The absence of a single adult tooth can disrupt your entire oral health system. Tooth loss can result in bone atrophy, causing adjacent teeth to lose support and increasing the likelihood of further tooth loss. Patients with multiple missing teeth may also be exposed to additional oral and overall health hazards, such as a negative impact on their emotional well-being. Those who have experienced tooth loss have reported feeling incomplete or self-conscious about their appearance, and in some cases, they may even isolate themselves due to depression and anxiety.
We understand that losing a tooth can be emotionally challenging, and we encourage patients to consider their dental implant options as soon as possible. This is important to prevent rapid bone loss, which can adversely affect a person’s eligibility for some tooth replacement procedures.
You don’t have to go on living with missing teeth. Implant dentistry makes it possible to surgically replace missing teeth with new prosthetic teeth that look, feel and perform like natural teeth.
Tooth replacement options such as fixed bridges and dentures offer only limited relief from the side effects of tooth loss. They also can have side effects of their own, such as the need to replace bridges in order to avoid bone loss, or an uncomfortable fit with dentures.Â
Dental implants are different. Dental implants do more than simply replace missing teeth above the gum line. They also act as an anchor below the gum line and stimulate the bone just like natural teeth would. Plus, dental implants are durable, lasting 10 to 15 years longer than other prosthetic options.
The dental implant procedure replaces the lost roots of teeth, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bone mass. Unlike other prosthetics that only replace the visible crowns of teeth, dental implants are made from strong and bio-compatible titanium, allowing the bone surrounding the implant to generate new tissue and integrate with the implant. A permanent prosthetic, such as a dental crown or bridge, is then attached to an abutment that protrudes slightly through the gums. This process restores a patient’s smile with a natural-looking and functioning tooth replacement. The entire procedure, from implant to crown placement, usually takes around six months, although this may vary depending on individual treatment requirements.
Dental implants offer unique advantages when compared to other tooth replacement options. First, stabilized implants are very durable and long lasting. Unlike dentures, a dental implant can hold prosthetics firmly for decades, if not the rest of a person’s life. This durability is important for restoring oral function, too, because implants allow patients to eat a full diet of even difficult to chew foods. Dentures tend to become ill fitting over time, while dental implants won’t.
Dental implants also are low maintenance. Unlike dentures, which require removal for cleaning, or bridges that might need water irrigation underneath their crowns, dental implants are cleaned by brushing and flossing, just like your natural teeth.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options for replacing missing teeth. Our team will conduct an examination and provide you with information on dental implants to determine if they are a suitable option for you. If not, we will recommend alternative tooth replacement options that may better meet your needs. Our goal is to ensure that you do not have to suffer the adverse effects of missing teeth on your health or quality of life.
