Implants Specialist

Why replace missing teeth?

If you have one or more missing teeth, there are numerous reasons to replace them, some of which are cosmetic and others that are far more practical.

Missing teeth change the appearance of your smile. It isn’t just a matter of gaps: Missing teeth can also cause your face to take on a sagging or caved-in appearance.

That’s because your teeth are anchored directly into your bone tissue. Every time you bite down, you stimulate that bone tissue, keeping it healthy and strong. Once you lose a tooth, that stimulation also ends and your bone tissue can begin to wear away.

Missing teeth also impact the way you eat, limiting your ability to chew certain foods. Your speech can also be affected. Missing teeth can also change the force distributed when you bite, and this can damage and weaken your remaining teeth.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are permanent tooth replacement options. They are anchored into your bone tissue, just like natural teeth. That reduces the risk of bone loss and helps keep your remaining teeth healthy.

Today’s implant technology is truly astounding. Imaging allows Dr. Oghabian to determine the exact placement for the metal portion of your implant. You’ll receive an anesthetic to keep you comfortable as she opens your gum tissue, creates a small pilot hole in your jawbone, and positions the implant.

A period of healing follows while the crown, or visible portion of your implant, is crafted by the dental lab. Once your bone tissue has fused with the implant material, it’s time to return to have the crown attached to the post portion of the implant. That completes the process, and your new implant will look and function like the rest of your teeth.

Aren’t dental implants an expensive option?

Dental implants do require an investment of time and money, but the results are well worth the cost. Because dental implants are permanent, there is no need for additional treatment in the years to come. Your implant won’t decay or damage your surrounding teeth.

Alternatives like bridges and dentures may be more affordable in the short term, but they will require repair and possibly replacement over time. Those costs can add up quickly, and neither option delivers the same aesthetic appeal and durability of dental implants.

If you are looking for a replacement for all of your natural teeth, there are special dental implants that are attached to just four implanted posts. This approach gives you a gorgeous and healthy smile without the shifting and fit issues associated with dentures.

To learn more about dental implants, schedule a consultation today, online or by phone.