Losing a tooth (or several) can be a stressful process. Whether from trauma or disease, tooth loss is distressing. No one wants to lose a tooth. Unfortunately, millions of people lose their teeth every year. Even though there have been great strides in dental care, it is common for patients to seek help with missing teeth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 17% of adults over the age of 65 experience tooth loss. In addition, 1 in 6 adults over 65 will lose all of their permanent teeth.
When you lose a tooth, you have to get a replacement option. This is because your teeth rely on the support of each other in order to stay in place. If you don’t replace the tooth quickly, your teeth can begin to shift. This can cause a change to your bite–how your top and bottom teeth meet.
If your teeth shift out of place, it can put unnecessary stress on your teeth and jaw. Over time, you may grind down your teeth. In fact, you can potentially chip or break your teeth. Additionally, your remaining teeth can loosen, increasing your risk of losing more teeth.
There are a variety of replacement options available. You should consider the aspects that are most important to you. If you desire a permanent replacement that looks and feels like your natural teeth, you should talk to your dentist about dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium prosthetic tooth roots. To receive implants, dentists will surgically implant the new root in the jaw. This provides structural support and a strong foundation for the new tooth. Unlike other replacement options, dental implants can last decades with proper care.
To get dental implants, your dental team will develop a plan that centers on your care. First, they will consider how you lost your tooth, whether you desire fixed or removable teeth, etc. Then, they will place the titanium root (or post) into the jawbone.
Before moving to the following stages, the surgery site must heal completely. Once healed, you can receive the connector post that will hold the tooth. Finally, your provider will install a crown–the tooth portion above your gum line.
Benefits of Dental Implants
One of the many benefits of dental implants is that they look and function like natural teeth. This will allow you to move through your daily life with ease. With other replacement options, you have to worry about removing them every day or other special care directions. Instead, you can confidently eat, drink, and be merry without concern over your teeth.
Additionally, your oral health routine will be the same. You can care for dental implants in the same manner that you care for your natural teeth. Daily flossing and brushing at least twice a day can help your implants last a long time.
While getting dental implants may take longer than others, they won’t need replacing as often. Other options may only last 5-15 years, while dental implants can last a lifetime.