Missing teeth can have a major impact on your life. Not only can it make it difficult to enjoy certain foods, but it can also affect your self-confidence. That’s why many people opt for dental implants when they need to replace missing teeth. But what is a dental implant and why might you need one? Read on to find out.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jawbone. This titanium post acts as the foundation for a replacement tooth or bridge and is designed to be durable and long-lasting. The implant fuses with the bone over time, creating a secure base for the replacement tooth. Once the implant has bonded with the jawbone, a crown or bridge is attached to complete the restoration process.
Why Might I Need Dental Implants?
There are several reasons why you might need dental implants. If you have lost a tooth due to decay or injury, an implant may be necessary in order for your new tooth to stay securely in place without slipping or shifting around in your mouth. Additionally, if you have multiple missing teeth, you may want to consider getting a series of implants instead of dentures or bridges as these provide more stability and comfort than traditional prosthetics. Finally, if you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), an implant can help reduce tension in your jaw muscles and provide relief from pain caused by TMJ symptoms.
Are There Any Other Benefits of Dental Implants?
In addition to providing stability and comfort, dental implants offer several other benefits including improved oral health and better overall nutrition. Since implants don’t require any special cleaning products or procedures like dentures do, they are much easier to care for than traditional prosthetics. Additionally, since implants fuse with your jawbone they help preserve bone mass which helps prevent further deterioration of your jawbone over time. Finally, because they look and feel like natural teeth, they can also help improve your self-confidence and give you back some of that sparkle in your smile.
All in all, dental implants are an excellent option for those looking to replace missing teeth due to injury or decay—or even those who just want their smile back. They offer superior stability compared to traditional prosthetics such as dentures or bridges while also providing improved oral health benefits such as preserving bone mass and reducing tension in the jaw muscles caused by TMJ symptoms. Plus, since they look and feel like natural teeth they can help restore confidence and improve self-esteem too. So if you’re looking for a solution that will give you lasting results then consider talking with your dentist about getting dental implants today.
About the author:
Emma is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2