What Oral Issues Can Dental Implants Correct?

Dental implants are an excellent option for individuals with one or more missing teeth. This may be due to decay, injury, or other oral health issues. The implants offer a permanent solution that looks and functions like natural teeth. The following are the oral issues that dental implants can correct.

Replacing Missing Teeth

One of the most common issues dental implants can address is missing teeth. They provide a replacement tooth root anchored to the jawbone. This allows for a natural-looking and functioning tooth replacement that prevents further oral health issues.

Restoring Chewing Function

Missing teeth can impact chewing function. This can make it challenging to eat certain foods or cause discomfort while chewing. Dental implants provide a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. This allows you to chew and eat without worrying about your teeth shifting or coming loose.

Preserving Jawbone Health

When you lose one or more teeth, your jawbone can start deteriorating. This can lead to more tooth loss and a sunken-in facial appearance. Dental implants can preserve the jawbone by providing stimulation to the bone. This prevents it from deteriorating, maintaining the natural shape of the face.

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs when oral bacteria cause inflammation and, eventually, tooth loss. Implants can prevent gum disease by providing a replacement tooth root. This stimulates the gums and prevents bacterial buildup.

Improving Speech

Missing teeth can impact speech. It makes you struggle with pronunciation or cause a lisp. Dental implants can improve speech by filling in the gap left by a missing tooth. The fillings allow you to speak clearly and confidently.

Preventing Facial Sagging

Facial sagging can occur when you lose teeth, and the jawbone begins to deteriorate. This can lead to a sunken-in appearance that can make you look older than you are. Dental implants can prevent facial sagging by preserving the jawbone and maintaining the face's natural shape.

What to Expect

The dental implant process typically involves multiple appointments over several months. The first step is a consultation with your dentist who will evaluate your oral health to determine whether implants are suitable for you.

The implant involves the placement of a small titanium post into the jawbone. This serves as the replacement tooth root. After this, a healing period of several months is necessary to allow the post to fuse with the jawbone. During this time, the dentist may place a temporary crown or bridge to fill in the gap left by the missing tooth.

Once the post fuses with the jawbone, the dentist will attach an abutment. This serves as a connector between the post and the replacement tooth. Finally, the dentist will attach a custom-made replacement tooth or crown to the abutment, completing the implant process.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Implants offer many benefits for those with one or more missing teeth, including the following:

Permanent solution: They are a permanent solution that can last a lifetime with proper care
Natural appearance: They look and function like natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural appearance
Improved oral health: They can prevent further oral health issues by preserving the jawbone, preventing gum disease, and improving chewing function
Boosted confidence: They can restore confidence by providing a natural-looking and functioning tooth replacement that looks and feels like natural teeth

Conclusion

Dental implants offer a permanent solution to various oral health issues. These include missing teeth, deteriorating jawbone, and gum disease. They can restore confidence and improve overall oral health. This makes them popular for individuals who want a natural-looking and functioning tooth replacement.

For more dental health tips, visit Woodyard Dental Care at our Paducah, Kentucky office. Call (270) 213-6620 to schedule an appointment today.

What Oral Issues Can Dental Implants Correct?