Losing teeth after age 50 doesn’t mean sacrificing your smile or quality of life. Dental implants have emerged as the premier solution for replacing missing teeth because they provide the closest thing to natural tooth function available today.
At Atlas Dental Specialists, our prosthodontists focus on complex tooth replacement and understand the unique challenges adults face when dealing with tooth loss. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, dental implants offer stability, longevity, and appearance that traditional options like dentures simply cannot match.
Why Adults Over 50 Experience More Tooth Loss
Several factors contribute to increased tooth loss as we age. Decades of wear and tear on natural teeth create microscopic cracks and weaken enamel. Gum disease becomes more prevalent, as adults over age 50 are more susceptible to periodontal issues leading to tooth loss. Medical conditions common in this age group, such as diabetes, can also compromise oral health.
Previous dental work may begin to fail after years of service. Old fillings can crack, crowns may loosen, and root canals might become infected. When these situations arise, extraction sometimes becomes the most viable option to preserve overall oral health.
How Dental Implants Preserve Your Jawbone
Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants actually prevent bone loss in your jaw. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in the area begins to deteriorate because it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. Within the first three months after tooth loss, you can lose up to 25% of the bone in the area.
A titanium implant acts as an artificial tooth root, providing the stimulation your jawbone needs to maintain its structure. This preservation of bone density helps maintain your facial shape and prevents the sunken appearance often associated with long-term tooth loss.
The Superiority of Implant Function
Traditional dentures can slip, click, or cause embarrassment during eating or speaking. Dental implants eliminate these concerns entirely. Once the implant integrates with your bone through a process called osseointegration, it becomes a permanent part of your mouth.
You can eat all your favorite foods without worry. Corn on the cob, apples, and steak are back on the menu. The chewing force of implants closely matches natural teeth, allowing you to maintain proper nutrition during your golden years. This functional advantage makes a significant difference in your daily quality of life.
Longevity Makes Implants Cost-Effective
While the initial investment in dental implants may seem higher than other options, their longevity makes them economically sensible. Dental implants maintain high success rates and can last for decades with proper care. Many patients find their implants serve them for life.
Traditional dentures typically need replacement every 5-7 years, and dental bridges may require replacement every 10-15 years. When you calculate the long-term costs, implants often prove more economical over time. The initial higher investment pays dividends through years of reliable service.
Same-Day Convenience at Atlas Dental
Modern technology has revolutionized the implant process. At our Pittsburgh locations, we utilize CEREC CAD/CAM technology and in-office milling to create your implant crown the same day in many cases. This means fewer appointments and faster results for busy adults.
We place the implant and attach the permanent crown during the same visit, eliminating the need for temporary teeth or multiple procedures. Our prosthodontic training allows us to handle even complex cases general dentists might refer elsewhere.
Why Choose Prosthodontists for Implant Treatment
Prosthodontists receive three additional years of training beyond dental school, focusing on tooth replacement and restoration. This advanced education covers complex implant cases, full-mouth reconstruction, and the intricate relationships between oral function, comfort, and appearance.
When you choose prosthodontic care for your implants, you benefit from this advanced training. We can evaluate your entire mouth as a system, ensuring your implants work harmoniously with your remaining teeth and bite pattern.
Atlas Dental Specialists: Your Complete Pittsburgh Implant Solution
Atlas Dental Specialists serves as your complete implant provider. You won’t need referrals to multiple offices or appointments at different locations. From initial consultation through final restoration, everything happens under one roof at our Downtown Pittsburgh and Shadyside locations.
Our family-owned practice has served Pittsburgh for over 25 years, with roots reaching back 35 years to the original practice of Dr. Kathryn Duncan Friedman. Drs. Nicholas and Mara Mangini combine decades of prosthodontic experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional implant outcomes. As a full-service provider, you can receive both your implant and crown in one convenient location, streamlining your entire treatment experience. Contact our office today to schedule your implant consultation and discover how dental implants can restore your smile and confidence. Call our Downtown Pittsburgh office at (412) 281-9411 or our Shadyside location at (412) 730-2560 to get started.
