Tooth loss is a frustrating health problem that can make someone less eager to smile proudly and lead to a host of issues like oral infections, injuries, jawbone atrophy, and further tooth loss. Thankfully, your dentist can replace missing teeth with beautiful and lifelike dental implants that look, work, and feel just like the real thing. Here’s a quick overview of a few incredible facts about these amazing restorations.
Dental Implants Are Designed to Fuse with the Jawbone
Traditional dentures and bridges do not provide an extremely stable hold in the mouth, which means they can fall out or slip out of place and cannot exert chewing power similar to real teeth. Dental implants, on the other hand, consist of titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone to create the sturdy foundation restorations need to function like the real thing. Titanium has the remarkable ability to fuse with living bone tissue through the natural process of osseointegration, which gives the implant the leverage it needs to exert up to 80% of the missing tooth’s natural chewing power.
Dental Implants Can Be Used to Replace Any Number of Missing Teeth
It is often possible to replace each individual missing tooth with its own dental implant, but it’s usually more efficient and just as effective to support many artificial teeth with only a few implants. Single missing teeth can be replaced with dental crowns, but several sequential teeth can be restored with a bridge and the loss of a complete arch can be resolved with an implant denture. This makes dental implants an excellent option for virtually anyone with tooth loss as long as they are in suitable oral and overall health.
Health Conditions Do Not Necessarily Disqualify You from Dental Implants
Dental implants are not for everyone, but it’s often possible to place them in patients with medical conditions that can complicate the process. Oral infections like tooth decay and gum disease will have to be resolved with restorative treatments before dental implants can be placed, and some patients may need bone grafts before receiving these appliances. Please be thorough when discussing your current medications and medical history with your dentist during your consultation so they can design your treatment plan appropriately.
Losing teeth doesn’t mean you have to live with an incomplete smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best tooth loss solution for you.
About the Practice
Meadowvale Family Dentistry offers exemplary oral healthcare to the community of Mississauga. Led by Drs. Mayank Patel and Ka Biu Ip, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys the utmost courtesy in a calming and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, schedule a consultation by contacting the office online or dialing (905) 821-0011.