Archive for ‘Dental Implants’

May 14, 2014

Three Unique Patients, One Solution for Tooth Loss

Dental implants in Lake Orion, MIWhen many of our patients think of adult tooth loss, they associate it with poor oral hygiene. It’s true that periodontal disease is the leading cause, yet not everyone realizes that other factors contribute, too. As you’ll see, even patients who practice excellent oral hygiene can still lose their teeth. Dr. Brad Greenfield, an implant dentist in Lake Orion, MI, explains that despite their differences, the patients you’ll read about in these hypothetical scenarios can all benefit from a single solution: dental implants.

Meet the Candidates

Spencer, an accountant, takes great pride in the appearance of his smile. He brushes and flosses as directed, and he hasn’t missed a dental checkup in more than a decade. He visits his dentist’s office on occasion for teeth whitening and has never had even a single cavity. When an automobile accident knocks out two of his top teeth, Spencer is devastated. After all, he’s only in his thirties. There’s no way that he’s ready for dentures.

As the director of sales for a Fortune 500 company, Matt spends most of his days in meetings with important clients. An avid golfer, he leaps at the opportunity to schmooze with a big-name executive on the golf course as they discuss an opportunity to merge their companies. Unfortunately, his golfing partner’s swing leaves much to be desired. After an accidental nine iron to the face, Matt has been availed of several front teeth. With negotiations underway for a multimillion dollar merger, he knows that he can’t pitch his case with a glaring, gaping hole in place of his teeth. A partial denture is out of the question, as Matt fears that the prosthetic will slip out of place during presentations.

Alice, 57, was recently diagnosed with celiac disease. The condition, which affects her body’s ability to absorb nutrients, has taken a serious toll on her teeth. Even though she brushes and flosses diligently, it hasn’t been enough to counter the damage. Now, nearly all of her teeth have been badly damaged by decay. The extent of the damage is so great that extraction is the only option. Like Matt, Alice prefers a more stable alternative to removable dentures.

Now, Meet the Solution

Dental implants are a permanent solution for adult tooth loss, ideal for patients who have lost one tooth, several teeth, or all of their teeth. Unlike removable dentures, implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, mimicking the natural structure of a healthy tooth. Of all available options, dental implants look and feel most like your own teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Their permanence means you can chew, speak, and smile confidently, knowing your teeth are stable, durable, and effective—no need for adhesives, soaks, or denture cleansing solutions.

Questions about dental implant in Lake Orion, MI? To learn more about teeth replacement, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brad Greenfield, contact us at 248-693-6213. We welcome patients living in Auburn Hills, Oxford, Clarkston, Rochester Hills, and the surrounding areas.

 

March 24, 2014

Three Different Patients, One Implant Solution

Dental implants in Lake Orion, MIIn 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.

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