Dental implants are a very effective way to replace missing teeth. They look and function just like your natural teeth, and the root portions of the implants help keep your jawbone healthy in the long term. Any missing tooth can be replaced by an implant provided you are a good candidate for implant surgery.
Reasons for Tooth Replacement
You might believe that, if a missing tooth doesn’t show, it doesn’t need to be replaced. However, tooth replacement is important for more than just aesthetic reasons. If missing teeth are not replaced, your remaining teeth will move into the empty space, which can have a detrimental effect on your tooth alignment and lead to issues in the future that could be serious.
Dental implants are an excellent option for tooth replacement because they can be used to replace any of your teeth. Even if only a single tooth is missing, an implant can be set into place without affecting any of your adjacent teeth. Regardless of whether it is a front tooth or a molar, implants provide a replacement tooth that is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Are Dental Implants the Best Choice for Me?
When you discuss the possibility of implants with your dentist, you will decide whether implants are the best choice for you. Several factors can affect your ability to heal after implant surgery, and can also affect whether your jawbone is able to bond successfully with the implant. These factors include:
- Your overall health
- Your oral health
- If you are a smoker
- The density of your jawbone
- If you are taking certain medications for osteoporosis
You will want to talk about these factors in detail with your dentist before making the decision to have dental implants placed. If, after your initial consultation, you are in agreement that you are a good candidate, you can move ahead with implant surgery. Soon, your smile will be restored and you’ll look and feel like yourself again.
If you are considering dental implants, contact our implant team at 817-465-0355 to reserve an appointment today.