Losing teeth can have a profoundly negative impact on your smile, including appearance and overall oral health. While there are multiple options for replacing one or more lost teeth, more and more people are considering dental implants. What are the benefits of dental implants?
How Do Implants Work?
Most prosthetics are held in place with suction (dentures) or by being anchored in placed with crowns or metal clasps (bridges and partial dentures). However, dental implants have a titanium post that acts as a new tooth root and a restoration that replaces the visible portion of a tooth. We can use one to replace a single lost tooth or support a prosthetic with multiple dental implants.
What Does Placement Involve?
First, the doctor examines your smile. Then the biocompatible titanium implant will be inserted into the jaw. Over the healing period the bone and implant post bond, securing the new tooth like a natural one. For a single tooth option, an abutment is added that holds the restoration, a dental crown, in place. If you have multiple missing teeth then multiple posts will be placed that a prosthetic is attached to. Patients should have enough jawbone tissue to support the new tooth and a smile free of periodontal disease (as this can cause implant failure in severe cases).
What are the Benefits?
They offer a number of benefits over traditional dental prosthetics, including:
- Long lasting (a lifetime in many cases)
- Lifelike appearance
- Prevents facial collapse by stimulating jawbone growth
- Allows patients to eat as they did before
- No slippage during meals or speech
- Fixed in place
- Easy to care for
Do you have any questions about replacing your missing teeth? If so, then contact our office today. We’re ready to help you enjoy a whole smile once again.