What is an Implant Locator?
Implant Locators are a vital piece of the prosthetic used to replace missing teeth.
Before we can understand what an implant locator is, we have to ask, what is a dental implant? What causes tooth loss that requires an implant, much less an implant locator? If you are living with missing teeth, you don’t have to, see your dental care specialist now.
What leads to missing teeth?
Missing teeth happen for a variety of sources. A tooth may become damaged, like a chip, and if it is not repaired or treated promptly, it could lead to further structural damage inside the tooth itself. Without proper care, this will lead to infection deep within the jaw structure, causing gum tissue to recede and bone mass to degrade. This can also lead to complications in disease like periodontal disease or Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. In short, missing teeth result most commonly from one of these three things
- Infection and Poor Hygiene
- Disease
- Damage or Trauma.
What can you do about missing teeth?
If you are living with missing teeth, the best thing you can do is repair them promptly. The longer you live with missing teeth the more likely you are to endure further tooth loss. Living with missing teeth also places you in a higher risk category for depression, because you are less likely to smile or enjoy the foods you love. It can also further complicate existing disease, like diabetes or gingivitis.
Why Dental Implants with an Implant locator?
Dental implants have a plethora of oral health benefits. Firstly they allow patients the freedom of choice. You can select materials, which allow you to live the lifestyle you enjoy. You can eat all the foods you love, and select all the healthy options regardless of your dietary choices. Dental implants and dental supported implants with a locator allow you to smile, chew, and swallow without any concerns over the movement of your dentures, which is the number one patient complaint about traditional dentures. More than any of these though, dental implants show positive support through stimulation of the jaw bone, and the osteoclasts tissues within. By stimulating these tissues dental implant help to protect against further bone and jaw tissue loss.
What are Dental Implant locators?
Dental implants begin with a strong, often titanium, support structure rooted into the jaw. This anchor provides the stimulation to the jaw, and over time becomes a part of the tissues structures through osseointegration. This allows crowns and entire rows of teeth to be anchored to it safely. In an implant supported overdenture, the implant is complete with a locator abutment piece on top. This piece allows the dentures to connect securely. This process eliminates the minute mobility experienced by many with only adhesive as affixing, which prohibits food particles from building up in unwanted areas. However, it also allows easy and regular removal for the patient to clean their prosthetics.
How do you begin the process?
Make an appointment with your care team today.