Sep
Nobody wants to lose their natural teeth — after all, once they are gone, they go for good. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option for some people. Some patients can be faced with oral challenges that lead to a diseased tooth, making extraction the only viable option. For others, they encounter trauma like auto accidents and blows, leaving them with gaps.
Have you lost your teeth? Luckily, you don’t have to live with a gap for the rest of your life. Dental implants from Greg G. Pitts DDS, located in American Fork, Urah, can fix your “gappy” smile for a lifetime!
Considering dental implants? It all starts with a dental exam to determine if you have a healthy jawbone to support implants. Your dentist may use X-ray or 3-D images to study your jawbone. If you have insufficient bone, all is not lost — bone grafting can help you regain bone mass to anchor implants.
When Dr. Greg Pitts determines you are ideal for implants, he will surgically insert a titanium post in your jawbone. Since this implant post is made of biocompatible material, it will infuse with the jawbone after a few months to provide anchorage to a tooth prosthetic.
When the jawbone is healed, and the implant post is firmly in place, an abutment will be added to provide tooth length and support prosthetics. Finally, depending on the number of teeth being replaced, you will need a crown, bridge, or implant-supported dentures.
Pioneered about 50 years ago, dental implants are quickly becoming the go-to procedure for missing teeth as an alternative to dentures and bridges. While only about 6% of Americans have implants today, it’s projected that the figure will grow up to 26% by 2026!
Dental implants are a worthwhile investment and offer numerous benefits, including:
Besides, dental implants can last for a lifetime with appropriate maintenance. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and making annual dental appointments are what you need to make your implants last for years to come.
If you live in American Fork, UT, and its environs, you don’t have to continue living with a missing tooth. Instead, please dial (801) 758-0019 to book an appointment with Greg G. Pitts DDS. After Dr. Pitts declares you are fit for implants, he will install affordable, high-quality implants to fix your mouth gaps.
For Dr. Greg Pitts, dentistry is not just a profession; he is passionate about providing the best possible care for patients. He earned his BS from Brigham Young University (BYU), Utah and his DDS from Creighton Dental School, Nebraska. He has been practicing dentistry in American Fork since 1999.
A member of the ADA, AGD, UDA, and American Academy of Sports Dentistry, Dr. Pitts is actively involved with Utah Valley athletics and works to raise awareness of the need for tooth protection in organized sports and recreational activities. He is the official dentist for the BYU and UVU athletic departments.