For many people who may be missing one or more teeth, it may not seem like a big deal, especially if it does not cause any problems with eating or speaking. For others who may have lost a more noticeable front incisor or would rather not have a hole in their jaw, there are options available which could effectively replace a missing tooth and restore your mouth to its full function. Through Henderson Oral Surgery, it can be easy to find out how life-changing dental implants could be for you.
How Dental Implants Work
It may be more than aesthetics that could get people interested in dental implants. When a tooth falls out and is not replaced, then the cells in your jawbone stop sending out signals to regenerate a useless and empty socket. This may cause your bone in that area to recede into itself, a process known as resorption. The surrounding teeth by the empty socket may also be affected by the degeneration of the jawbone and might become loose enough to fall out as well.
Through an incredible discovery, titanium was found to be biocompatible. This means that through the process called osseointegration, when a tiny titanium screw is inserted into an empty socket, with a little bit of time, the metal and tissue could fuse. Your body is capable of accepting a small piece of foreign matter as its own and with the implant placement, could encourage regeneration and cell growth of the surrounding degenerative tissues. Ultimately, a dental implant may be responsible for ensuring your jaw remains strong enough to support a mouth full of teeth for many years to come.
Why You Should Consider Dental Implants
Once your implant has healed and has adequately fused, a small connector called an abutment is attached to your replacement crown. A crown can be created out of resin, ceramic, or porcelain, which can make it indistinguishable from a natural tooth. As long as you stay away from sticky, extra crunchy foods, or refrain from bad habits like chewing ice, a dental implant can last for a long time. It does not take special treatment to keep it at its best. Remembering to brush and floss daily can be all it takes to keep your prosthetic in optimal shape.
Even if you are missing several teeth, dental implants can be used to create a firm structure for bridges or dentures you may already have. Modern technology can also help create a more compact set of artificial teeth for you that rely on implants rather than your gums to stay in your mouth. This could mean a significantly lowered chance of having to deal with loose teeth and could allow those with a sensitive gag reflex the benefit of comfortable dentures.
Dental implants can give back a smile to those who have been without teeth for a long time. It may be possible again to eat many of the foods they once enjoyed. Many could also appreciate the boost in self-esteem that comes from having a mouth full of strong teeth. With the dental advancements readily available to accommodate many of the needs or concerns of the individual patient, we here at Henderson Oral Surgery feel confident we can help you get back your smile. To learn more about implants, give us a call here at (702) 270-2999 for more information or to schedule an appointment.