January 13, 2025
Missing teeth go beyond aesthetic concerns: they can start a chain reaction that has several consequences for oral health. From shifting teeth to jawbone density loss, replacing lost teeth with dental implants in Montgomery, AL, is crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth.
One may believe that implants are just one restorative dentistry treatment among several. However, there are some unique benefits for your oral health that only implants have to offer, and here we’ll cover them in detail so that you can do what’s best for the health of your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a restorative dentistry procedure that involves inserting artificial root-like structures into the jawbone to provide unparalleled stability to your new tooth. While crowns and bridges use your remaining teeth as support, implants replicate a natural teeth structure, making them reliable and resistant to the constant wear and tear in your mouth.
Dental implants have three parts:
- A screw-like device made out of titanium. A biocompatible material that mends with the bone, offering a reliable anchor.
- A device called an abutment that connects the titanium post to the artificial tooth.
- A custom-made crown designed to fit the person’s mouth and match their natural teeth in color, feel, and function.
Unlike fixed bridgework or dentures, the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, so they will not slip, make noise, or damage your bone. Additionally, unlike natural teeth, the materials can't decay.
What Makes Dental Implants Unique?
Unlike other dental restorations, implants use your jawbone as support. Besides providing enhanced stability and making them much more durable, this also stimulates your bones, preventing bone resorption or density loss.
Unknown to many, teeth' roots provide nutrients and minerals to the jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone starts to recede, which can have severe consequences for oral health. The most common symptom of bone resorption is bone pain. You may experience pain in the jawbone, especially when you chew or bite down on something.
Moreover, losing bone can lead to sagging skin, wrinkles around the mouth, and lips sinking inward. In more extreme cases, density loss leads to difficulty speaking and jaw stiffness, and it can even induce tooth loss. To prevent all of this, getting a prompt dental restoration is key.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Anyone enjoying good oral health can be a candidate for dental implants. However, it’s often recommended that you get this dental restoration immediately after your tooth is lost to prevent bone resorption and keep the surrounding teeth from shifting toward the available space.
Additionally, candidates for dental implants must:
- Have a fully grown jawbone.
- Possess sufficient bone to hold the implants in place or receive a bone graft.
- Be willing to commit several months to the process.
- Commit to avoiding smoking tobacco.
Restore Your Smile with Our Dental Implants in Montgomery, AL
If you recently lost a tooth and are considering restorative options, implants are probably the best choice. By inserting a titanium post into the jawbone, implants offer a durable and stable solution that will allow you to speak and eat normally.
Contact Woodmere Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, and let us help you protect the health of your smile!