If you are exploring the possibility of replacing one or more missing teeth, consider dental implants. Among their many advantages, implants offer the easiest to maintain and most comfortable solution to restore the appearance and function of your natural teeth. But how do teeth implants work? Find out below. And for dental implants we offer services in North Charleston, West Ashley, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, James Island and Hanahan, SC.
We can help you replace missing teeth with implants for a healthy smile that functions and appears like your natural teeth. Call today to schedule an appointment.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a dental device that replaces a missing tooth’s root. Typically, most people use the term “dental implant” to describe the combination of the replaced root and the crown placed on the implant. The implant is made of a biocompatible metal such as titanium alloy or a ceramic, such as zirconia. After surgical placement of the implant in the jawbone, a porcelain ceramic crown, dental bridge, or denture is placed to complete the replacement of one or more missing teeth.
Why Get a Dental Implant?
A missing tooth can cause several complications, such as:
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Rapid loss of jawbone. The bone surrounding the root before extraction can dissolve quickly after tooth extraction. This can cause problems in the bony support of remaining adjacent teeth and complicate future restoration of the missing teeth.
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Difficulty chewing. Missing teeth can have a negative and significant impact on your bite. This can make chewing some foods challenging, leading to digestion problems.
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Speech impairment. You may begin slurring and have difficulty pronouncing certain words after losing teeth.
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Cosmetic changes. Teeth and their supporting bone help support the lips, cheeks, and facial muscles. Losing teeth can cause sagging and wrinkling of the face and lips.
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Tooth decay and gum disease. A missing tooth can cause the shifting of adjacent and opposing teeth. This can place your remaining natural teeth at greater risk of cavities and periodontal disease.
You may have several options to mitigate these negative consequences by replacing one or more missing teeth. These restorative dentistry options may include dental implants, bridges, crowns, dentures, and partials.
How do Teeth Implants Work and What Are the Benefits?
The high long-term success rate of dental implants has led to the increasing popularity of this procedure to replace missing teeth. Additionally, implants offer many distinct advantages, including:
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Optimally restoring natural appearance. Since implants preserve the surrounding bone and prevent further bone loss after tooth extraction, they closely reproduce natural teeth’s support of the face.
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Maximally restoring chewing forces. Implants overcome a significant disadvantage of other restorative dental procedures. Since implants are anchored in the bone, they can restore almost all of your biting force.
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Naturally restoring clear speech. Missing teeth and some dental appliances cause speech problems primarily because of their effect on the tongue. A dental implant allows your tongue to rest naturally against your teeth and function normally in speech.
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Significantly improving oral health. Implants improve the bony support of your teeth, but they also make oral hygiene easier. You can brush and floss normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy and free of tooth decay and gum disease.
Schedule Appointment
Our experienced doctors can answer your questions about implants, how do teeth implants work and recommend the best solution to replace your missing teeth.