsequent weeks to months--Dr. Dunkling or Dr. Penney can attach a metal post and porcelain crown to finish your new tooth.
Besides replacing single teeth, implants can support more extensive prosthetics such as two- or three-tooth bridges or full dentures. These options also improve jaw bone size, quality, and resiliency, providing:
- Natural biting and chewing (biting force returns to normal)
- Realistic smile appearance (dental implants resemble healthy natural teeth)
- Simple home oral hygiene
- Clear speech
- Improved self-confidence (those smile gaps vanish)
Dental implants have a high success rate
Dear Doctor reports that dental implant surgery succeeds 95 percent of the time. Your dentist makes sure you have sufficient supporting bone in your jaw before attempting the procedure. Long-term retention rates increase with consistent brushing and flossing at home and six-month cleanings and exams at the dental office.
Also, non-smokers fare better with implants than smokers do. Cigarettes, because of their toxins and heat, break down gum tissue and bone around dental implants. This condition is called peri-implantitis, and it is the biggest danger to implant success. To keep your new smile healthy, pursue a smoking cessation program with your physician.
Contact Dunkling and Penney Dentistry for a consultation
To learn more about the benefits dental implants offer, call your dentist, Dr. Paul Dunkling, or Dr. Greg Penney at one of our two offices. In Burlington, VT, phone (802) 863-3479, or in Jericho, VT, reach us at (802) 899-3973.