Tooth loss is a common occurrence – millions of people suffer tooth loss – primarily as a result of gum disease, tooth decay or facial trauma. For years, the only treatment options available to those missing a tooth were partial dentures or bridges. Today, dental implants are available as an alternative. If you have lost a tooth, you may wonder why you should choose a dental implant over a bridge or partial denture.
Following are some of the advantages of dental implants:
- Dental implants prevent bone loss. Without the tooth root, the bone of the jaw begins to shrink, or resorb, causing problems with remaining teeth and changing the shape of the face. Dental implants serve as replacement roots for the tooth, and continue to stimulate and preserve the bone. When an implant is used, the jawbone fuses to the metal implant in a process known as osseointegration, reducing bone shrinkage significantly.
- Dental implants look better. They feel, look and function like your own natural teeth. Because they fuse directly with your bone, they become permanent, and with proper care, never need to be replaced.
- Dental implants fit better. They are more comfortable and are easier to clean. Because they are so secure, you will speak more clearly and eat with greater confidence and comfort.
- Dental implants will improve your oral health. Implants don’t affect the surrounding teeth the way a bridge does. Your natural teeth remain intact, allowing for easier greater health and cleaning around each tooth.
- Dental implants are convenient. They never have to be removed to clean under them, nor do they need adhesives or wire to stay in place.
- Dental implant surgery has a very high success rate. They are durable and can last a lifetime if you care for them properly.
If you are healthy enough to undergo an extraction of your tooth, you can generally be considered for dental implant surgery. You must have enough healthy bone and soft tissue to hold the implant. Talk to your dentist today if you have questions regarding dental implants and whether they are a right choice for you.
We look forward to seeing you in our Longview dental office
Are you or someone in your family missing a single tooth due to an accident, infection, or fracture? If you are missing a single tooth for any reason, a single tooth dental implant can replace both the natural tooth and its root. The best, long-term option for restoring a single missing tooth is a dental implant fitted with a crown.
To place the implant, a small titanium post is inserted into the jawbone. This anchor provides a “root” for the placement of the implant that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. These “anchors” are extremely compatible with bone and attach to the jawbone and gums to become a base for the crown. A temporary tooth can be placed while the dental implant integrates with your natural bone to form a foundation for a crown. Once the implant has fused to the bone, the final step in the treatment is the placement of the permanent crown onto the dental implant.
One of the advantages of a dental implant is that it allows you to replace a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. Other treatments, such as bridges, require the adjacent teeth to be ground down to support the appliance. Grinding down the teeth damages tooth enamel and structure. Also, a single implant can be more aesthetically pleasing and easier to keep clean than a bridge.
It is of vital importance to replace even one missing tooth, as leaving it untreated can cause bone loss, compromised chewing ability, as well as an unattractive smile. If you have one missing tooth, or a tooth that needs to be removed due to damage or decay, the best and most natural option is a single tooth dental implant.
Our dental office is located in Longview
As with any surgery, there are benefits and risks that come with getting dental implants. This procedure to replace missing teeth is becoming increasingly popular, so here are some things to know if you are considering this type of treatment.
What are the benefits?
- Appearance – implants blend in with your smile and look very natural.
- Comfort – they function and feel like natural teeth.
- Support – implants support your jaw and avoid a “caved in” look to your face, preserving your youthful appearance.
- Sensitivity – many patients have less tooth and gum sensitivity after getting implants.
- Adjacent teeth – neighboring teeth are not affected.
- Durability – implants are usually there for life, not needing surgical replacement. Even if the artificial tooth needs replacing, it can be done without surgery.
- Speech – dental implants allow you to speak clearly, as you would with your real teeth.
- TMJ – replacing missing teeth helps prevent jaw disorders
- Bone loss – titanium posts implanted into your jaw can help prevent bone loss and gum recession.
What are the risks?
- Infection – gums and tissue may become infected without proper oral hygiene. It’s important to follow all recovery and maintenance instructions carefully.
- Failed integration – sometimes implants do not integrate properly with the bone. If the implants do not fuse, they can be uncomfortable or loose. When this happens, implants must be removed and can be redone after the area has healed.
