The Basics of Dental Implants

Missing teeth are not as uncommon in adults as you might think! Dental implants are a great solution to filling in gaps left by a missing tooth in your smile.

Unlike traditional dental bridges, which are supported by surrounding teeth or crowns, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is fixed to the jaw bone. The result is a replacement tooth that looks and functions normally!

Benefits of Implant Dentistry

If you’re a person who’s been getting along fine with a missing tooth or looser-fitting dentures, you may wonder what the advantages are to getting a dental implant instead. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits associated with implants:

Improved appearance. Because implants are anchored to the jaw bone, the result is effectively a new permanent tooth that looks and feels like your natural teeth!

Improved speech. Believe it or not, your teeth have an impact on your ability to enunciate words. Having either no teeth or ill-fitting dentures that may slide out of place can cause you to mumble or slur your words.

Improved eating. Chewing your food becomes a much easier task with new permanent teeth rather than with dentures that slide around or gaps of bare gums!

Improved health. Having individual implanted teeth gives you a new lease on your oral health. You can brush and floss between your implants just like normal teeth, without having to fuss over removing dentures.

Also, unlike tooth-supported bridges, having dental implants does not require reducing otherwise healthy teeth in order to fit crowns for bridge support.

Who Implants Are Good For

The ideal candidate for dental implants is anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay. People who cannot properly wear removable dentures due to other circumstances should especially consider this option.

Ultimately, it is up to your dentist to determine if dental implants are the right choice for you!

Here at Almeida Bell Dental Center, we offer dental implants as a solution for improving your health and appearance! Think this procedure may be right for you? Visit our website to learn more and schedule your FREE cosmetic consultation!