You’ve probably seen at least one commercial, television show or movie in your lifetime with the following scene: some poor old person sits glued to their chair, completely mortified, as their dentures sail clear across the room. Cue laughter from everyone. Except for the man or woman the dentures belong to — their confidence just hit rock bottom.
Although modern dentistry has negated many of the dental issues that cause teeth to fall out, tooth decay, gum disease and trauma can still necessitate the extraction and replacement of teeth. And a few years ago, patients with missing teeth had no other option but to employ removable dentures or a fixed bridge.
But dentures come stitched on with many drawbacks: they must be removed and cleaned regularly to avoid infections or disease, including bad breath. Cheap or improperly fit dentures may be uncomfortable and can move around in the mouth, causing pain and chewing difficulties.
Fortunately, as dental technology improved, a new and stronger solution emerged: dental implants allow replacement teeth to look, feel and function like natural teeth. Patients who have lost teeth regain the ability to eat, speak clearly and smile with confidence.
Contemporary dental implants — comprising artificial roots — are made from titanium; the metal is strong — it does not rust or bend — and it can capably support the bite when chewing or speaking. The implant bonds with the jawbone and a tooth, designed exactly to your liking, can then be screwed on to the implant surface, therefore restoring your natural smile.
At Vilafortuny, Prof. Steen Sindet-Pedersen, a highly skilled and experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon uses his years of expertise in dental and maxillofacial implantology, bone grafting and reconstructive surgery to place dental implants, even in medically compromised patients.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery is unique in requiring a dual qualification in medicine and dentistry, and is often seen as the bridge between the two streams. Specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained in assessing their patient’s unique needs and working out an appropriate treatment plan.
Vilafortuny uses the Bicon SHORT® Implant system, through which patients with restricted bone height can often sidestep the inherent risks and costs associated with bone grafting procedures. We also use the Nobel Biocare Brånemark system, the special feature of which is its extremely stable implant-to-abutment connection, which makes your dental implant as secure as possible.
The comfort and long life of dental implants is well documented. So if you’re tired of high-maintenance and uncomfortable dentures, or simply want to avoid them all together, opt for dental implants instead, and restore the confidence to your smile.