- Sinus problems – your sinuses can be affected when implants are placed in the very back of your jaw, sometimes requiring sinus augmentation surgery.
- Nerve or tissue damage – rarely, implants damage nerves or blood vessels. This can cause pain, tingling, swelling, or numbness. This typically is not a risk when a qualified dentist or oral surgeon performs your implant procedure.
Dental implants dentist in Longview
A dental implant replaces missing teeth by providing an artificial root and tooth. This type of restoration is a permanent solution that gives you back the appearance and function of your mouth. Implants match your real teeth and fuse right into your jaw bone. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or an entire section of teeth.
Appearance
Dental implants vastly improve the way your smile looks. There are no more visible holes, and the restoration blends right into your smile. Your face and jaw will also have less risk of appearing sunken, as can occur when teeth are missing.
Speech
Missing teeth can cause you to slur or mumble when you speak. Dentures that don’t fit properly can also result in speech issues, so permanent and secure dental implants alleviate speech concerns.
Comfort
Once your implants become part of your jaw, you will likely not even remember you have them. They are very comfortable, and you can also maintain your normal diet. Implants allow you to avoid the problems that dentures have of slipping and discomfort.
Function
Implants act just like your regular teeth. Chewing and biting are the same as with your natural teeth, and in fact your implants will likely be even stronger than your other teeth.
Durability
With proper dental care, implants can last your whole life. Your natural teeth remain unaffected by the implants, and you can continue with your regular oral hygiene routine.
Confidence
Your self-esteem will be restored when you have your complete smile back. You will feel confident in smiling, talking, eating, laughing, and everything else you do.
Dental Implants Longview
Sometimes people lose teeth. It may result from tooth decay, trauma, disease, or other problems but no matter the cause, the end result can be poor mouth function and an embarrassing appearance. Luckily, dental implants provide an effective way to repair your smile and change your whole outlook on life.
Dental implants are basically replacement roots for your missing teeth. When you lose a tooth, you also lose the roots that hold it in place. Implants provide a substitute for the roots in order to anchor an artificial tooth securely in place. It requires oral surgery to get dental implants, because a small titanium post is placed directly into the bone where the missing tooth’s roots should be. As healing occurs over the next few months, the implanted post becomes part of your jaw and creates a very secure artificial root.
Once the implant has successfully attached to your jawbone, a small post is placed to hold your new tooth. A crown that matches your existing teeth is attached to the post, and your dental implant is complete. Some of the benefits you can expect from dental implants include:
- Permanent restoration
- Improved appearance
- Normal speech
- Comfort
- Easier eating
- Improved self-confidence
- Convenience
Before deciding to have a dental implant, make sure you see a qualified dentist or oral surgeon to make sure you are a good candidate. It is important to have enough bone to support the implant. If not, you may need some type of intervention to correct bone deficiency or you might be advised about a different type of restoration. But if you learn that implants are an option in your situation, you will be able to begin your journey to a beautiful smile.
We offer dental Implants for missing teeth at our Longview dental office
Missing teeth can put a damper on your active lifestyle. You may feel self-conscious about your appearance, experience limitations in diet, or have difficulty speaking. Without a full set of teeth, you risk gum degeneration, bone loss, and other oral health problems. Designed to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, dental implants can rejuvenate your smile.
What is a dental implant?
A small titanium post that serves as an artificial tooth root, a dental implant is surgically positioned into your gums. Your dentist will place a permanent crown on each implant, which completes the replacement tooth. Implants can be used for one or more missing teeth.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
In general, anyone with a missing tooth should consider dental implants. The key to successful implant placement is good oral health and sufficient bone structure to support the posts. If you don’t have adequate bone levels, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to correct that situation.
How long does the procedure take?
Receiving dental implants is a two-step process. During the first visit, a trained specialist will surgically implant the posts into your jawbone. Then, you will need to wait three to six months for healing and integration with the jawbone. Once this occurs, your dentist will place the permanent crowns on the implants, giving you a full smile.
How do I care for my implants?
Just like your natural teeth, your implants require daily care. Brush often and floss frequently. Regular dental checkups are also important, so schedule visits at least twice a year.
If you live in the Longview area contact us today
