Your smile is a significant part of who you are. Missing one or more teeth can distort your smile and make you conscious of your interactions with others. There are several options for tooth replacement, and dental implants are one of them. A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that supports an artificial crown.
Dental implants have become popular for many individuals since they mimic natural teeth and last longer than other tooth replacement options. However, dental implants are not a good option for everyone. You must have a strong, healthy jawbone and enough space for the implants. Additionally, you must treat all your underlying dental complications for a successful dental implant procedure.
Before you settle for this form of tooth replacement, you will need to undergo a thorough evaluation from a dentist to determine your suitability for the procedure. The following are some of the reasons why dental implants have become a popular tooth replacement option:
Dental Implants Prevent Bone loss
Your jawbone requires constant stimulation to remain healthy and strong. It can deteriorate when the muscle is not used for a long time. When you have healthy teeth in your mouth, chewing transmits the biting force to the jaw, stimulating the jawbone.
However, when you lose your teeth through dental diseases or trauma, there will be no pressure on the jawbone. You could lose up to 25% of the jawbone mass within one year of tooth loss. When you lose your jawbone mass, your facial appearance could change. Additionally, you could suffer additional dental complications.
Dental implants function like tooth roots. When the implant is surgically placed into your jawbone, it will transmit the necessary energy to stimulate the bone. However, you must wait for the implants to heal. Osseointegration is the secret to the long lifespan of dental implants. Osseointegration is when the implant bonds with the surrounding bone and becomes a natural mouth part.
Titanium is the most commonly used material for dental implants. This is because of its ability to fuse with the natural tissues of your jawbone. Within six months of placing the implant, the osseointegration will be complete.
The Implants Match your Natural Teeth
Your smile is a significant part of your outlook and overall well-being. Dental restorations that do not mimic the natural shade or shape of your teeth can cause a negative change in the appearance of your smile. Dental implants mimic the natural appearance of your teeth. Due to technological advancements, it may be challenging to tell the difference between these restorations and your natural teeth.
Each component of the dental implant plays a significant role in ensuring that the restoration feels and looks like natural teeth. The components of the dental implant include:
- A titanium fixture. The screw, or fixture, is the main part of your dental implant. This part of your dental implant is made of titanium for easy integration into the jawbone. The screw is placed into your jawbone and acts as the tooth root. When the screw is inserted into the jaw, it will be hidden. Integrating into the jawbone makes the implant feel like a natural tooth root.
- The abutment is a small piece of metal screwed into the implant after healing. The abutment functions to hold the dental implant in the right position.
- Dental Prosthesis. The prosthesis is the only part of the implant that will be visible. Depending on your desired outlook and budget, the dentist can place a denture, crown, or bridge.
Before your dentist makes a dental prosthesis, they will ensure that the visible part resembles your teeth' color, size, and shape. Dental crowns are always made of porcelain with the color and shine of natural teeth. For this reason, you will not be conscious of your smile or interactions with other people after a dental implant procedure.
While enjoying the natural look of dental implants, you must understand that these restorations require as much care as natural teeth. This means that you must regularly brush and floss your teeth. Additionally, you must visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Restores Bite Force
Losing one or more teeth can be an upsetting experience. In addition to ruining your smile, missing teeth can make it challenging to chew your food properly. This could impact your nutrition and overall health. Ignoring the impact of tooth loss on your overall health is impossible.
You must have dealt with the tooth loss issue before you can eliminate the problems. The dental implant is permanently attached to your jawbone. The implant integrates into the bone within a few months of the procedure. This makes dental implants the strongest dental restorations.
After the dental implant procedure is healed, your original bite force will be restored. This means you can return to enjoying the foods you liked before the tooth loss. Through dental implant dentistry, you can restore your confidence and protect your overall health.
Dental Implants Prevent Changes in the Shape of your Teeth
When you lose one or more teeth, the shape of your face could change drastically. You may have deep wrinkles around your lips, nose, and chin. Additionally, the remaining teeth are forced to perform extra functions to compensate for the teeth you have lost.
Overworking your teeth can cause them to shift to the location of the missing teeth. The loss of your teeth means the loss of roots and jawbone deterioration. You can feel conscious of yourself when your face caves in due to tooth loss. This could affect your smile and make you look older than your age. Additionally, looking older than normal can ruin your self-esteem.
Most forms of tooth restoration will only replace the crown for appearance. However, leaving out the tooth root can still result in the deterioration of the jawbone structure. Dental implants have a screw that substitutes for the natural tooth.
Receiving dental implants as soon as you lose your teeth could help preserve your bone structure. The different components of the implant create a good foundation to support the jawbone and facial structure.
