Tooth loss remains a common problem in America despite modern innovations and advancements in dentistry. The most common causes of tooth loss in the United States include tooth decay, injuries, and periodontitis. For many years, dentures and bridges were the only replacement options for people with missing teeth. If you have dentures, you probably understand the discomfort that they cause. Fortunately, Hope Berman DMD uses dental implants to replace single or multiple missing teeth. They offer a better alternative to other tooth replacement options for the following reasons.
Behave like natural teeth
Dental implants are designed to fuse with your jawbone; they become part of your mouth with time. Since the implant fuses with the bone, it is stable enough, restoring your full chewing power. You can hardly tell the difference in function between your natural and implanted teeth. Dental implants generally allow you to eat food as you would with your natural teeth. You can still brush and floss your implant teeth just like your natural teeth.
Prevent bone loss
When you miss a tooth or more, the jawbone in the space deteriorates due to lack of stimulation. Usually, when you chew food, the pressure on your teeth stimulates the jawbone, but when you have no teeth, there is no stimulation. If you place no implant in the first year of losing a tooth, the bone area loses up to 25% of its volume; the bone loss gradually continues over the years. Dentures can even speed up bone loss since they may become loose and rub against the bony ridge, causing it to wear away. However, an implant replaces the tooth and the roots and restores chewing to normal. Therefore, you will regain the stimulation you need for natural bone growth.
Prevent facial sagging and premature aging
Missing teeth result in bone loss, which eventually causes facial sagging. When you have missing teeth, the lower third of your face starts to collapse, gradually shortening the distance between the chin and the tip of the nose. When this happens, excess wrinkles form around the mouth, the lips become thinner, and the chin becomes more pointed. These changes make a person appear a lot older than their actual age.
Improved self-esteem
Missing teeth are often a blow to someone’s self-esteem or confidence. Since missing teeth alter your appearance, you may be ashamed of talking to new people or may hide your smile. Generally, interacting with people becomes less fun as you are unhappy with your appearance. But dental implants restore your missing teeth and the integrity of your smile. After dental implant placement, you can talk and smile without fear. Dental implants improve your smile and make you feel better about yourself.
Keep adjacent teeth stable.
The gap from missing teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift towards the opening; this misaligns your teeth and affects your bite, chewing ability, and appearance. This may interfere with tooth replacement later in the future and may lead to issues like temporomandibular joint disorders.
If you have a single or multiple missing teeth, consult your dentist at Oasis Dental Team PC to establish if you are a good candidate for implants.
