Tooth loss is a common occurrence that affects millions of Americans. This condition can lead to gaps in your smile, hindered oral function, and additional dental problems. Fortunately, restorative dentistry provides an effective solution for replacing missing teeth.
Missing teeth can introduce many complications to your smile. You might feel self-conscious about gaps between your teeth that disrupt your smile’s appearance. And you might struggle to eat or speak as well as you did with a full set of teeth.
You might not realize that tooth loss can impact your jaw health too. Each of your teeth features a root that extends below the gum tissue to stimulate the jawbone. Its presence ensures the bone in the jaw stays healthy and strong.
Losing one or more teeth takes away this stimulation, and the jawbone begins to deteriorate in the tooth root’s absence. This can cause facial sagging, shifting teeth positions, and other health concerns.
This problem cannot be halted without professional intervention. You will need to talk to your dentist about restorative treatment that will address both tooth replacement and issues with your jawbone.
Some people may want to try a removable tooth replacement like dentures to restore their smiles. But they merely replace visible parts above the gumline whilst ignoring vital root replacements essential for maintaining overall oral health. Dental implants offer a comprehensive solution for tooth loss by not only replacing lost teeth but also addressing underlying bone issues in the jaw.
Each implant features a surgically placed titanium post anchor that fuses with the jawbone providing support for prosthetic teeth. The implanted anchor replaces missing tooth roots thereby stimulating the jaw once again and preventing further degeneration while preserving facial structure.
Plus, implants are fixed appliances, so you can perform oral functions without worrying about the devices slipping out of place. And dentists build the prosthetic teeth of implants on a custom basis for patients. This process can guarantee a beautiful and natural-looking finish you can feel proud to show off.
While benefits associated with implant dentistry seem apparent, not every patient qualifies as a potential candidate because successful implementation hinges upon fusion between fixture and jawbone. Hence, the patient must possess sufficient healthy bone within their jaw to support this treatment.
Your dentist will evaluate the health of your jawbone before proceeding with any form of treatment to minimize the risk associated with the failure of these fixtures. They can consider your dental structure using x-ray imaging techniques.
Replacing missing teeth is crucial not only for aesthetic reasons but also for preserving oral health functionality. Dental implants provide a comprehensive solution that addresses both visible gaps and underlying issues related to jawbone health, making them an ideal choice for many individuals suffering from tooth loss. But if your budget or other dental needs disqualify you from this specific treatment, talk to your dentist about alternative tooth replacement solutions.
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