Tooth loss is a common problem in the United States despite the advancements in dentistry. It can be a result of periodontitis, tooth decay, or injuries. Regardless of the cause, tooth loss affects your appearance and may lower your confidence. Fortunately, your best implant & cosmetic dentist in Huntington Beach, CA, can help restore your smile with dental implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are metal, screw-like posts embedded into your jawbone to replace your missing teeth roots. They also offer stable support for artificial teeth such as crowns, dentures, and bridges. Dental implants are increasingly becoming a preferred replacement option due to their numerous benefits, including:
They behave like natural teeth
Once your surgeon places the implant, your bone heals around it, firmly securing it. As such, they become part of your mouth with time and allow you to chew as you would with natural teeth. Due to their stability and strength, you can eat your favorite foods without fearing teeth falling. Brushing and flossing are not affected after implants, meaning you can still maintain oral hygiene.
Better speech
Missing teeth affect your ability to pronounce certain words. While dentures can replace missing teeth, poorly fitting dentures cause your teeth to slip within your mouth; therefore, you slur or mumble your words. However, dental implants allow you to speak without worrying about your teeth falling or slipping.
Prevent bone loss
Dental implants are the only teeth replacement option that restores bone stimulation, which helps prevent bone deterioration. When you have a gap due to missing teeth, the bone in that area deteriorates gradually due to lack of stimulation. Usually, your roots stimulate your jawbone when you chew food. Dental implants replace your whole tooth structure, including the roots, which are essential for stimulation.
Improve appearance
When left unresolved, missing teeth can result in facial sagging, making you look older than your actual age. Missing teeth also make you feel less confident and may affect your interaction with people. But dental implants restore your missing teeth and make you more confident. You become less conscious when smiling or talking to others.
Can anyone get dental implants?
Anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery may be a candidate for dental implants. However, oral health professionals caution against dental implants for chronic smokers or individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease. If you have any of these conditions, you need evaluation individually. Good candidates for dental implants should have healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant.
But thanks to procedures like bone grafting, individuals with insufficient bone mass can also benefit from dental implants. If you are considering dental implants, it is best to consult your dentist to confirm your eligibility.
Risks of dental implants
Dental implant placement is a surgical process that poses some health risks like any other operation. Some of the risks include:
- Injury or damage to nearby structures like teeth and blood vessels
- Infection at the implant site
- Nerve damage
- Sinus problems. This may occur when implants placed in the upper jaw protrude into the sinus cavities.
Are you unwilling or unable to wear dentures? Consult your dentist at Orange Coast Dental Specialty to know if you can benefit from implants.
