An incomplete smile is much more than a cosmetic issue. Those who lose permanent teeth or have them extracted must immediately consider their restoration options. Failing to replace your current teeth could result in a variety of serious oral health issues, including facial deformations, gum disease, bone loss, and malocclusion. Dental implants give our team the ability to quickly restore a patient’s smile with devices that look and feel just like real teeth. Unlike removable bridges and dentures, you won’t have to worry about ongoing discomfort and daily maintenance.
The Basics of Dental Implants
Dental implants were invented over 60 years ago by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named Per-Ingvar Brånemark. These devices are comprised of a few key components, including an advanced titanium rod. The rod is implanted directly into the patient’s bone to act as an anchor for the abutment. Abutments are typically small metal saddles that connect the titanium rods to the custom crowns.
Dental implants can also be used with full dentures, partial dentures, and bridges. Instead of having these removable devices anchored to the nearby teeth or placed directly over the gums, the titanium rods will act as a foundation. The total number of implants that need to be used depends on how many teeth must be replaced. Some patients only need a single implant to replace a single tooth while others require four or more anchors.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Failing to restore your smile will have a major impact on your oral health. In addition to helping you eat and speak, your permanent teeth also stimulate your jaw. When a tooth is no longer there to stimulate your jaw, the bone will slowly begin to deteriorate. Many patients also struggle with overbites and underbites after losing one or more teeth. The nearby teeth might lean toward the open space, and that will increase your risk of chips, cracks, and an uneven bite pattern.
While removable devices have helped countless patients restore their smiles, they have some clear drawbacks. In addition to requiring quite a bit of maintenance, they can also be uncomfortable. Many patients must have them readjusted and refitted multiple times a year in order to keep them in place. They must also watch what they eat to prevent the dentures from sliding around.
As soon as the crown is in place, you can once again enjoy all of your favorite foods and beverages. The only daily maintenance you must carry out is brushing, flossing, and the use of mouthwash.
Schedule Your Dental Appointment Today
With offices in Champions Gate and Winter Haven, Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry wants to help you achieve your dream smile. During an appointment with our team, you can learn more information about dental implants. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started!