If you are missing one or more teeth, you may want to consider dental implants to replace them. Implants are small titanium posts that replace a tooth's root. Next, the professional will build a connector or abutment atop the implant to connect with the replacement tooth. Gaps in your teeth can be embarrassing, but they also have other long-term consequences. Although there is a selection of replacement options, implants are popular and provide a variety of benefits for the recipient.
Dental implants attach to the jawbone, which results in numerous advantages over other replacement methods. The most common dental implant is the endosteal implant. An endosteal implant has the shape of a cylinder, blade, or small screw. However, you must have enough jawbone for the procedure to obtain an endosteal implant.
For patients with less jawbone left, they may require a subperiosteal implant. Dentists place the subperiosteal implant on or above the jawbone. The metal post sticks beneath your gum to hold it in place. If you still prefer more traditional implants, you may be able to undergo a bone augmentation. Bone augmentation restores the bone in your jaw to support the implants.
Although the implant procedure requires multiple dental visits and takes months to complete, most patients say the end result is worth it.
With dental implants, other people do not even realize you have artificial teeth since the crowns that attach to the implants are matched to the shade and shape of your teeth. Most people cannot see any difference between implants and natural teeth.
Your teeth preserve your ability to speak without slurring or mumbling. Because the implants are anchored to the jawbone, they are extremely stable and will not slip while you eat or talk. You never have to focus on keeping your teeth in place during a conversation. All of this results in a brighter smile and increased confidence.
If you do not replace missing teeth, eventually the surrounding teeth begin to move into the gaps. This causes misalignments, which not only look bad but also make cleaning the teeth more difficult. This can lead to decay and infection in the remaining teeth and gums. The shifting may possibly lead to earaches or jaw pain. The teeth that move may begin to loosen at the roots, which can result in further tooth loss.
Implants do not negatively impact nearby teeth. Professionals do not have to alter the adjacent teeth to support an implant. When you have some of your natural teeth left intact, it improves your oral health.
One of the biggest advantages dental implants offer is that they are inserted into the jawbone. When this occurs, the bone begins to grow around the implants. If the implants were not attached to the jawbone, this bone would eventually begin to deteriorate, causing a variety of dental issues.
As a bonus of preventing bone loss, your face retains its shape. Bone loss can occur with other replacement methods, and this can typically cause changes in the facial appearance. A person may develop excessive wrinkles around the mouth, thinning lips and a pointed or elongated chin. Additionally, the cheeks begin to sag, resulting in an aged appearance.
Once you get through the procedure, you will find your implants are very easy to clean and maintain. You brush and floss them just as you would your natural teeth, and you can eat almost anything without problems. The good news is that if you practice appropriate oral hygiene and visit the dentist for regular check-ups, dental implants can last a lifetime, and they will never need to be replaced.
Another benefit is that the crowns on the implants cannot become decayed like natural teeth. Generally, the crowns come in one of three materials: ceramic, metal, or metal-fused porcelain. The strong materials are more resistant to damage from hard or acidic foods. Lastly, they are resistant to the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Implant durability helps decrease your chances of developing gum disease.
The consequences of having missing teeth can be quite severe, and replacing them can prevent a number of issues. Dental implants are one option, whether you are replacing one tooth or multiple teeth. Implants function similarly to natural teeth because professionals install the implant directly into your jawbone. Implants are sturdy, long-lasting and have numerous advantages over other methods.
Request an appointment here: https://thelightfamilydental.com or call The Light Family Dental & Implant Dentistry at (210) 987-3011 for an appointment in our Converse office.
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