Smile proudly, speak confidently, and eat comfortably again with dental implants
Do you no longer enjoy your favorite foods? Do you hide your smile due to gaps? Are you holding on to painful, achy, and noticeably damaged teeth? We empathize with these challenges, and every day, our team partners with individuals from across the Eugene, Oregon, area to transform their smiles. In doing so, we also play a transformative role in reclaiming their overall health, sense of self, well-being, and outlook on life.
Integrated Family Dentistry: Advanced treatments meet kind, trusted talent
Dr. Mercedes Del Valle distinguishes herself by investing in the latest treatments, such as dental implants. Due to her considerable investments in related technologies and training, Dr. Del Valle can offer every step of the implant process from our office. There is no need to go to a costly specialist you do not know. Everything is handled competently, safely, comfortably, and conveniently here.
Modern tooth replacement with implants
Traditionally, there were two options to replace missing teeth: dental bridges and dentures. Initially, neither option was designed like natural teeth. Bridges are largely made up of at least one prosthetic tooth suspended and anchored between two neighboring, supportive, and crowned natural teeth. Likewise, complete dentures sit on the top of the gum line. The new teeth are not secured to the underlying bone like natural teeth. Partial dentures also are attached to other teeth by way of clasps. Conventional dentures, for instance, are associated with challenges due to poor or evolving fit.
Consider how your muscles shrink when you don’t work out for a long time. If you don’t use it, you lose it! The same concept applies here. If you don’t have any teeth securely embedded in the underlying bone, that structure doesn’t benefit from the action and function of those teeth. When these parts of the mouth aren’t used, the bone that formerly supported teeth begins to shrink. Bone loss can make it even harder for you to eat and speak properly. It can also change the shape and appearance of your face. This causes the denture to no longer conform well to the surrounding tissues. It can become loose and shift around in the mouth.
Anatomy of implants
Think of the parts that make up your natural tooth. At their most basic, teeth include roots that are quite literally “rooted” to the underlying jawbone, as well as the crown or that white tooth structure seen above the gum line. Traditionally, replacement teeth have only accounted for the “crown” part of the tooth. Dental implant procedures take into account the roots and crowns. In fact, the implant itself is the artificial tooth root for all intents and purposes. It is made from strong, biocompatible materials such as medical-grade titanium. Once Dr. Del Valle surgically places the implant in the jawbone using computer-aided techniques, it fuses to the surrounding bone as part of a process called “osseointegration.”
The implant secured to the underlying bone provides a strong foundation for the dental crown. A few precisely placed implants can also secure a bridge or denture. You don’t have to live with the fear that your dentures will slip at a crowded restaurant or other social situations, nor do you have to suffer from the complications of bone loss. To start the dental im
