Tooth loss and the bone loss that follows are associated with aging, and a missing tooth, or multiple missing teeth can have the effect of making you look older than your chronological age.
You can reverse this effect with dental implants. These artificial tooth roots are designed to offer a lifelike tooth replacement that stabilizes the bone as well.
Dental implants are made of titanium, a metal that is compatible with bone. That property allows the implant to fuse with the bone and become a permanent structure in the body. Implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, and they can even support a denture on the upper or lower arch.
Patients who work with an oral surgeon to get dental implants often find that they have more aesthetically pleasing results. Because the implant offers a replacement that is structurally similar to a biological tooth, it also looks more natural. The prosthetic crown that sits atop the implant can be carefully designed to match your remaining teeth.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants offers benefits that go beyond your appearance, as well. Dental implants offer a level of protection against further tooth loss because they anchor the jawbone, which bridges do not. Further bone loss can put the other teeth at risk. Additionally, the jawbone atrophy that occurs after tooth lost results in pinched skin around the mouth and a shrunken appearance.
Bridges also require support from neighboring teeth, and this means that healthy enamel must be sacrificed to accommodate crowns. In comparison, dental implants stand alone. Preserving healthy tooth material is always preferable, as the tooth may be weaker after a crown is placed on it.
Dental implants can help you shave years off of your smile after tooth loss. Talk to our oral surgeon at Surgical Arts to get more information about this treatment option so that you can determine if dental implants are a good fit for you. Call 817-552-3223 to schedule an appointment today.
