Tooth implant: Replace Missing Tooth

It is estimated that millions of people in this country are missing teeth, due primarily to gum disease and tooth decay, but also to injury and dental trauma. Traditionally, adult tooth loss meant that you needed a bridge or possibly dentures- but now there are new options available that are more secure, comfortable, and natural than ever before.

There are many reasons why it is important to replace a missing tooth- or missing teeth. When you leave missing teeth untreated, you face some serious oral health issues:

• The average adult has 28 teeth. When one or more are missing, the other teeth try to compensate and shift. This moves your teeth and puts your bite out of alignment. Over time, tooth shifting can make it so your teeth don’t come together properly when you close your mouth- which can impact speech and the ability to eat.
• When you do not replace teeth and have a biting issue, it puts undue stress and strain on the jaw. This may cause sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweets overtime.
• When there are extra spaces in and around your teeth, it is easy for bacteria and plaque to accumulate. This leads to gum disease and possibly tooth loss later. It can be tough to get in and between to clean these areas.
• When you are missing teeth and chewing differently, it can impact how you digest the food that you eat. Some other possible consequences are difficulty swallowing, choking, and even acid reflux!
• Missing teeth can cause the face to appear sunk-in and older than it normally would
• Missing teeth can cause the jawbone to deteriorate, which may change the shape of your face. Your jaw may lose the ability to support the remaining teeth.
• If you do not replace teeth, you may have difficulty articulating your words when speaking.
• Some patients report a loss of self-confidence when they are missing teeth.

Today, you have a lot of treatment options available to replace a missing tooth. Here is what you need to know about a tooth implant:

Dental implants refer to small metal posts that are inserted into the jaw, which eventually grows around and fuses the implants in-place. These implanted posts serve as anchors for false or replacement teeth to be attached and secured, restoring the smile and bite of the patient. It takes several months for implants to fully heal and fuse to the jaw- which is what makes them feel as snug and solid as your own teeth. With implants in place, your dental provider can add a crown, denture, or bridge-whatever your dental needs are. Remember that this procedure involves dental implant surgery, and you should plan on time for recovery and healing after.

You have dental implant options at Ammons Dental by Design. Dental Implants are offered in the traditional style or same-day option. Your dentist will be able to discuss these two distinct choices with you- but know that either way, you will need to allow several months for your mouth to fully heal. Denture Stabilization relates to implants that support and stabilize the denture, which prevents the slippage and shifting that can occur with traditional dentures. The result are teeth that feel secure, strong, and natural– so you can eat and speak with confidence and comfort. These often snap in makes them secure, but still easy to remove and clean as needed. All on 4 provides the aesthetics and advantages of a new arch of teeth, but with only four implants needed to stabilize them. This prevents pressure on the gums and makes the dentures more comfortable to wear. Plus, it is a lot easier and cheaper to get four implants instead of the usual necessary implant-per-tooth. Want to learn more? Call to talk to the implant experts at Ammons Dental. Schedule an initial consultation at our locations in James Island, Summerville, Camden, or Downtown Charleston, for your convenience. We look forward to seeing you!