News Releases

 

Advanced Technology Restores Deteriorating Facial Structures

An estimated 100 million Americans experience problems associated with missing teeth, such as the inability to smile with confidence, difficulty chewing, talking or laughing and embarrassment eating in public. However, very few people realize that the problem is much more serious - tooth loss results in the deterioration of the supporting bone.

Complete tooth loss leads to the collapse of facial structures, dramatically affecting a person's appearance. Wrinkles in the lips and cheeks develop as the mouth collapses. In extreme cases, as the jawbone continues to deteriorate, or resorb, facial muscles change, causing the chin and nose to curve inward towards each other, resulting in a "witch's beak" appearance. Wearing dentures actually accelerates this deterioration of the facial structures.

The solution is dental implant treatment, today's state-of-the-art alternative to traditional methods of tooth replacement. Unlike bridges, partials and dentures, which do not address the deterioration of the jawbone, dental implants prevent the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing.

As substitute tooth roots, dental implants provide virtually the same function as natural tooth roots: stimulation of bone regeneration to preserve the facial structures, and a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. By preventing the bone resorption that would normally occur with tooth loss, dental implants preserve the integrity of the facial structures.

Combining implant treatment with advances in bone regenerative techniques, it is even possible to provide an 'internal facelift' for patients who have already experienced deterioration of their facial structures. The technology now exists to add, or graft, bone to deteriorated jaws and to create, or grow new bone to correct defects in the bone resulting from tooth loss. These procedures enable almost anyone who is in good general health to benefit from permanent tooth replacement and restoration of the facial structures.

Dental implant technology is easily the most significant and exciting improvement in dentistry in this century. It is literally changing peoples' lives, improving their overall health, appearance and well-being.

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National Survey Indicates Consumers Unaware of Important Health Issues

Only 36% of consumers know that bone loss (deterioration) occurs when teeth are missing, according to a national survey sponsored by the Institute for Dental Implant Awareness, a non-profit consumer education organization based in Los Angeles. This is a serious problem that is often overlooked until the bone loss completely undermines the integrity of the facial structures.

Although over 100 million Americans are missing teeth, very few are aware that dental implants can actually prevent the deterioration of the bone resulting from tooth loss and improve overall health, appearance and well-being.

Dental implant technology is easily the most significant and exciting development in dentistry in this century. It literally changes peoples' lives. As substitute tooth roots, dental implants provide virtually the same function as natural tooth roots: stimulation of bone regeneration to preserve the facial structures, and a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. By preventing the bone loss that would normally occur with tooth loss, dental implants preserve the integrity of the facial structures.

Too many people suffer with the consequences of tooth loss without realizing that there is a solution - dental implants, today's state-of-the-art alternative to traditional methods of tooth replacement.

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New Technology Provides Permanent Tooth Replacement in Just One Day

Millions of people throughout the world have experienced the benefits of tooth replacement with dental implants. However, until recently patients receiving dental implant treatment had to wait anywhere from several weeks to several months for their new teeth. Brueggen Dental of Houston, Texas is now offering a unique method of dental implant treatment that makes it possible for people to receive permanent replacement teeth in the lower jaw in just one day!

This is an excellent alternative for patients who have no teeth in their lower jaw. The traditional method of tooth replacement with dental implants takes much longer and as a result, many people hesitate to proceed with treatment. This only worsens the problems associated with missing teeth.

Unfortunately, wearing dentures accelerates the deterioration of the jawbone that occurs when all of the teeth are missing. In extreme cases, this results in severe discomfort as the lower denture becomes virtually impossible to wear, and dramatic changes in appearance occur as the facial structures collapse. Dental implants, as substitute tooth roots, stimulate bone regeneration, preventing this bone deterioration, and provide a stable foundation for permanent replacement teeth. The established procedures for dental implant placement require individual treatment plans for patients that can take several months to complete. The unique feature of the new Brånemark System Novum method is that the implants are placed in the lower jaw using standardized templates which fit the vast majority of patients. With the Novum method, the entire dental implant treatment can be completed in one day.

There have also been recent advances in surgical techniques that allow placement of dental implants immediately following extraction of teeth, which significantly reduces the standard treatment time for patients facing impending tooth loss. In addition, there are certain situations when it is actually possible to place implants in the traditional method and attach the permanent replacement teeth immediately for selected patients.

An estimated 100 million Americans experience problems associated with missing teeth, such as the inability to smile with confidence, difficulty chewing, talking or laughing and embarrassment eating in public. Dental implant treatment is the solution for many of them.

Dental implant technology is easily the most significant and exciting improvement in dentistry in this century. It is literally changing peoples' lives, improving their overall health, appearance and well-being. The latest advances are making it possible for people to have this new lease on life sooner.

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Return Quality to Your Life With Dental Implants

After early and complete tooth loss, Eugene, a 50 year-old automotive expert, always thought that somehow, some way he would have teeth again. In the meantime, he grew a mustache to cover up his loss.

At age 21, Kim had a car accident in Death Valley, California and her six bottom teeth were knocked out. By the time she reached help, it was too late to save them.

Pat, a 38 year-old sales representative, lived with a bridge for five years, but it kept coming loose and would have to be reglued. When it came time to replace another tooth, Pat knew there had to be a better way.

Eugene, Kim and Pat are typical of the individuals who today are being treated with dental implants, an innovative method for tooth replacement that is growing increasingly popular.

Dental implants are today's state-of-the-art alternative to traditional restorative dentistry. Man-made tooth roots fabricated of titanium are placed into the jaw where they bond with the jawbone to form virtually permanent supports for replacement teeth. This process, known as "osseointegration," was first observed more than 35 years ago by Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark.

Because new teeth can be firmly anchored to the man-made tooth roots, there is none of the slipping and sliding associated with conventional dentures and bridges. The biting and chewing function is greatly improved. Patients are able to eat their favorite foods again-even corn on the cob and apples. They speak and smile with confidence. Dental implants also serve another, more long-term function. Without tooth roots to stimulate it, the jawbone gradually resorbs, or shrinks, changing the shape of the face. By bonding with the jawbone, the new tooth roots take over the bone stimulation function and the bone remains healthy.

But for most patients, immediate benefits, not long-term, are the real motivator. Eugene, the automotive expert, agrees: "My new teeth completely changed my life." He says. "I can talk better. I can eat better. My nutrition is better. And look-no mustache!"

It is estimated that more than 100 million Americans with stories similar to those of Eugene, Kim and Pat are likely candidates for the dental implant procedure.

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