Adult tooth loss is an unfortunate but fairly common result of trauma-related breakage or untreated decay. Extractions eliminate the risk of further damage to the affected tooth or teeth. This alone, however, does not ensure the health of the surrounding gum tissue and jawbone beneath.
Following tooth loss, it's vital that the site of the lost tooth and the surrounding parts of the mouth be treated in order to prevent infection or other complications. Some patients will opt for dental bridges or dentures as a tooth replacement solution. There is, however, another common, longer-lasting, and more restorative option for patients with missing teeth: dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer a long-term solution for tooth loss through the implantation of artificial roots (in the form of small titanium pegs) into the socket in the jawbone vacated by a lost tooth. Once implanted, these pegs, through a process called "osteointegration," fuse permanently with the jawbone. Once fused in place, the implant creates an anchoring point for a long-term replacement solution, like a porcelain crown.
Dental implants, which look, feel, and function exactly like natural teeth, differ from other tooth replacement solutions in that they don't simply replace a tooth above the gumline, but its root as well.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Why are dental implants so popular with patients who've suffered tooth loss? It's not a big mystery!
For starters, more than any other tooth-replacement option, dental implants offer a completely natural-looking and feeling alternative to natural teeth, allowing the patient to eat, speak and smile with confidence and without restriction.
Secondly, implants are not simply a superficial solution, as they replace the tooth's root in the jawbone. This ensures support and stimulation for maxillofacial structures, namely the jawbone, which can lose density in the aftermath of tooth loss.
Finally, implants are incredibly durable. In most cases, dental implants can be expected to last at least a decade with no need for retreatment. With proper care and strong oral health practices, dental implants can even last a lifetime!
Dental Implants in Brentwood, TN
If you're in the Brentwood area and would like to learn more about dental implants as a tooth replacement solution, contact dentist Dr. Haley Schmidt and the team at Haley E. Schmitt Cosmetic & Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation!