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Are you missing one tooth or multiple teeth? If you are, you may be in luck. Dental restoration is possible with the use of implants to bring your smile back to life. Dental implants are artificial tooth replacements that are used to substitute a missing tooth or teeth, helping to stop and prevent jaw bone loss. Unlike dentures, dental implants offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. Implants are not removed overnight for soaking and cleaning, needing no adhesives. Replacing your missing teeth with implants, will look and feel like your own natural teeth, being virtually indistinguishable. What are Dental Implants and how do They Work? Dental implants are artificial replacements for natural teeth and roots. Used in the upper and lower jaws, implants are manufactured "anchors" that resemble cylinders or screws, and are surgically inserted into your jaw bone to create a stable base for the artificial tooth replacement. The implant acts as the root of your tooth and a crown or bridge is placed over the implant to look and act as a natural tooth would. The process is completed at your Memorial dentist's office and usually placed in a single sitting, but will require a period of osseointegration to set the implant in permanent place. Osseointegration is the process in which direct anchorage of the implant root and the bone of the jaw occur. This is the most commonly used type of dental implant, which makes the restoration extremely successful. It may take anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal, but at that point your dentist will complete the procedure with a crown. If osseointegration does not occur, your implant will fail due to poor oral hygiene. Your dentist will give specific instructions as to properly care for your dental implants to ensure successful recovery. One of the most successful ways to replace missing teeth, dental implants have a very high success rate. The best candidates for implants will be those that are in good general health with healthy gums. Additionally, you should have sufficient bone structure in order to properly place the implants into your jawbone. The success of your implant depends on your regular visits to your dentist, in addition to a personal commitment to maintaining proper oral hygiene. Tooth Loss Tooth loss can occur for various reasons including neglecting your teeth and gums with a poor diet and poor oral hygiene. You can also lose teeth naturally with age or due to trauma. Additionally, teeth can be lost because of: • Tooth decay
• Root canal failure
• Gum disease
• Trauma to the mouth
• Excessive wear and tear Often, if you have lost teeth you may feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Tooth loss can also cause biting irregularities and can have a negative effect on eating habits, leading to secondary health problems such as malnutrition. Dental implants are a simple remedy for tooth loss with proven results. If you are exhibiting tooth loss due to any of these reasons, you should consult your Memorial dentist for further treatment. Dental implants are not for everyone, but with an exam from your dentist, a proper solution can be created to restore your smile. No longer do you have to avoid smiling because of missing teeth.
Sean Hartmen writes for Drs. Hammond and Thompson, leading dentists in Memorial, Houston and Katy. Offering a wide range of services including implants and veneers, this cosmetic dentist in Memorial, Houston and Katy, is qualified to handle any dental need for patients of all ages. The dentistry also serves patients in Memorial and Katy in Texas.
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