Dental implants are a great option to replace missing teeth, and they look and feel very much like your natural teeth. In addition, they can boost your self-esteem and improve your overall oral health. They also prevent other teeth from shifting into the empty space, which can lead to bite problems and TMJ issues down the road.
One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that they restore full chewing power, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without feeling any discomfort or limitations. Additionally, the implant stimulates bone growth and helps prevent further bone loss in the area where the tooth was lost, which is a big advantage over other restorative options like dentures.
Dental Implants: A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth
In the past, patients who smoked or had certain medical conditions were not considered candidates for dental implants, but advances in diagnostics and treatment have made dental implants available to a wider range of people. The procedure starts with a comprehensive dental exam, including X-rays and models of your mouth and jaw. You may also need a bone graft, which uses natural bone from another part of your body, or a synthetic bone-substitute material to build up enough bone to support the implant.
Next, a small titanium implant post is placed in the bone where your tooth is missing. The implant attaches to a special piece called an abutment, which is designed to connect the artificial tooth to the dental implant. Dr. Becker can use a prefabricated abutment, or she can custom make one for you to ensure that it fits your tooth perfectly.