Missing teeth not only create unsightly gaps in your smile—they can also cause pain or discomfort, and can even contribute to long-term dental health problems. Whether you’re embarrassed by a missing tooth, avoiding your favorite foods because they’re difficult to chew, or concerned about the likelihood of other teeth shifting to fill the space, dental implants might be the best solution for you. Dental implants are artificial teeth roots that are surgically attached to the jawbone to fill the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. Implants are a smart solution for missing teeth due to injury or periodontal disease, and they make it easy to speak, eat, smile, and sleep without pain or discomfort.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implant replacing a missing tooth
Many people don’t realize that missing teeth should be replaced as quickly as possible to prevent tooth misalignment, tooth decay, gum disease and painful chewing. Even if you haven’t noticed any gum or tooth problems, filling a gap in your mouth is essential to your long-term dental health. Even “invisible” gaps in the back of your mouth can create problems as other teeth shift to fill the space.
A Long Lasting Solution
Dental implants are a long-lasting solution that act as a durable support for a replacement tooth or dental bridge. If cared for properly, your dental implant could last for the rest of your life, preventing dental health problems such as:
• Shifting tooth alignment
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Gum shrinkage
• Bone loss in the jaw
• Slipping bridges or fussy dentures
Implants are one of the most durable and reliable repairs for missing teeth offered by modern dentistry.
What’s the advantage of dental implants over other types of teeth replacement?
Unlike bridges and other tooth replacements, dental implants are permanent and are installed directly into the jawbone. This means they rely on the jawbone itself to hold the new tooth root in place, unlike other tooth replacements that put additional stress on the surrounding teeth. Implants protect the gums and jaw bone from shrinkage, and they’re just as easy to care for as your normal teeth. Dental implants are a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution that can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for future dental work.
The gap from my missing tooth is hardly noticeable. Do I really need to replace it?
It’s important to replace missing teeth, whether or not they’re noticeable. If a gap is left unfilled, the surrounding teeth will move into the space, creating problems with tooth alignment that can lead to decay, gum disease, difficulty chewing, and even jaw problems. Filling a gap now will save you money, discomfort and frustration in the future.
How long will dental implants last?
Dental implants are nearly permanent, and require no special care once they have been installed. The artificial tooth attached to the implant may become damaged if it sustains trauma, but the implant itself solidly fuses to the jawbone and it is very rare to need to have one replaced.