Dental Implants

The Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth with Implants

Dentists take considerable pride in preventing dental cavities, gum disease, and tooth extractions. We recognize, however, that dental disease is still common and sometimes results in tooth loss. Due to the advances in dental implant treatment this procedure has become a popular and predictable option to replace one or several teeth. Learn more below about why you should consider replacing missing teeth with implants.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

Replacing a missing front tooth is obvious, but in most cases, it is best to replace any missing teeth for several reasons, including the effect on your:

• Face. Teeth help support the muscles of your face. Missing teeth can result in sagging of these muscles, which can make you appear older.
• Smile. All your teeth support your mouth to give you a unique smile. Missing a front or back tooth can change your mouth and affect your smile.
• Teeth. Missing teeth affect your remaining teeth by increasing your risk of these teeth shifting, getting cavities, and being affected by gum disease.
• TMJ. A missing tooth can alter your bite and contribute to TMJ disorder.
• Nutrition. Missing teeth can cause problems in chewing some foods that are a part of a healthy diet.
• Speech. Gaps between your teeth can cause problems pronouncing some words.
• Confidence. When you replace missing teeth, you feel healthier and more confident to live an active and more fulfilling life.

The Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Dentistry has significantly improved the various ways of replacing missing teeth. The techniques and materials are far superior to those in the past. They can now offer replacement choices that appear and function more naturally. Depending on the number and location of your missing teeth, you might have these options:

• Dental implants
• Implant-supported bridge
• Abutment-supported bridge
• Tooth-supported bridge
• Partial denture
• Complete denture

What Are Dental Implants?

An implant is a post usually made of titanium or ceramic placed in the jaw to replace a missing tooth. It acts as a substitute for your missing tooth and serves as the foundation for a dental crown. The implant is surgically placed, and as it heals, the post fuses with the bone to create strong support for your crown or bridge.

Occasionally an additional procedure known as gingival recontour is necessary when the implant is placed in the front of your mouth. This procedure is performed to improve the appearance of the gums around your implant.

Ten Advantages of Dental Implants

When you consider replacing one or more missing teeth, keep in mind that dental implants:

1. Look and feel more natural than other options.

• Require no added maintenance other than brushing and flossing.

• Offer a more permanent replacement solution.

• Help save remaining bone and prevent further deterioration of your jaw that usually accompanies tooth loss.

• Are more comfortable when chewing and speaking.

• Allow you to eat your usual diet after the implant heals.

• Protect your remaining natural teeth by not requiring treatment such as crowns or other modifications.

• Match the form and color of your remaining teeth.

• Promote increased confidence and self-esteem due to their superior appearance and function.

1. Have a high rate of success of about 95%.

How to Care for Dental Implants

You can enjoy your implant for decades and even a lifetime with proper care. You can take several steps that will prolong the lifespan of your implant, including:

• Brush at least twice each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Brush with a low-abrasive toothpaste.
• Brush thoroughly under and around the implant.
• Use interdental brushes to clean difficult-to-reach areas around your implant.
• Floss daily with our recommended dental floss.
• Consider using an oral irrigator.
• Maintain a regular schedule of dental exams and professional teeth cleaning.

You may receive special instructions to maintain your dental implant if it supports a bridge or denture. However, no matter what type of implant you receive, keeping your gums healthy is crucial to its long-term success.

Contact Us

Call us at 281-358-6330 or contact us online today and set up an appointment for an evaluation to discuss your best tooth replacement options.

Looking for more information about Dental Implants? Go to the services portion of our website and click on “Dental Implants. Here you can watch videos and read more about this service.

Green Oak Dental – Kingwood, Texas