If you’re missing teeth, dental implants could be the right solution for you. The American College of Prosthodontists says that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and that number will continue to grow. The good news is if you’re one of those you don’t have to resign yourself to living with missing teeth.
An implant is a tooth replacement that feels like you were born with it. In the past, removable dentures or bridges were the solutions of choice for a lost tooth. But many find them uncomfortable and unattractive.
If you have missing teeth replace them with implants permanently and securely. The natural looking appearance of an implant and secured fit can help boost confidence and make you feel young again. They also make talking and chewing comfortable and natural feeling again.
More good news about implants: They have a success rate close to 98 percent! That means that the chances of a successful implant placement are incredibly high.
Besides being a permanent and comfortable solution to missing teeth, implants are the best option because they replace not only the tooth but the space in the gums where the root once resided. This is vital for jaw bone health. Without the stimulation provided by the root when chewing, the jaw bone begins to deteriorate over time. It can become so damaged that the face eventually appears to age prematurely.
In the first year after a tooth is lost, the jaw bone decreases in width by up to 25 percent. Without support from the jaw, the face loses structural support and cheeks begin to look sunken in, lips sag and wrinkles can appear. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to consider dental implants as soon as possible after the loss of a tooth or several teeth.
The procedure is done in the office under anesthesia and can give you back the look and feel of a full mouth of teeth in as little as one treatment. There’s no special upkeep, either. Just continue to brush twice a day and floss and visit us for your regular cleanings and exams.
If you are suffering from tooth loss but are not sure where to begin, call us today at Arcadia Dental Arts at (602) 957-9643.
