Are you missing teeth? Then you’re dealing with more than just a problem with your smile. Your ability to eat and talk could be compromised, and you may even have bone loss in your jaw.
To prevent these problems from occurring, most dentists recommend dental implants as the number one option. Whether your missing teeth are the result of damage, decay, or an accident, dental implants work very well to replace them.
The procedure involves surgically anchoring a metal post in your jaw to hold an artificial tooth, bridge, or denture. At Bay Dental Group, Dr. Woo Young Lee and Dr. Sean Kim are ready to walk you through the implant process and explain the benefits of this long-term solution to your missing tooth or teeth.
Implants feel like your natural teeth
When you get a dental implant, our dentists will anchor a metal post in your jaw and then attach an artificial tooth to the post. This secure fit makes dental implants feel and function in the same way as your natural teeth. The best part is you won’t have to worry about your implants moving around. You’ll be able to eat and talk with comfort and ease.
Implants provide support
Each tooth in your mouth relies on its neighboring teeth for structure and support. If you lose one, other teeth in the area might shift into the empty space which could cause serious pain. Your teeth are meant to be in a certain position, and changes to that position could impact your ability to chew and even cause headaches. Filling this gap with an implant allows you to keep your teeth in their proper place.
Implants improve your bone health
Do you want to keep your jaw healthy? Then you need to think about your teeth. If you don’t replace a missing tooth, that bone area in your jaw can begin losing its volume. It might not sound like a big deal, but over time, that bone could deteriorate and cause serious problems. Dental implants are beneficial because they stimulate a tooth root in your jaw, which helps maintain your bone health.
Implants keep bacteria at bay
A missing tooth creates more areas in your mouth to trap bacteria, which can cause periodontal disease. As this disease advances, your gums start to pull away from your teeth. This increases your risk of tooth and bone loss. Dental implants create somewhat of a barrier for bacteria, so your oral health won’t be compromised.
Implants last long-term
Most options for missing teeth have to be replaced every few years. Dental implants are a biocompatible material, which means you don’t have to worry about your body rejecting the implant because they naturally integrate into your jawbone. This is one of the reasons why implants are a highly effective long-term solution. Just make sure you take care of them, per your doctor’s instructions.
Are you interested in learning more about dental implants? Contact Bay Dental Group to schedule a consultation today!