When thinking about missing teeth, most people focus on the aesthetic aspects of a gap in their smile. While missing teeth can certainly make it hard to feel good about your smile, there are also serious dental health issues to consider.
Each of your teeth is anchored directly into your bone tissue. When you bite down, you stimulate that bone, keeping it healthy and strong.
Without that stimulation, the bone tissue can begin to wear away, a process called resorption. This can weaken the connection with adjacent teeth, leading to a cascade of additional tooth loss.
Missing teeth also change the force of your bite, which puts undue pressure on surrounding teeth. In addition, you may also find that you can’t easily eat certain foods, leading to restrictions in your diet. Some people even find their speech changes as a result of tooth loss.
Dental implants offer a way to permanently replace one or more missing teeth. Like natural teeth, implants are anchored into your bone tissue by way of the post portion of the implant, which acts like the root of an artificial tooth.
Not long ago, the only way to replace missing teeth was through bridges and dentures. Dental implants offer an alternative that is beautiful, natural-looking, and permanent.
You can have a dental implant to replace an individual tooth, and other options can replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth using just four implants. Choosing the right option for your needs begins with a personalized consultation with Dr. Khanian.
If you and Dr. Khanian determine that dental implants are right for you, your first step is addressing any untreated decay or gum disease. Because implants are secured within your bone tissue and are crafted to fit the exact specifications of your surrounding teeth, taking care of all dental work is important.
Impressions are taken to enable the dental lab to craft a synthetic tooth that is the right size, shape, and shade. Today’s implants look so natural that they’re virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Dr. Khanian then performs the surgical portion of the implant process, positioning the post of the implant into your jawbone. A period of healing follows as your bone tissue fuses with the metal post.
Once healing is complete, you return to have your crown attached to the post. This completes your dental implant procedure, and your implant looks and functions just like your natural teeth.
To learn more, schedule a consultation at All Smiles Family Dentistry by calling the office or booking online today.