Dental Implants
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants use tiny titanium supports to replace the root of a missing tooth before the implant is attached. After that, your gums are folded around the implant to make it look as natural as possible. In the immediate aftermath of your procedure, you may be given a dental crown or dental bridge, but over time the implant will fuse with the bone.
The implant restorations are created to match the look and feel of the original tooth nearly to perfection. When the final implant is put in place you’ll have an all-new smile with a totally reconstructed tooth – from root to crown – in place!
In some cases, an implant may be an option but not just yet due to bone loss. If this is the case, she may recommend bone grafting.
The Hazards of Missing Teeth
Not simply a cosmetic concern, missing teeth are a serious threat to the overall health of your mouth. Existing teeth tend to shift to fill in the gaps where missing teeth had been, altering your smile.
Where the bone is no longer needed to support a tooth or multiple teeth, bone loss in your jawline is likely to occur over time. On top of that, a person who has been missing teeth for even a short period of time is at an increased risk for gum disease.
