Missing teeth impact your day-to-day confidence and comfort. Fortunately, there are long-lasting solutions that deliver a smile that looks and feels natural. 

Dental implants are among the most versatile tooth restoration options. They’re suitable for a wide range of people and provide plenty of benefits beyond just filling a gap.

Why Missing Teeth Matter

Missing teeth aren’t something you can just ignore. A gap impacts the appearance of your smile, which affects your confidence. However, that’s just one aspect of the problem.

Gaps make you chew unevenly. You might feel discomfort when eating your favorite foods. Chewing also affects your digestion. If you can’t chew properly, you may not get all the important nutrients and vitamins you need.

Over time, surrounding teeth can shift into the gap left by a missing tooth. This leads to long-term oral health complications, such as bite and jaw misalignment. You may also struggle to brush and floss effectively as your teeth change positions and create nooks and crannies you can’t reach.

Finally, missing teeth can affect your speech. You may struggle to make certain sounds, which means that people around you won’t understand what you’re saying. This can have a real impact on your confidence and your ability to engage in social situations.

If you’re missing any teeth, you need to find an effective dental restoration.

What are dental implants, really?

Dental implants are among the most widely used restorative dentistry treatments. With innovative design and high-quality materials, they solve many of the problems that come with missing teeth. However, many patients are unaware of how they really work. 

The dental implant itself is a screwlike titanium post, which is embedded in the jawbone and integrates with the bone over several months. The post mimics a natural tooth root, creating an incredibly strong foundation. 

An abutment is then attached to the post, and a crown is fixed to the abutment for a functional and attractive tooth replacement. The crown is fully customized to suit your smile perfectly. 

Implant crowns last a long time. The titanium post itself may last a lifetime. 

Dental implants are perhaps the most effective replacements for natural teeth. The post emulates the strength and durability of natural tooth roots, while the custom crown provides a natural appearance and durable chewing surface.

How Implants Help Rebalance Your Bite

Missing teeth can lead to serious bite issues that affect function and cause discomfort. Dental implants help rebalance your bite, ensuring that chewing pressure is distributed evenly. The post’s foundation in the jawbone directs forces, just like natural tooth roots do.

Dental implants also prevent other teeth from drifting. Instead of shifting into an open gap, the surrounding teeth are held in appropriate positions by the replacement tooth. This prevents crowding, misalignment, and other problems that could require orthodontic treatment.

Living with missing teeth for years leads to jawbone deterioration due to the lack of stimulation from tooth roots. This weakens and shrinks the jawbone, which can change your facial structure. Dental implants provide the necessary stimulation to prevent jawbone deterioration, while options like dentures don’t.

Is it right for you?

Dental implants are highly versatile, but that doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone. The only way to know whether dental implants are your best option is to talk with your dentist at CinciSmiles. We’ll evaluate your oral health, your goals, and other factors to deliver a custom treatment plan that meets your needs.

Dental implants are suitable for many adult patients with one or more missing teeth. An individual tooth can be replaced with a dental implant topped with a crown. Alternatively, multiple implants can support a full-arch replacement for a patient who is missing most or all of their teeth.

One of the most important factors in deciding whether you’re eligible for dental implants is jawbone health. You need a strong and healthy bone structure to support the implants. If you have experienced jawbone deterioration already or have a medical condition that affects your bone strength, dental implants may not be right for you.

Many factors that could contraindicate dental implants can be resolved through additional treatment. Bone grafting may augment the jawbone to allow for implants. If you’re dealing with gum disease that poses a risk of infection, you might undergo gum treatments to prepare your smile for dental implant placement.

Discover Your Restorative Dentistry Solution

Dental implants don’t just restore your smile; they provide the balance, function, and confidence you need to lead your life free of concerns over missing teeth. Schedule a consultation at CinciSmiles to decide what’s right for your smile, whether you choose dental implants or another option. Schedule your appointment today to get started.