Kingston TN
Smiling with a missing tooth can make you feel embarrassed and self-conscious, often leading to low self-esteem. Around 36 million Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth, and millions of others have teeth that are at risk of falling out or extraction because of damage or decay.
Sometimes, a dentist may recommend a dental bridge or dentures to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. However, dental implants have become all the hype in the dental world and are celebrated by dentists around the world for being the gold standard to restore missing teeth. Implants look and function just like natural teeth and, with strong oral hygiene practices, they have a lifelong success rate of almost 100 percent!
Our Kingston cosmetic dentist is sharing on the blog today why so many people are choosing dental implants to replace their missing teeth and restore their smile’s functionality and aesthetics.
What are implants?
Dental implants are a multi-part process to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. Implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone in place of a missing tooth. Over time, the jawbone accepts the implant, fusing around it. This stimulates the jawbone so that eventually the entire implant — from the jawbone to the crown that tops it — provides the same stability and durability as a natural, healthy tooth. Implants complement healthy, neighboring teeth and help patients regain the ability to chew, speak and smile with confidence.
What are some of the most notable advantages of implants? Let’s take a look:
Prevent bone loss
Tooth roots naturally stimulate the underlying jawbone to keep it healthy. A lost or missing tooth means stimulation is no longer occurring in that specific area of the jaw, which means the jawbone starts to break down. Eventually, the bone can diminish and cause nearby teeth to drift or turn crooked. One missing tooth can unfortunately lead to more missing teeth unless or until the space is filled with a tooth replacement.
Dental implants, unlike dentures or bridges, include a titanium post inserted into the jawbone that stimulates the jawbone like a natural tooth root.
They have a proven success rate
Dental implants, with proper care, boast a 95-99 percent success rate for most patients. Smokers or people with high bacterial levels in their mouths may not have as much success. It’s important, then, to improve your oral health and/or stop smoking before getting dental implants.
They give you a natural smile
Afraid dental implants won’t look natural? Don’t be! Dental implants include a carefully customized dental crown that matches surrounding teeth in size, shape, color and function. In almost every case, dental implants are undetectable by others.
They’re comfortable
Unlike dentures, dental implants do not change speech patterns or slip or unexpectedly pop out. Dental implants also won’t cause sores or pinching in the mouth. After the jawbone has accepted the titanium-post portion of the implant and has fused around it, dental implants are more stable, natural-looking and comfortable than other tooth restoration treatments.
They’re customizable
A missing tooth can happen for many reasons: accidents, periodontal disease or other dental damage. Whether you have a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, our Harriman cosmetic dentist can create a treatment plan customized just for you, and it can be completed in just a few visits to our office.
Dental implants in Kingston, Harriman and Rockwood, TN
If you find yourself hiding your smile because of a missing tooth, help is just a phone call away. Give our cosmetic dentists at LakeView Dental Arts a call at (865) 248-2199, or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.
