Tooth loss is never an enjoyable experience to face. While both dentists and oral surgeons will do their best to help you maintain your natural teeth for as long as possible through conservative treatments, sometimes an extraction is necessary to protect your overall oral health. Even if you have healthy teeth, tooth loss can even occur from a traumatic injury. No matter the cause of your missing tooth, you are left with a gaping hole in your smile that is difficult to conceal.
Because tooth loss can cause remaining teeth to shift out of place and result in jawbone issues, it’s vital that you replace your missing teeth as quickly as possible. The longer you the wait, the greater you are at risk of needing complex dental work.
While there are many great tooth replacement options, a restoration supported by dental implants is the closest option available to natural teeth.
Colleyville implant dentist and oral surgeon Dr. Tye is equipped with the latest technology and techniques necessary to provide desirable results for our patients. Below are five interesting facts about dental implants and why they make a great choice for replacing missing teeth. To learn how dental implants can benefit you personally, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our Colleyville practice today. We can be reached online or by calling (817) 552-3223.
Dental Implants Are Made From Titanium
Although dental implants can be made from a variety of materials, they are most frequently made from titanium. This material is designed to adequately bond with the body without it treating it like a foreign object. Many medical devices used for knee replacements and severely broken bones are made from titanium. It is resistant to corrosion and provides adequate strength and stability.
Dental implants are shaped much like small screws. Inserted into the jawbone through minor oral surgery, they will bond with nearby tissues through a process known as osseointegration. This healing period is crucial to the success rate of your dental implants and will ensure a lifetime of support for your restoration.
Dental Implants Can Preserve Bone and Stimulate Growth
Unlike traditional restorations, dental implants are able to prevent bone degeneration and promote healthy tissue regrowth. Because the implants become a natural part of your jawbone, they will begin functioning like your former tooth roots. With each bite you take, the nerves in your jaw will remain stimulated, helping to combat the atrophy so frequently associated with traditional bridges and dentures.
Dental Implant Restorations Look and Feel Like Natural Teeth
Dental implants are what provide the base to your restoration and are unseen once the restoration is secure. An implant-supported restoration is the only restorative device that looks and feels like natural teeth. While traditional restorations rest atop your gums or connect to nearby teeth, an implant-supported restoration replaces the entire tooth, from root to crown, providing superior stability, comfort, and aesthetics.
Dental Implants Require Good Oral Hygiene
While a dental implant cannot decay, the tissue around it can. To prevent this from occurring, implementing a good oral hygiene regimen is important. Caring for an implant-supported restoration is much like caring for your natural teeth. Be sure and brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Some patients may benefit from investing in a Waterpik® flosser to flush out trapped food from the base of the restoration. It is also important to rinse with an approved mouthwash and visit the dentist biannually.
Learn More About Dental Implants
Interested in learning more about dental implants? Please contact our Colleyville, TX practice today online or give us a call at (817) 552-3223. We gladly serve patients living in Keller, Southlake, Euless, Bedford, and surrounding cities.