Enhance Natural Speech
Speaking requires coordination between muscles and oral structures like teeth, lips, and tongue. You could suffer from speech issues when one of your oral structures does not function properly.
A common way to check the impact of teeth on speech is to check a child’s change in speaking pattern when their baby teeth begin to fall off. The pronunciation of words could be distorted after tooth loss. When you lose your front teeth, either through disease or trauma, you may experience difficulty speaking properly.
Your dentist may recommend dental implants to replace these missing teeth. Your speech difficulties may be corrected since dental implants are anchored into the jawbone.
Ease in Maintenance
Your dental implants will serve you longer with proper maintenance. Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental implants are easier to maintain. After the implants have healed and the crown is placed, you will not need to deviate from your routine dental care.
Dental implants require care that is similar to that of natural teeth. Unlike removable dentures, you will not need to worry about damaging the implants when cleaning them. Good oral hygiene involves constant brushing and flossing of your teeth. Failure to do this can result in bacteria accumulating, contributing to tooth decay and cavities.
Coupled with regular brushing and flossing, the dentist could recommend using mouthwash. The mouthwash will reduce the accumulation of bacteria around the teeth and gums.
Permanent Solution for Tooth Loss
Dental implants are a notable advancement in dental technology. Before the discovery of implants, dentists could recommend dentures and bridges for people with missing teeth. The clear reason why dental implants have become a popular option for the replacement of missing teeth is that they do not require constant replacement.
Most tooth replacement options have a lifespan of up to ten years. After this time has elapsed, you could visit a dentist for some preparation or replacement of the restorations. Dental implants can serve you for a lifetime with proper care. Some of the factors that could impact the lifespan of your dental implants include:
- The skill of your dentist. A highly skilled dentist must perform a dental implant. This helps avoid mistakes that could result in dental implant failure. Tooth replacement with dental implants requires a customized treatment depending on the number of teeth you want replaced and your oral health. A procedure performed by a competent dentist can serve you for a lifetime.
- Implant location. The location of your dental implant can affect the duration for which this procedure will remain effective. The implants placed at the back of the mouth will absorb more pressure from chewing compared to those in the front.
- You must follow all the instructions and recommendations from your dentist after a dental implant. Excessive drinking or smoking can damage your implants. This means the restorations associated with poor lifestyle choices will not serve you as expected.
- Your diet. What you eat can significantly impact your natural teeth and your dental restorations. You need to care for your dental implants like your natural teeth. If you bite hard foods with dental implants, they could be damaged, and their lifespan will be shorter.
- Your oral practices. You must maintain good oral hygiene even after replacing your lost teeth with dental implants. The material used to make the dental implants is resistant to decay. However, the bacteria that accumulate due to poor oral hygiene can cause damage to surrounding teeth.
Support for the Remaining Teeth
Dental implants will replace your missing teeth and help preserve the remaining ones. Teeth depend on each other for support and normal function. Your teeth can withstand biting and chewing by leaning on each other. This creates a strong structure and protects them from movement around the mouth.
When your teeth shift from their original position, your smile may be distorted. Additionally, the teeth' structure will weaken. When you have one or more missing teeth, the chewing pressure is distributed on the few remaining teeth. This can cause excessive pressure and shifting of these teeth.
Choosing dental implants to restore your missing teeth gives you a full set and maximum support. Other options, like dentures, can help protect your teeth from sideways shifting. However, this restoration cannot withstand chewing pressure.
A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option that does not damage your natural teeth. Tooth restorations that require the removal of a part of your tooth enamel will damage your teeth and weaken their structure.
Avoid Cavities
Missing teeth increase your risk of suffering from tooth decay and gum disease. This is because your gums are more exposed to bacteria. This is because food could be trapped in these sockets. Cleaning teeth that lean towards an empty socket may be challenging. You risk losing more teeth when you suffer from tooth decay. You can protect yourself from these dental complications with dental implants. The implants
Find Expert Dental Services Near Me
Dental implants are a popular treatment option for missing teeth. Gaps in your teeth will affect your smile and cause other dental complications like receding gums, jawbone deterioration, and changes in your facial features. With the many available options to replace missing teeth, choosing the right treatment for you can be challenging.
Dental implants have become a popular tooth replacement option for many people. The dental implant procedure involves the surgical placement of an artificial tooth root that supports the tooth crown. Dental implants are popular because they offer a natural feel and outlook for your teeth. Additionally, the implants offer stability and durability for your dental restoration.
This saves you from constant dental visits for replacements or other procedures. If you want to make a long-term investment while replacing your missing teeth, you must talk to your dentist about dental implants. At Lasting Impressions Dental Spa, we deliver incredible dental services for all our clients in Encino, CA. Call us today at 818-751-5100 to discuss your tooth replacement needs.
