The loss of a tooth can be a harrowing time in someone’s life. Between the misconceptions and prejudices against edentulous people, the difficulties attached to missing a tooth and the complications that may come with the loss, it’s normal to want to seek a solution and get a replacement tooth in as soon as possible.
In this article, Mississauga’s Sunray Dental Centre explores dental implants and their benefits!
What Is a Dental Implant?
Before diving into why a dental implant may be the solution for you, it’s important to understand what an implant is. An implant is simply a dental apparatus affixed with a screw in your jawbone. There are multiple different types of implants, but there are three very common ones:
Implant crowns (single tooth)
Implant bridges (multiple teeth)
Implant-supported dentures (full row of teeth)
Implants are a multi-step solution but come with a set of undeniable benefits to consider when looking to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth.
Appearance
For most people, the first concern when choosing whether to replace a missing tooth or not is the appearance; many people feel self-conscious at the thought of a gap being visible when they smile or laugh, be it in casual interactions or in photos. Implants can help restore your confidence by filling that gap in a manner that is nearly imperceptible to the naked eye.
Stability
Because implants are screwed into your jawbone, they tend to be much more secure than other traditional methods of filling gaps. This comes in particularly handy for implant-supported dentures. Choosing to go the dental implant route instead of the traditional denture route means not having to deal with denture adhesives and seals and no chance of your denture falling at an inopportune moment.
Bite
Chewing with a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth can be a challenge. When choosing to replace missing teeth with a dental implant, you also restore your ability to eat life to the fullest. The stability and sturdiness of dental implants mean fewer restrictions with harder foods like apples, corn on the cob, etc. allowing you to continue having a varied and healthy diet while also fully enjoying the social aspect of food-based gatherings with friends and family.
No Shifting
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth often shift in order to fill the gap left behind. This shift can cause issues in your speech and your bite while also misaligning your bite. By filling the gap with a dental implant, the surrounding teeth are kept in place, avoiding unnecessary complications down the line.
No Bone Loss
One of the most severe consequences of missing teeth from an oral health perspective is bone loss. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone doesn’t receive stimulation and starts to resorb and deteriorate. Jawbone loss can lead to less stability for your teeth and dentures, as well as sagging and a more aged appearance down the line. As implants are anchored within the jawbone, they provide the stimulation needed to prevent bone loss.
How to Know if Dental Implants Are Right for You?
Dental implants can be beneficial and a worthwhile investment when seeking a solution to replace missing teeth. To know if implants are right for you, it’s best to consult with a dentist to assess your case. At Sunray Dental Centre, we are proud to help patients in Mississauga get their smiles back. Request an appointment today to find out if dental implants are right for you.