Tooth loss wreaks havoc on your oral health and it affects your everyday life. Remaining teeth sometimes shift, the jaw bone starts to deteriorate, and it is difficult to chew your favorite foods. It has a negative effect on the aesthetics of your smile, possibly your speech, and it can even impact your self-confidence. Adult tooth loss is more common than we like to think, especially as people age. The best restorative option for adults dealing with permanent tooth loss is dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants
Dental implants are basically prosthetic teeth and they are the closest restorative option to natural teeth. An oral surgeon first places a titanium post in the jaw where the tooth is missing. This post acts as the root of the tooth. While this area is healing, a crown is crafted in a dental laboratory to closely match neighboring teeth. On a subsequent visit, the dental crown is cemented onto the post.
Why Are Dental Implants Better?
Dental implants closely mimic natural teeth in both form and function. They are discreet because they look like neighboring teeth. Once the crown is placed, there are no dietary restrictions and patients can resume normal activities immediately. In addition, dental implants do not disturb or damage neighboring teeth like some of their temporary counterparts.
Dental implants also provide many health benefits. In addition to protecting neighboring teeth from damage, an implant fills the empty space preventing other teeth from drifting. This prevents a wide array of oral complications. The post, or root of the dental implant, also promotes circulation in the jaw where the tooth was lost. As the area heals, the jaw bone fuses to the post in a process called osseointegration. This impedes the diminishing of the jaw bone often associated with missing teeth.
Care for Dental Implants
Dental implants become permanent structures in the oral cavity. If cared for properly, they can last a lifetime. It is still necessary to brush and floss twice daily. You will also still need regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
If you are dealing with adult tooth loss, make an appointment with our office today. Our professional staff will help you explore your restorative options and take charge of your oral health. You can make over your smile with dental implants.
Call us today to schedule an appointment with our caring team!
