While tooth loss is devastating, there are durable and lifelike alternatives to bridges and dentures. Dental implants have become the most popular method for replacing lost teeth in recent years.
The reason these permanent replacement teeth are so well liked is the fact that they replace total tooth structure, last for decades, and support all oral health structures – including bone. Receiving a dental implant can reduce the likelihood of further tooth loss while also improving oral function and appearance. Our oral surgeons offer dental implants to folks in our community.
The Devastating Impact of Tooth Loss
When we lose teeth during childhood, it’s a milestone. When we lose teeth in adulthood, it’s traumatic. Losing a tooth affects more than just our ability to eat. It affects our overall oral health and our psychological health. Many patients suffer with depression after tooth loss because they feel incomplete and embarrassed. Losing one tooth can lead to the loss of more teeth because teeth near empty tooth sockets lack support to stay upright. Furthermore, our jawbones atrophy when the roots of teeth are no longer present.
How Dental Implants Restore a Smile
Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants are anchored by bone mass. By embedding a small post that resembles a screw into the jawbone, our oral surgeons can essentially replace the root of a lost tooth. With time, bone will fuse directly to the implant’s post. This is because the post is made from titanium, a biologically compatible material.
Once the post is stabilized by bone, a permanent prosthetic tooth is attached. The prosthetic is custom made so that it fits perfectly between teeth and if made from porcelain, it will look just like the crown of a biological tooth. With dental implants, patients can eat their favorite foods with ease and confidence. Implants also reduce the likelihood of bone atrophy and help support existing teeth.
To learn more about your tooth replacement options, contact Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery to reserve a consultation with our team.
