Is the only thing you really want this Christmas, a complete smile? If you’ve been struggling with a missing tooth or teeth, you probably already know your prosthetic dentist can help. But what you may not realize is that there are some wonderful new ways of completing a smile. Dental implants are one option many patients are choosing because of the increased confidence and stability they can provide. So if you’ve grown tired of struggling to eat or speak with missing teeth, it is time to learn more about what implants can do for you.
What Makes Implants Special?
Unsupported dentures are made to be comfortable, but they can shift around some during eating. This can cause some patients to feel insecure sharing meals with loved ones. Even dental bridges, which are more secure, are still not a permanent solution to tooth loss. Dental implants, on the other hand, provide the most stable and permanent prosthetic option currently available, which is why many patients prefer them to other forms of tooth replacement.
Are Implants the Answer?
Because implants require oral surgery, not all patients make good candidates for them. If you are in poor oral health, particularly if your gums or jaw are not healthy, you may not be able to support a dental implant.
That is why a consultation with your restorative dentist is crucial to determining the best course of action for coping with your tooth loss. Just keep in mind, the sooner you seek treatment the better off your smile will be. In fact, the longer you wait to replace a missing tooth the more likely your remaining teeth are to shift out of place. Delayed treatment can also allow undiagnosed issues such as gum disease to progress to the point that you may begin to lose other teeth. Avoid this by scheduling an appointment as soon as possible.
