Dental implants: A long-term, permanent solution
If you have missing teeth, dental implants can provide a long-term, permanent solution that will enable you to eat and talk normally and will also keep your jawbone from changing shape over time. With implants, you’ll have a natural-looking smile that will last the rest of your life.
Dental Implants and How They Work
Dental implants replace your missing tooth with a whole tooth, including an artificial root, unlike dentures or bridges, which only replace the visible portion of the tooth. The artificial root portion is made of titanium. Bone naturally bonds to titanium, creating the foundation for your new teeth. As you chew, the titanium root stimulates growth in the jawbone, preventing atrophy. Neither dentures nor bridges provide this advantage.
Your implants are placed over a period of time in most cases. First, any preliminary issues are taken care of. This could include:
- Treatment for gum disease
- Bone grafts to shore up weak areas in the jawbone
- Sinus lift to increase bone density in the upper jaw
These preparatory treatments take some time to heal. Afterward, your implant dentist can place the root portion of the implant. In turn, this surgery must have some time to heal, during which the bone bonds to the implant. After a healing period, the crowns can then be placed on the implants, and you can show off your new teeth.
Why Should I Choose Implants?
Choosing to have your missing teeth replaced is a step toward maintaining your overall health. With gaps in your smile, your remaining teeth can shift, creating misalignment, which can lead to long-term issues like wear and tear and temporomandibular joint disorder. Over time, the shifting of your other teeth can even lead to additional tooth loss.
With implants, you replace not only the visible portion of the tooth, but the tooth root. This means your new teeth will always be stationary and secure in your mouth. You’ll be able to eat any foods you would have eaten before the tooth loss. Also, your jawbone won’t atrophy over time, as happens when missing teeth aren’t treated, or when you decide to wear a denture. All in all, implants are the best possible choice for your health, so call us today to set up a consultation with one of our experts to discuss your implant options.