Anyone who needs a bridge, whether permanent or removable, or dentures to replace missing teeth should consider dental implants. Missing teeth not only look unattractive, but they also affect the way you chew and speak. If your food is not chewed properly, it can negatively affect your diet and nutrition, and if you cannot speak properly, it may disrupt your job and social life. However, there is another, more serious, reason missing teeth are unhealthy. If the jawbone does not have a tooth to support, it gradually loses mass, which may have severe repercussions on your health and appearance.
The jawbone beneath a gap in your teeth will become brittle because it is not being exercised when you chew. A gap in your teeth changes the shape of your face, and after bone loss, you may look prematurely aged. Dental implants replace the missing teeth in such a way that they maintain bone mass. As a result, you keep your youthful appearance and natural smile.
Dental implants have three components. The post is a titanium screw that is implanted into the jawbone. The bone gradually grows around the post and holds it in place just as it does a natural tooth root. This is called osseointegration. An abutment is attached to the top of the post, and a natural-looking crown is attached to the abutment.
Dental implants look and function like natural teeth. You can brush and floss exactly the way you usually do and eat anything you like. They allow you to bite an apple or corn on the cob as you usually would and chew naturally, so you get all the nutrition your food has to offer.
The main benefits of dental implants include:
• Conserving the jawbone – Any type of bridge leaves a gap in your mouth under the bridge. The bone will gradually deteriorate as a result.
• Eliminating the impact on other teeth – A permanent bridge is usually attached to the teeth on either side of the gap. This means those healthy teeth need to be drilled and reshaped so the bridge can be attached. Dental implants only affect the gap, not the other teeth.
• No shifting of teeth into the gaps – When there is a gap in the jaw, the other teeth are not held in place. They gradually move around and start to tip, causing crooked teeth. This makes cleaning difficult and can raise the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Keeping dentures in place – Implant-supported dentures have fewer complications because they fit better than unsupported dentures. Poorly fitting dentures tend to cause sores in the mouth, sunken lips and difficulty chewing. They even may require diet restrictions.
• Preserving a younger appearance – Dentures alone may make a person look older, and gaps that result in bone loss can cause the facial muscles to collapse.
During a consultation at the office of Samuel F. Jirik, DDS in Cabot, your teeth and gums will be examined to help determine if dental implants are your best option. Our experienced cosmetic dentist serves clients in the Little Rock and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!