
If you are missing one or more teeth, we probably don’t need to tell you the impact that can have on your daily life. Missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speaking confidence. Over time, they can even cause further dental issues through bone deterioration, shifting teeth, gum disease, and more. Fortunately, Oral Health Associates in Green Bay can offer a solution! Dental implants can fill in the gaps in your mouth, emulating the real thing while bringing back function and confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
If you’re wondering what exactly a dental implant is, the simplest answer is that it’s a replacement for your missing tooth. A titanium implant post is inserted into the jaw bone where the tooth’s root had previously been. Something called an implant abutment is attached, extending out of the gum into the mouth. Once the post has been inserted, it will heal and integrate into the existing jawbone. Once that happens, we will attach a crown to the top that blends in with the natural teeth seamlessly. At this point, it will be like you never lost a tooth at all! All issues caused by your missing tooth will diminish and you can smile again with confidence.
What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants?
There are a multitude of benefits that come with dental implants.
- Appearance: Dental implants blend in with your other teeth, completing your smile in a way that appears natural.
- Function: Replacing a missing tooth with an implant will eliminate any function issues you had been dealing with previously, improving things like chewing and speech.
- Preservation: As your new dental implant integrates into the existing jawbone, it will help stabilize it to prevent future bone loss. This will help maintain the structure of your face.
- Durability: Dental implants are strong and durable, potentially staying in place for life. Maintaining proper oral hygiene, keeping your dental appointments, and prioritizing a healthy lifestyle will all contribute to the longevity of the implant.
- Comfort: Once the procedure is complete, you should hardly notice the difference between the implant and a typical tooth. Because of the permanency, it’s significantly more comfortable than alternative methods such as removable dentures.
- Confidence: An improved smile will immediately boost your self-esteem. A boost in confidence can help with social interactions, professional endeavors, and overall quality of life.
Who Is A Candidate For Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a great option for solving the problem of missing teeth for those who qualify. To be a candidate for dental implants, a patient must have good oral health with no active infection or gum disease. It’s also imperative to have an adequate amount of healthy jaw bone to sustain the implant post. For those lacking in those areas, there are potential options that will make it possible to proceed with implants after additional treatment.
To determine candidacy for implants, the team at Oral Health Associates will evaluate oral health, take imaging to check bone density, review medical history, and discuss overall goals. For those who ultimately are unable to receive implants, alternative options exist, such as partial dentures or bridges. Our dentists will be thorough with their examination and take the time to explain in detail what your options are.
Receiving dental implants is an effective way to fix the dilemma of missing teeth. At the end of treatment, you’ll have a more functional mouth with a smile you’ll be proud to show off. Request an appointment with Oral Health Associates to find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants and get the process started.