A dental implant is the perfect solution to replace a single missing tooth. An implant that replaces a missing tooth is hard to detect. It closely resembles a natural tooth in appearance and function. The single implant prevents the other teeth from shifting and tilting into the space. It preserves the supporting tooth structures, bone and gums. Without the implant the jaw diminishes where a tooth is lost, and will eventually cause the loss of more teeth. One single tooth that is not replaced will also create excessive forces on the other teeth resulting in tooth fractures. Before dental implants, a single tooth was replaced with a bridge, which required the teeth on each side of the space to be crowned and connected to “bridge” the space with an artificial tooth suspended above the gums. The dental implant prevents the involvement of the adjacent teeth by eliminating the need for a bridge. The dental implant is one of the greatest advancements in modern dentistry. Patients find the implant to feel so natural that they forget that it is a replacement tooth.
Multiple Teeth Replacement
Multiple dental implants are ideal for replacing multiple missing teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth. By strategically placing several implants, a prosthodontist is able to build teeth to fill the spaces. The replacement teeth are secure and strong, preventing many of the problems associated with dentures and other types of removable teeth. When teeth are not replaced, people become self-conscious and ashamed to smile. The bone that once supported teeth disintegrates, and facial structures collapse. The face takes on a sunken appearance, and the lower one third of the face shortens, wrinkles, and the lips shrink. Without teeth, people look much older than their age. Overall health is impacted when eating nutritious foods becomes difficult and research has found that the average life expectancy is reduced by 7 years.
