There are many factors that can contribute to adult tooth loss, two of the most common being trauma or disease. Regardless of the reason behind tooth loss, it can have dramatic effects on self-esteem, appearance, and health. At Virginia Biological Dentistry, we are committed to oral health and helping to restore it for our patients who have lost teeth. Lately we have seen more and more patients turn to the dental implants procedure for a permanent and beautiful solution.
Some of the common issues associated with tooth loss include:
- Difficulty biting and chewing foods
- Problems with pronunciation and speech
- Movement of remaining teeth
- Embarrassment, loss of self-esteem
- Bone degeneration, drooping facial contours
- Tooth decay and gum disease
There has been an increasing shift toward dental implants in place of other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges. This is because implant posts are placed securely into the jawbone and fuse with it to act as a replacement for the missing tooth root. Once the bone has fused with the implant it provides a stable support structure for the attached dental prosthetic.
While dentures and bridges are suitable for many patients, they do not provide the same level of security and stability as dental implants. Patients with dental implants do not have to fear embarrassment from their dental appliance shifting or even falling out of place. In addition, the implant stimulates the jawbone just like the natural tooth root which means that there is no bone resorption. Loss of bone structure can lead to the facial contours appearing sunken in and sagging.
Dental implants can be used for a variety of situations and can help patients with just one missing tooth all the way to replacing an entire arch. Together, you and your dentist can determine the most suitable restoration to fit on to your dental implants. This can include a dental crown, bridge, or even dentures.
If you are tired of the gap left behind by missing teeth, give our team a call today to learn more about the dental implants procedure and find out if it is right for you.
