Dental Implants

Dr. John Lane is a Florence periodontist who works with dental implants in Florence, AL. In recent years, dental implants have become the preferred method of tooth replacement due to the natural appearance and function. Previous solutions, such as dentures or fixed bridges, can often lead to complications over time and actually cause further tooth loss. Dental implants, however, will actively improve your oral health. This is because dental implants are surgically placed in your jaw bone where they become fused with the existing bone mass. This results in a structure that very closely resembles that of a natural tooth root and provides needed stimulation to the bone and soft tissue. In this way, dental implants can encourage growth in these areas and prevent deterioration.

Alternative treatments such as dentures or fixed bridges can cause bone loss and alter the facial structure. This is because they do not interact with the jaw or gum tissue in the way that dental implants do. Removable dentures simply rest on top of the gums and provide little to no stimulation. Over time the gums begin to wear away and the dentures become ill fitting. This is a problem because dentures that do not fit properly can slip around in the mouth, causing difficulty or embarrassment. Dental implants, on the other hand, are held steadily in place. Because of a natural process called “osseointegration,” dental implants fuse to your natural bone and cannot be removed.

Likewise, Fixed bridges can lead to additional complications. This is because a fixed dental bridge requires that enamel be removed from healthy teeth so that the bridge can fit properly on top. This makes the teeth susceptible to decay and more likely to be extracted in the future. Dental implants provide a solution to this problem because they can function independently and do not require support from remaining healthy teeth. Additionally, in cases where there are multiple missing teeth in a row, your Florence periodontist can use dental implants to create a structure called an “implant supported bridge.” This is similar to a normal dental bridge, except that is supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth.

While dentures and fixed bridges can lead to complications over time, they are still safe and viable treatments that have their own advantages. Dental implants provide patients with a natural function and appearance. With proper care, they can last an entire lifetime.

Dr. John M. Lane, located in Madison and Florence, Alabama, is a Periodontist who serves patients from Decatur, Madison, Huntsville, and The Shoals, Alabama. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our office and encourage you to schedule your appointment today!