Dental Implants
Failing teeth and tooth loss is devastating to people’s oral health and general wellbeing. While nothing compares to biological teeth, dental implants do come close. This revolutionary prosthetic is used to replace single and multiple teeth and can completely restore oral function and the aesthetics of one’s smile. Our dentists at Tate Family Dentistry offer dental implants so that our patients can enjoy optimal oral health and a better quality of life.
Problems Associated with Tooth Loss
Many people accept that losing a tooth in adulthood is not ideal but some folks overlook how devastating tooth loss can be on a person’s mood and physical wellbeing. Tooth loss has many emotional ramifications. Many patients develop depression and even become socially isolated after tooth loss because they feel incomplete and embarrassed by their appearance.
In addition to emotional and mood disturbances associated with tooth loss, patients’ oral health will suffer. When teeth are missing, neighboring teeth can move into empty tooth sockets because they are unsupported. This, along with bone atrophy, can lead to even more tooth loss.
Since teeth work together as a system to support one another, a lost tooth will affect the distribution of pressure and force when eating. Remaining teeth will take on more wear and tear and can become susceptible to damage or decay.
Replacing Teeth with Dental Implants
Dental implants are an incredible solution for replacing lost teeth. This is because the implant and the prosthetic that is ultimately attached to it replace all of a tooth’s missing structure. Since dental implants address the loss of a tooth’s roots as well, they offer unique advantages when compared to dentures or bridges.
The implant consists of a metal post that is shaped like a cylinder and composed of titanium. This metal post is surgically placed directly into the jawbone where a tooth’s roots should be. After the implant’s placement, the body will begin to generate new bone tissue, which will ultimately bond with the dental implant, securing it in place. The biological process of bone fusing to metal is what makes implants incredibly durable and long lasting.
Once the implant is stable in the jaw, a permanent prosthetic is attached to replace the visible surfaces of teeth. A single implant can support a dental crown or bridge and a series of dental implants can support a denture.
To learn more about your tooth replacement options, call Tate Family Dentistry to reserve a consultation with one of our dentists.