Do you need to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth? You may not realize that conventional tooth replacements like fixed dental bridges or partial or full dentures fail to restore the complete structure of the absent teeth. In contrast, dental implants provide both an artificial root – which is the small titanium cylinder inserted in the jaw – along with the prosthetic crown, bridge or denture supported by the dental implants.
Although the tooth’s root structure is obscured by bone and gum tissue, it is just as important to the smile’s form and function as the visible crown portion of the tooth. The root helps to hold the jawbone in place, and the bone will atrophy if the root is not replaced following tooth loss. Furthermore, the connection between the root and the jaw allows the teeth to withstand the strong chewing forces necessary to process fibrous, nutritious foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables.
Therefore, patients who work with an oral surgeon to get dental implants to replace missing teeth gain numerous health benefits. They are able to enjoy more complete diets featuring a variety of nutrients, like minerals and vitamins. The jawbone’s integrity is intact, protecting any biological teeth that remain in the smile, especially those in the immediate vicinity of the missing tooth.
It can also be easier for patients to maintain typical oral hygiene routines when they choose dental implants. Your oral surgeon can give you more detailed instructions on caring for your smile at home, but because the dental implants stand alone without support from surrounding teeth, they usually can be brushed and flossed using normal techniques.
In order to take advantage of dental implants, patients must have adequate bone to support osseointegration at the proposed implant site. After assessing your case, your oral surgeon can inform you whether you are an immediate candidate for dental implant placement or whether a bone graft is recommended for improved chances of dental implant success.
To maximize your oral health and overall well-being following tooth loss, explore dental implants as a tooth replacement treatment. Schedule a consultation with our team for more information on dental implants and to learn whether they might be effective in your case.