Dental Implant Information For Patients Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth through either an accident or to an extraction can be embarrassing. For those that suffer the loss of one of their teeth, it is important to have a basic understanding about the reasons that it is important to have missing teeth replaced along with the options that are available for addressing this need.

Why Should You Have Your Tooth Replaced?

Individuals will often assume that they should only have their missing tooth replaced if they are concerned about the cosmetic impacts that the missing tooth will have. However, there are many functional issues that can arise in patients that are missing one or more of their teeth. For example, it can be easier for plaque, tartar and food particles to get stuck in the space created by the missing tooth. Also, the gap that is created by the missing tooth can contribute to the other teeth shifting positions. When this occurs, the teeth may suffer more extensive but uneven wear and tear.

Are There Limits To Placing Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option due to the durability and aesthetics of these prosthetics. Unfortunately, not every patient will be able to benefit from the use of these implants. When a patient is suffering from substantial amounts of bone or gum loss, they may find that they are not suitable for this procedure. This is due to the reality that a lack of bone and gum tissue can reduce the support that the implant will receive, which can make it more likely to fail. For this reason, you can expect to be required to undergo a series of extensive evaluations so that the dentist can ascertain the health of your gums and jaw bone. When it is deemed that there is insufficient bone mass or gum tissue, it may be possible to overcome this by grafting, but this will be determined on a per patient basis. 

Is It Safe To Get Dental Implants?

Some individuals may be worried about getting dental implants due to the need to undergo surgery. Fortunately, the surgery for having a dental implant placed will be fairly minor. Most individuals will only require a local anesthetic, and the patient will be able to return to their normal routine within a day or two of the implant being placed. It should be noted that the implant will need time to bond to the jaw and the issue will need to adjust to this implant before the permanent replacement tooth can be placed.

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