Why replace missing teeth?
When most people think about a missing tooth it’s the cosmetic aspects they consider. While one or more missing teeth can certainly change the way you feel about your smile, there are other dental health issues to factor in.
Each of your natural teeth is anchored directly to the underlying bone. When you bite down you stimulate that bone, keeping it healthy and strong.
Once a tooth is lost, the bone beneath no longer receives the same stimulation. It can begin to wear away, a process called resorption that can create a caved-in facial appearance.
This can weaken the connection with nearby teeth, leading to tooth loss. Missing teeth also change your bite, which makes it hard to enjoy a wide range of foods and places undue stress on the remaining teeth. Even the way you speak can be affected by missing teeth.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option. Because dental implants are placed directly into your bone tissue, they maintain the stimulation your bone needs to thrive.
Implants are an excellent option for people who want a durable and natural-looking alternative to bridgework and dentures.
Implants are placed by creating a small hole in your bone tissue, then positioning the post portion of the implant into that space. After a period of healing, the crown portion of the implant is placed atop the post, completing the restoration.
Dental implants are more costly than bridgework or dentures. However, because implants last a lifetime, the expense can be less than options that eventually require repair or replacement.
What types of dental implants are available?
There are several dental implant options. When you come in for your consultation, your Advanced Dentistry of Center City provider explains which choices are the best fit for your specific set of needs and goals.
Individual dental implants work to replace a single lost tooth. They’re a great choice when advanced decay or dental trauma causes a gap in your natural teeth.
If you need to replace multiple teeth, an implant-supported bridge might be a good option. This approach uses dental implants to create a strong foundation for a span of multiple false teeth.
If you need to replace the entire span of your upper or lower teeth, All-on-4® or All-on-6® dental implants might be a great fit. These options use four or six dental implants to secure a full span of artificial crowns.
An implant-supported overdenture is also a span of false teeth anchored on multiple dental implants, but the overdenture can be removed for cleaning or repair.
Some people lack sufficient bone tissue to get dental implants. In these cases, bone grafting may be needed to build up enough bone to create a firm anchor for your new dental implants.
If you’re ready to learn more about dental implants, call the office today to book a visit. Online scheduling is also available.
