Studies show that missing a tooth can decrease your self-esteem. Many patients lack self-confidence because they lost one or many teeth; however, losing a tooth doesn’t have to be the end of the world nowadays. If you visit our dentist in Cranbrook, they will offer many options to restore them.
Let’s talk about dental implants!
Dental implants in Cranbrook are metal devices that a surgeon or a periodontist places inside your jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth. Even though it sounds painful, you will be numbed and won’t feel a thing. We will explain the complete procedure further.
Consequences of Not Replacing a Lost Tooth
- Dental gaps – Losing a tooth leaves a space in your mouth. When it is a back tooth, it may not be visible; however, a missing front tooth is quite unattractive. Also, dental gaps lead to food sticking, and it’s harder for you to clean your teeth.
- Low self-confidence – As we mentioned above, you may experience low self-esteem when you are missing many teeth.
- The adjacent teeth move – Over time, the adjacent teeth will rotate because they will move to fill the space.
- Abnormalities when eating – Eating without one or many teeth can be quite uncomfortable for the patient, and you might have to avoid eating some hard foods.
- Higher risk of decay – When you lose a tooth, the opposite side of the mouth does more chewing, and it can lead to more tooth decay.
- Sunken appearance – Your jawbone gets stimulated by the chewing forces; so, if you miss one or many teeth, the bone deteriorates and shrinks, causing you to look older.
- Vulnerable to gum disease – Food particles and bacteria are likely to get trapped in the gap, irritating your gums and making you more vulnerable to periodontal disease.
If you made it this far, now you know what happens if you don’t replace a missing tooth. Luckily, dental implants can keep all these issues away. Let’s talk about treatment.
What to Expect
First, a dentist near you will evaluate your teeth and gums to detect if you have any oral issues to take care of before the surgery.
Your surgeon will take a set of x-rays and computed tomography to see the condition of your bone.
During the procedure, he or she will drill a hole in your jawbone to place the implant. The implant takes from six weeks to six months to integrate with the bone (osseointegration), and after this period, your dentist will cement the permanent dental crown on top for a natural look.
Benefits of Implants
Even though it is considered a cosmetic procedure, dental implants solve many aesthetic problems. They have the following benefits:
- Boost your self-confidence – Replacing your missing teeth improves your appearance and makes you more self-confident. You will be ready to show a beautiful smile once again!
- Feel natural – Unlike dentures, dental implants don’t have a learning curve. You will feel and look as natural as before losing your tooth.
- Long-lasting – Dental implants can last many decades and even up to a lifetime. Sure, they are pricey, but the investment is worth it.
- Easy care – There is no need for special maintenance. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, avoid consuming foods high in sugars and keep up with your dental checkups. If you are a smoker, your dental professional will advise you to avoid it because it makes your gums more vulnerable to irritation.
Do you have any other questions? Feel free to contact us, and we will gladly help you.
The smile you deserve is only one phone call away!