Dental Implants are a Great Solution for Missing Teeth

Study after study indicate the importance of dental health to our overall health, but unfortunately many Americans still live with broken smiles and missing teeth. In addition to the physical risks Americans with unhealthy teeth take, they also experience a lack of self esteem that only grows worse over time.

With the latest advancements in modern dental technology and pain management, visits to the dentist no longer have to be painful or anxiety-ridden. A conscientious dentist will work with their patients to design a personalized plan to restore their smile in a comfortable way.

One of the biggest and most recent game changers for restoring a healthy smile are dental implants. Millions of American adults live with missing teeth. This can cause many problems such as bone degeneration or shrinking of the jaw, affecting how the facial muscles fall over the bone. When teeth are lost there is a potential for the remaining teeth to shift their position to compensate for the empty spaces causing them to break down faster due to additional stress placed on them; shifting can also result in misalignment of the jaws and stress to the TMJ causing pain and headaches.

Another unfortunate side effect from missing teeth is facial sagging. This can occur due to lack of support from teeth and underlying structure, making a person look much older than their years. When teeth are missing, Dental implants are the closest way to restore the natural dentition today and are an alternative to dentures and bridge. Dental implants can also be used to secure loose dentures, allowing denture wearers to feel confident that their teeth will remain in place while eating and speaking.

The cost of an implant is typically more costly than a partial denture or a bridge but many patients are choosing them over less expensive options because they are the closest alternative to a real tooth. Implants can last patients a lifetime because they are integrated with the jaw bones without compromising the integrity of surrounding teeth like with dental bridges. Not everyone is a candidate for implants, so talk to your dentist to see if they are an option for you.