Are You A Candidate For Dental Implants?
In addition to lost oral function, losing teeth tends to affect a patient’s appearance. Many patients feel that losing teeth makes them appear older than they actually are. This is often because tooth loss can make the face appear sunken in. Over time, the mouth changes shape, too as a result of bone atrophy—a common side effect with tooth loss. Fortunately, our periodontist possesses additional training and education to address tooth loss with dental implants—a permanent and biocompatible replacement for lost teeth.
An Overview of Dental Implants
Dental implants closely mimic the structures of teeth above and below the gums by using a titanium post to replace the lost roots of a tooth and a prosthetic crown to fill in the visible portion of a tooth above the gums. Implants are fixed in place by being surgically embedded into the jaw, this allows the implant to support a prosthetic, tooth-shaped crown and withstand the forces of daily chewing and biting. Since implants replace a tooth’s root(s), they support bone health by preventing the body from reabsorbing bone. Implants are also ideal because they provide adequate support to existing biological teeth and thus may reduce further tooth loss by preventing intact teeth from collapsing into empty tooth sockets.
The Effect of Implants on Appearance
Losing one or more teeth definitely affects a patient’s appearance. Implants, especially when prosthetic crowns are made from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, are very natural looking and life-like. Most patients enjoy a renewed sense of confidence and willingness to smile around others. Additionally, by replacing lost teeth, patients will no longer suffer with a “sunken in” appearance and typically feel younger after receiving treatment.
Patients interested in exploring their options regarding tooth loss should schedule a consultation with our skilled and compassionate periodontist. At your consultation, our periodontist will evaluate your oral health and determine your best options for replacing missing teeth.
Contact the office of Dr. Beth Tomlin today to schedule your appointment.
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