Missing Teeth Can Be a Real Confidence Killer
Those gaps in your smile can affect your speech or make you absolutely dread hearing the words: “Say cheese!” But we have good news – dental implants can give you that confidence back!
Tooth loss can occur for several reasons. Gum disease or improper oral hygiene are common culprits. Often, even medications or illnesses can be to blame. Even those of us with no prior warning signs could suffer tooth loss at the hands of an accident or injury.
Regardless of the circumstances, the results can be devastating. What is one to do when faced with the sudden loss of one of their pearly whites? Most of us are familiar with dentures and bridges. But what if there was a way to replace your missing teeth permanently without the need for clunky hardware? The experienced team at Synergy might just have the perfect solution for your woes. I’m talking, of course, about dental implants!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a modern and permanent treatment plan for missing teeth. They eliminate the need for bulky dentures or bridges. A dental implant provides a permanent replacement root, creating a strong foundation for a custom replacement tooth specially made to match your natural teeth.
What are the benefits of dental implants vs dentures or bridges?
Cost
It’s a common misconception that dental implants are more expensive than dentures or bridges. In reality, they often cost about the same! Add to that the fact that they are permanent and we have a clear winner!
Improved Comfort
Dental implants feel and function exactly like your regular teeth. There’s no need to get used to having a foreign object in your mouth.
Durability
Properly paced dental implants are a long-term fix – they can last a lifetime!
Improved Oral Health
Dental implants are easier to clean than bridges and dentures. They act just like your regular teeth, allowing for normal brushing and flossing.
Convenience
No need to worry about the extra care required for a bridge or dentures.
Bone loss prevention
Your jawbone needs teeth in order to stay stimulated and strong. A bridge or dentures won’t stimulate the bone in the same way as an implant, potentially leading to bone loss.
What can I expect from the procedure?
The term “implant” can sound a little scary, but it is actually a very easy and relatively pain-free process. This is especially true when done by the caring and experienced professional team at Synergy. Patients usually only feel a bit of pressure and the vibrations from drilling. It’s really not much different than getting a regular filling.
First, a small titanium post will be placed in the bone socket of the missing tooth. The jawbone will then grow around the post as it heals, securing it in place. While the post is healing in place, a crown will be custom made based on a model of your teeth. The crown is then attached to the post using a small connector called an abutment. The whole process usually takes about 6 to 12 weeks. Once completed, the implant will look and feel exactly like one of your natural teeth!
How to care for your dental implants
Since dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth, they don’t require any special care. Just maintain a regular healthy routine, brush and floss regularly and use antiseptic mouthwash when necessary. And don’t forget to continue with your regular professional cleanings and checkups!
Why it’s best not to wait when it comes to missing teeth
We all know those gaps in your smile can be embarrassing. But you may not be aware that they can also lead to more serious issues if left untreated. Aside from the aesthetic and speech issues associated with missing teeth, a few other potential problems you might encounter:
Bone Loss
Failure to replace missing teeth is actually the leading cause of jawbone loss. Your teeth stimulate and support your jawbone, keeping it healthy. In the same way that muscles need exercise and stimulation to stay strong, your jawbone can also experience atrophy from a lack of stimulation from the teeth.
Shifting Teeth
No longer having that tooth as a space-holder can give your other teeth room to move and shift, creating misaligned teeth and bite irregularities.
Difficulty Chewing
Your teeth play a big part in enjoying your favorite foods. Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew properly, which can lead to digestive problems such as acid reflux, or problems with your gum tissue, even periodontal disease.
Ready to get smiling again?
If you think dental implants sound like the solution you’ve been waiting for, it’s time bring that smile back to its former glory. The friendly team at Synergy Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center is here to help. We have over 23 years of experiences working with cases just like yours! Schedule a consultation today and we’ll get you smiling again in no time!
