People who care about their health know that selecting a Dentist in Cherry Hill NJ is an important decision. Gum disease and tooth decay are caused by bacteria that can travel throughout the body. Certain types of heart disease are associated with gum disease. Seeing a dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning is the best way to avoid this. It’s even more important for older people. As they age, their immune system weakens and they are more susceptible to periodontal disease.
If a patient does develop a serious case of gum disease, it can cause them to lose their teeth. Of course this is an upsetting situation and the person could become quite depressed and anxious. However, the dentist will explain to them that today’s dentures are much different from the ones their parents might have worn. They are more comfortable and lifelike. Most people will never guess that they are wearing dentures.
Some people fear that they will not be able to speak or eat without their dentures slipping. Dental implants can now be used to anchor dentures, to alleviate this problem. The Dentist in Cherry Hill NJ first takes an x-ray of the patients upper and lower jaw to make sure it’s strong enough to support dental implants. If it isn’t, an oral surgeon can augment it with bone grafts. If the patient opts for this, it adds about eight weeks to the process.
Once the patient’s jaw is cleared for implants, the dentist takes a digital x-ray to locate nearby tooth roots and nerves. This shows him precisely where the implant should be located. He then inserts the titanium shaft into the jaw. After six weeks the implant is incorporated into the jaw. It is just as strong as any natural tooth root.
A small metal ball is attached to the top of the implant. On the bottom of the denture, there is a metal slot. In the morning the denture wearer takes clean dentures and pops them on the implant ball. Once in place, they are secure for the remainder of the day. The person may well forget they are wearing dentures.