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Are you missing a tooth or multiple teeth? If you are, there is an appropriate solution to bring your smile back to life. Traditionally, missing teeth were often replaced with fixed bridges or dentures, but more recently dental implants have become a more comfortable, effective and permanent solution. Dental implants will look, function and feel like your own natural teeth. The loss of teeth can have a significant impact on your life and self-esteem due to aesthetic implications. Additionally, missing teeth can cause bite problems and difficulties with eating. Dental implants are synthetic structures that are placed in the area of your tooth that is normally occupied by the root. As with any restoration of your teeth, implants require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to ensure they last a long time. What are Dental Implants and what is the Procedure? Before dental implants are placed, your bone density needs to be assessed to ensure that you have sufficient quality and quantity of bone tissue available where the implant will be placed. If there is insufficient bone or significant bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease, then you may need bone grafting before the implant can be placed. In some cases, mini implants can be used if the bone density is too low for larger implants. Implants are typically placed in one sitting, but require a period of osseointegration, which is the process in which direct anchorage of the dental implant root and the bone of the jaw occur. Commonly composed of a titanium material screw and crown, dental implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support and are permanent, making dental implants a good solution to tooth loss. What Causes Tooth Loss? Tooth loss can commonly be associated with the following:
• Tooth decay
• Root canal failure
• Gum disease
• Trauma to the mouth
• Excessive wear and tear Biting irregularities can be caused by tooth loss, which can lead to a negative effect on eating habits. Ultimately the biting irregularities can lead to secondary health problems such as malnutrition. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may provide the proper results for your missing teeth.
Replacing Missing Teeth is Beneficial The effects of missing teeth can be detrimental to your long term oral and medical health. Replacing missing teeth can dramatically improve your smile and the shape of your face. Gaps in your teeth often affect the way that your jaw closes, which causes the remaining teeth to begin to tilt and move into the gaps. Not only can your teeth begin to shift, but food can become trapped in the gaps as well, which increases your risk for developing gum disease and tooth decay. Some added advantages of Dental Implants include:
• Improved appearance
• Improved speech
• Improved comfort
• Easier eating
• Improved self-esteem
• Durability
• Improved oral health
• Convenience Difficulty eating and chewing can be seen more as your teeth are lost. A tooth should be replaced as soon as it is lost in order to maintain your oral health and further prevent bone loss, as well as to avoid excess decay. If you have missing teeth it is important to visit your dentist for proper consultation on an appropriate treatment. Your Marietta dentist will assess your teeth and create a treatment plan that will best fit your smile.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Marietta cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kirk Kimmerling. Providing the best in dental care that Marietta has to offer, Dr. Kimmerling is qualified to handle any dental need for patients of every age including veneers, root canal therapy and teeth whitening in Kennesaw and Marietta.
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