Losing your teeth can have serious consequences for your oral health, from the onset of misalignment to problems eating and speaking. You should talk to your dentist about replacing your missing teeth and restoring the health and function of your smile. Fortunately, we offer a long lasing and natural looking option for obtaining a whole smile: dental implants. Are you an implant candidate?
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Unlike bridges, which requires crowns placed on surrounding teeth, or dentures, which need natural suction, dental implants are inserted directly into the jawbone. The dental implant then acts as a natural tooth root, stimulating jawbone growth. We top the post with a restoration, typically in the form of a dental crown (however, multiple dental implants can be used to secure fixed dentures). With proper care, your new tooth can be expected to last a lifetime.
Jawbone Density
Before placing one, we will need to look at your jawbone. Losing a tooth can cause the jawbone surrounding the lost tooth to deteriorate. Over time, loss of jawbone density can mean the jaw cannot support your new tooth. If this is the case, then you may need a bone grafting procedure to strengthen your jawbone and make placement possible.
The Presence of Gum Disease
The advanced stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis, can cause the connective tissue between the gums and teeth to dissolve, leading to adult tooth loss. For patients with implants, periodontitis can mean the new tooth fails and becomes lost. We will need to identify the presence of gum disease and ensure the disease is properly managed before recommending implant placement. If you have any questions about implant candidacy, or if you have a lost tooth and want to schedule an appointment, then contact our office today.
