Have you lost a tooth? If so, it might surprise you to learn that you are in the majority. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 69 percent of American adults between 35 and 44 years old have lost at least one tooth to tooth decay or injury. In the past, the only way to restore a missing tooth was with dental bridgework. Today, however, you can replace the tooth with a lifelike substitute, thanks to dental implants.
Would you like to repair your smile by replacing your missing tooth? Contact Yuma Smiles at 928-344-1060 to learn about dental implants for permanent tooth replacement.
Replacing a Lost Tooth is More Than a Cosmetic Issue
No one wants to lose a tooth. It changes the appearance of your smile and limits your ability to chew your food properly. For many, the primary concern is cosmetic, but a missing tooth can affect your oral health as well. When a tooth is lost, your other teeth will slowly shift their position to move into the empty space. Over time, this can affect how well all of your teeth work together. It changes how your teeth fit together when you chew and can put excess pressure on your remaining teeth. It’s no surprise that people who have lost a tooth and don’t have it replaced are more likely to lose more teeth in the future. By replacing a lost tooth, you preserve your bite alignment and ensure that your whole mouth stays healthy and functional.
Dental Implants for Single Tooth Replacement
Unlike other dental prosthetics, dental implants replace the whole tooth, root to crown. This makes them more lifelike and comfortable. Bridgework is an efficient substitute for a missing tooth, but it doesn’t feel as natural as a tooth implant because it relies on other teeth for support. Implants, however, are freestanding prosthetics and they function the same way as your natural teeth. Many patients who opt for a single dental implant and crown admit that they cannot tell the difference between their natural teeth and their implant. They truly give back what you have lost.
Another reason why dental implants are a healthier choice than a dental bridge is that they help you preserve your facial bone structure. When teeth are lost, it triggers a process known as jawbone deterioration. Without a tooth present in the jaw, the bone mass will slowly be absorbed by the body, resulting in a change in facial appearance. Dental implants prevent this process because their presence in the jaw encourages the body to continue supporting the bone with the minerals and nutrients needed for good health.
Another concern with a traditional tooth bridge is the fact that it will need to be replaced over time. Dental bridges only last about 8 years before they start to show signs of failure. An implant, however, becomes fused with the jaw so it becomes a part of your bone structure. This means that, when properly placed and cared for, a dental implant will be a permanent restoration that should last a lifetime.
Overall, dental implants are the best choice for replacing a missing tooth because of they:
- Provide greater comfort
- Feel more like natural teeth
- Preserve your oral health better than bridgework
- Are a permanent replacement for your lost tooth
Contact Us to Learn More About Dental Implants
If you’ve lost a tooth, ask Dr. Sam Carroll – dentist in Yuma AZ – about a dental implant and crown for a single tooth replacement. This treatment can help you better maintain your oral health as the years’ pass, and give you back what you have lost. Make your smile whole again with dental implants. Call us today at 928-344-1060 to learn more. Separate sleep apnea facts from myths.
