Missing teeth can make it painful to chew and difficult to speak—and it can also lead to a variety of oral health issues, from gum disease to bone loss. But there’s more to tooth loss than oral health concerns; the damage that this issue has on your smile can impact your mental health just as significantly as it can your physical health.

Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a variety of tooth replacement options that can help address these issues and improve your quality of life. Of those options, dental implants are one of the most durable, natural-feeling, and effective. If you’re looking to replace missing teeth, it’s essential to consider the many benefits of dental implants.

But what exactly is a dental implant, and how can it help you embrace a beautiful smile? Take a closer look at this advanced tooth replacement option.

Understanding Tooth Loss

There are many reasons why you might lose a tooth. Some of the most common include gum disease, dental trauma, tooth decay, and regular wear and tear over the years. But regardless of why it happens, it’s important to understand the impact that this issue can have on both your physical and mental well-being.

When a tooth is lost, your other teeth can begin shifting around to fill the gap, and your jawbone can begin to deteriorate due to the loss of the stimulation the tooth once provided. You’ll also be more susceptible to oral health issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Beyond your oral health, your self-confidence can be greatly impacted when you’ve lost a tooth. It can be difficult to feel good about yourself if you don’t feel good about your smile. The bone loss caused by missing teeth can cause a shifting of your facial structure, which can also impact your self-esteem significantly.

Fortunately, by working with your dentist, you can restore both form and function to your mouth, no matter the cause of your tooth loss.

The Basics of Dental Implants

If you search “replace missing tooth,” chances are that a majority of the results focus on dental implants. This restorative dental procedure is popular because of its longevity, durability, and natural results. But what exactly is an implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is implanted and fuses to your jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. This fusion provides unmatched strength and support for an abutment that is used to connect a ceramic or porcelain prosthetic tooth to the implant, providing you with a replacement tooth that looks and feels natural.

Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants

You may wonder what specific advantages dental implants can offer you. Some of the most notable include the following.

Enhanced Comfort

Because the dental implant fuses to the jawbone, it is known for its comfort and natural feel. A dental implant does not use your gums for support, nor does it have the potential to shift around in your mouth the way a denture might.

Improved Appearance

Not only do dental implants feature a natural look as the final result, but they can also affect your appearance positively for years to come. This is because an implant can help prevent bone loss, which can alter your appearance over time by causing a shifting of your facial structure.

Superior Durability and Convenience

Dental implants can last for decades, which is typically not the case for dental bridges or dentures that last only a fraction as long on average. This makes the dental implant an option you will be able to count on for the long term without the hassle of regular replacements.

The Dental Implant Procedure

To receive a dental implant, you’ll first need to see your dentist for an initial consultation. There, they’ll perform an exam and speak with you to determine whether you’d be a good candidate for the procedure. If you are, you can then book an appointment for your dental implant treatment.

Your dentist will likely provide you with a local anesthetic and a form of sedation dentistry prior to the procedure. They will then access your jawbone through the gums to place the dental implant, then close the gums to allow the osseointegration to take place over the course of the next few months.

Once this process is complete, you’ll return to your dentist to have the prosthetic fixed to the implant. Recovery from the procedure usually takes a bit over a week in total, but for the most part, you’ll be feeling fully healed in a matter of days.

Need an Experienced Dentist Near Edwardsville, IL?

Dental implants can transform your smile and serve as an ideal solution for tooth loss. If you’re searching for a local family dentist near Edwardsville, look no further than Hite Family Dentistry. Our friendly team uses the latest technology to provide your entire family with the best in dental care. Schedule your appointment today.