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Just about everyone will lose at least one adult tooth in their lifetime. While many believe that a missing tooth is merely a dental cosmetic issue, failing to replace the missing or extracted tooth can result in a myriad of other issues. If you have recently lost a tooth or will be having an adult tooth extracted in the near future, dental implants are one of the most safe, effective and long term solutions to restoring your smile.

What Happens to Your Mouth After Losing a Tooth?

In addition to eating and speaking, our teeth serve several important roles. The root of a tooth goes deep into our jaws and skull in order to stimulate the bone. When the tooth is not longer there, the bone will not be stimulated and will eventually weaken. For those missing one or more teeth are also at a much greater risk of developing facial deformities, gum disease, malocclusion and yes, even tooth decay. Removable devices such as dentures and bridges can help with a few of these issues but choosing to replace the tooth with a dental implant is a much better option.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most popular long-term treatments for tooth loss. Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. The posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. Attached to the top of the implant is a small device that acts as a “saddle” for the crown. Crowns are made custom for the patient and designed to perfectly match the tone and shape of the surrounding natural teeth.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. Because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.

Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within your mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.

Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.

Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.

Improved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.

Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.

Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.

Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

Because of all these advantages, dental implants provide excellent long-term value and can be a terrific investment in long-term oral health. If you are interested in dental implants to restore your smile, contact us at Gulf Coast Dental to schedule your consultation.