A missing tooth can affect both the function and the aesthetic of your entire mouth.
If you are suffering as a result of tooth loss, dental implants can assist in improving the appearance and functionality of your smile, acting as a transformative part of an oral rehabilitation program. Dental implants are the best alternative to natural teeth, offering benefits through the use of a singular implant, or multiple implants.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is fabricated from a very strong, biocompatible material that is placed where your missing tooth was positioned.
The first step of your surgery will be inserting a titanium dental implant into your jaw bone. This part will act as the root of your new tooth. After an initial healing period, the implant is uncovered and an abutment resembling the tooth that was lost is attached. We refer to these two parts as the fixture (implant) and restoration (crown). The fixture will ensure stability and the restoration will ensure a desirable cosmetic appearance.
The importance of replacing missing teeth
Dental implants are designed to fill in a gap left by a missing or extracted tooth. It’s important to fill in gaps because it can cause your teeth to move which can lead to crookedness and more gaps. It will also affect the jawbone which will suffer from a lack of stimulation. The deterioration of the jawbone can also result in a sunken and hollow-cheeked appearance. Other concerns include:
- Your bite can become unbalanced
- Reduced chewing and speech ability
- Further gaps due to displacement of surrounding teeth
Whether you have lost all your teeth, a few of them, or even just one tooth, dental implants are a transformative part of any quality oral rehabilitation program.
