Implants are made of titanium, which fuses with bone (called osseointegration) to form a strong and stable replacement tooth. When properly cared for, implants can last a lifetime.
A gap left by a missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift crookedly towards the empty space, which affects your bite, chewing and your appearance. Replacing that missing tooth with an implant prevents these complications. Contact Boca Dental And Braces now!
If you have gaps in your teeth, dental implants are an excellent choice for replacements. They are strong and long-lasting and they look more natural than other options, like dentures. They also feel more natural, because they are attached to your jawbone. They don’t sit on top of your gums like traditional replacements, which can cause discomfort and slippage.
A conventional implant consists of a titanium post, which is placed in the jawbone. It’s then topped with a crown, which is customized to look just like your natural tooth. Because of this, many people don’t even notice a difference.
However, dental implants don’t have any nerves in them, which means they won’t feel exactly like a real tooth, which has inner sensations that feel temperature and pressure. Still, they do feel remarkably similar, and most people don’t experience any discomfort with their new replacements.
Dental implants also provide a more realistic biting force than other replacements, like dentures, because they fuse directly to your bone. This is because the implants are modeled after the anatomy of natural tooth roots. This helps to prevent the shrinkage of the jawbone that can occur when there are no tooth roots present.
Additionally, the implant posts promote the growth of healthy bone and tissue in the area of the missing tooth. This keeps the jawbone from resorbing and weakening in that region, which can affect other teeth and your facial shape over time.
The most important thing you can do to keep your implant and its surrounding gums healthy is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing twice daily and scheduling regular appointments with your dentist and hygienist.
It’s also a good idea to avoid smoking, since this can slow healing after surgery. Finally, if you have a chronic illness that can interfere with surgery or recovery, such as diabetes or leukemia, dental implants may not be the right option for you. You should also schedule a medical evaluation to make sure you are in good health before having the procedure done.
They Prevent Bone Loss
Long-term tooth loss causes the bone in your jaw to shrink and deteriorate. Traditional tooth replacement options like dentures and dental bridges don’t stop this process, but dental implants do. The titanium metal rods that make up the implants mimic a tooth root and stimulate the bone when you chew, just like your natural teeth do. This prevents the bone from resorbing and keeps your face from losing its shape, helping you retain a youthful appearance.
The other benefit of replacing a lost tooth with an implant is that it will help preserve the surrounding teeth. This prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting position, which can affect your bite and lead to more loss of the adjacent teeth. The implant will also reduce the load on the remaining natural teeth and help you speak and eat better.
You will need a medical evaluation before you undergo this surgery to ensure that you are healthy enough for it. Chronic illnesses like diabetes and leukemia can interfere with healing after surgery. Patients with severe periodontitis (gum disease) may also not be candidates for dental implants. Smokers may have trouble with healing after the procedure as well, since using tobacco slows down the blood flow to the gums and bone.
Your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to assess your condition. This will allow them to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants, as well as how many implants you will need. They will then create a treatment plan for you and give you a cost estimate.
During the healing process, your implants will fusing to the bone through a process known as osseointegration. Once this is complete, they will be topped with a custom-made crown that looks just like your natural tooth. This will restore your smile and function.
If you do not have sufficient bone mass in your jaw to support an implant, a bone graft or sinus lift can help increase your chances of success. However, this is rarely needed for most people with dental implants in the front of the mouth.
They Restore Bite Force
Dental implants are the only restorative solution that can help restore bite force, improving chewing efficiency and overall oral health. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, making them the most popular choice for replacing missing teeth. They also prevent bone loss, helping to keep the jaw healthy. Other tooth replacement options can cause bone deterioration because they shift over the ridge of bone or become loose and uncomfortable. Dental implants stay attached to the bone, providing the stimulation needed for continued bone growth.
Most people have between two hundred and two hundred fifty pounds per square inch of bite force, which is enough to handle a variety of foods. Conventional dentures, on the other hand, provide only a quarter of that strength. This means that you can eat nearly anything you want with dental implants without worrying about them breaking or falling out.
The chewing process breaks food down into smaller pieces that are easier to digest. Bite force is an important part of this process because it helps you chew more thoroughly, which can improve your overall digestive health. If you have lower bite force, it is difficult to break down food as well, and it may lead to gastrointestinal issues.
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth start to move to fill in the empty space. This can lead to problems with your bite, and it can also cause your existing teeth to become loose. Dental implants can stop this from happening by keeping your jawbone strong and preventing other teeth from shifting.
When you’re considering dental implants, it is important to work with a dentist or oral surgeon who has experience in this field. They will perform a comprehensive exam of your mouth and jaw to ensure that you are a good candidate for this treatment. This includes evaluating whether you have any chronic conditions that can slow healing and integration, such as diabetes, cancer, long-term steroid use, or certain types of medication. If you do have any of these conditions, you might need to undergo other treatments before you can receive an implant.
They Prevent Your Face from Changing Shape
The loss of a single tooth can lead to significant bone loss in the area of the gap, and this change in shape alters the natural tension of your facial muscles. In many cases, this can cause your face to look thinner, sag in the lower half, and droop. Dental implants prevent this type of deterioration by preserving the shape and strength of the jawbone in the affected area. They do this by mimicking the natural stimulation that your tooth roots provide to the bone.
Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, several adjacent teeth, or all of the teeth in a jaw, and they offer more stability than traditional dentures. They also feel and function more like your natural teeth, which can improve confidence and help you eat a wider range of foods.
Implants are made of titanium, which is bio-compatible and offers both strength and durability. Titanium is also known for the ability to fuse directly to bone — a process called osseointegration. While other materials, including zirconium, may eventually be used for dental implants, they haven’t yet been proven to offer the same level of stability and durability as titanium.
If you need a new tooth replacement, it’s important to consult with an experienced oral surgeon for an evaluation. They will review your medical history, dental health, and current condition to create a customized treatment plan that fits your needs.
In addition, they will assess your bone quality and structure to determine if you need a procedure like a bone graft before you can get an implant. This involves removing bone from another area in your mouth or using a synthetic bone-substitute material to build up the jawbone where the implant will be placed.
Dental implants can transform your smile and renew your confidence in social and professional interactions. They also help you regain full use of your teeth and maintain the bite force necessary for good oral and overall health. If you have more questions about the benefits of dental implants, or if you want to schedule an appointment for your own assessment, call our clinic today.