In today’s post, Dr. Brad Greenfield, your Lake Orion, MI implant dentist, shares a few what-if scenarios to show that patients of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from the cosmetic and functional nature of dental implants.
Ellie, age 60, has rheumatoid arthritis that causes severe pain in her knuckles, hands, and elbows. Even so, she remains physically active and is in excellent shape. The only problem? Her limited dexterity makes it difficult to floss and brush the teeth at the back of her mouth. These teeth have been badly damaged and will probably require extraction. Ellie doesn’t want to wear a removable partial denture because she believes she will have difficulty inserting it properly.
How do implants help Ellie? With dental implants, Ellie needn’t worry about maneuvering a partial denture into place. A metal post surgically implanted in her jaw holds the replacement teeth in position permanently. Dr. Greenfield may also recommend using a special toothbrush and flossing aid that will accommodate Ellie’s arthritic joints. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings will help, too.
The last few years at his high-pressure sales job has left 36-year-old Alan with a tendency to grind his teeth and clench his jaw whenever he’s feeling stressed—which is most of the time, even while he’s asleep. As a result, several of his teeth have been worn down, chipped, and cracked. He wonders whether the appearance of his teeth could be working against him whenever he tries to close a big sale.
How do implants help Alan? The materials used to create a replacement tooth appear almost indistinguishable from a natural tooth. Not even Alan’s sharpest clients would be able to tell the difference. However, cautions Dr. Greenfield, not even dental implants can withstand a severe grinding habit. Alan might benefit from wearing a nightguard to protect his teeth while he sleeps.
Alexis, a freshman at Eastern Michigan College, had three teeth knocked out while competing in a basketball tournament. As a 19-year-old, she takes great pride in her appearance, so living with multiple missing teeth is out of the question. Alexis doesn’t want to wear a removable partial denture, and a bridge won’t do because the missing teeth aren’t adjacent to each other.
How do implants help Alexis? Dental implants are permanent, so there is no need to deal with the hassle of inserting and removing a partial denture. Because the replacement tooth appears virtually identical to Alexis’s natural teeth, nobody will be able to tell the difference—not her friends, her professors, or even her family.
Questions about dental implants? To learn more about dental implants in Lake Orion, MI, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brad Greenfield, contact our office at (248) 693-6213. We welcome patients living in Auburn Hills, Clarkston, Oxford, Rochester Hills, and nearby cities. Follow us on Facebook for the latest news and oral health tips from our practice.
