Getting dental implants can be the solution many have been looking for to restore their smiles. A missing tooth is not only unsightly but can have effects on your overall oral hygiene and jaw strength. Dental implants are a strong, long-term solution, often considered preferable to other replacement methods such as bridges or dentures.
Single teeth
A single missing tooth may not seem worth getting a prosthetic for. Partial dentures or a bridge may not suit your needs, and the gap in your teeth could remain untouched for years.
A dental implant can replace a single tooth easily. The prosthetic, or crown, can fit into place with the teeth on either side, closing the gap as though it was never there.
Multiple teeth
Dental implants can be used to replace multiple teeth. The replacements still take the position of normal teeth implanted in your jaw and are therefore an unobtrusive and sturdy restorative option.
You can even have all your teeth replaced by a set of dental implants. This procedure uses four to six implants for each arch of teeth. It is a relatively simple procedure, with fewer complication risks than a single implant.
Support for other prosthetics
One of the major issues experienced with restorative appliances such as bridgework or dentures is the lack of support in your mouth. They can feel uncomfortable as a result. Dentures might even come loose while you wear them.
Dental implants can be used to support bridges and dentures. Because the implants are supported directly by the jawbone, this gives the prosthetics a more natural feel.
Matching
Many people may imagine a false tooth as something that will stand out and detract from their smile. However, with a custom made implant, the dental crown will match your other teeth precisely.
Jaw strength
Gaps in your smile are not the only cosmetic issue that missing teeth can cause. You can also lose bone mass in your jaw over time. This is because the jawbone relies on stimulation from the teeth to stay strong.
Without pressure, you may experience bone resorption in your jaw, as the bone shrinks or recedes. This can result in wrinkled skin around the mouth and the appearance of premature aging.
Prevent crooked teeth
Over time, a missing tooth may result in the rest of your teeth becoming crooked as they shift into the gap. Along with accompanying bone loss in the jaw, this can cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint and muscle) disorder. Soon, you may require TMJ treatment as well as cosmetic alterations.
Prevent decay
When you lose a tooth, the gap becomes a risk for decay. It may be difficult to clean the gap thoroughly when brushing and flossing. Additionally, the hole left by the missing tooth may allow entry for bacteria.
This can put your remaining teeth in jeopardy. Swollen gums or discolored teeth can affect your smile just as much as a gap. A dental implant can help prevent these results.
No anchor
Bridgework has been a popular option for tooth replacement in the past. Although this is still a useful procedure, bridgework relies on anchoring the prosthetic tooth to the teeth around it.
This requires alterations to be made to the anchoring teeth. Any pressure placed on the bridge is added to the pressure on these supporting teeth. A dental implant, on the other hand, supports itself.
Long lasting
One of the most notable aspects of a dental implant is its longevity. The implant is connected directly into your jawbone, with its titanium screw taking the place of a natural tooth root. This makes it a permanent prosthetic, joined to your jaw through the healing process known as osseointegration.
Y0u will be able to eat with ease, knowing the implant can withstand the pressure. You can also speak clearly with a dental implant, unlike dentures. This, along with your newly restored smile, can give your confidence a significant boost.
