The tooth fairy doesn’t reward adults for losing teeth. Instead, missing permanent teeth can cause numerous problems. Fortunately, state-of-the-art dental implants can restore your smile and oral health with excellent results.
So, if you’re among the 178 million Americans missing one or more teeth, dentures — with their slippage and night-time glass soaking — are no longer your only option.
At City Dental Studio in Cooper City, Florida, Board-Certified Dentist Gabrielle Bekov has restored countless smiles for patients missing one or all of their teeth.
In this blog, she explains why dental implants are the best choice for the job.
Unlike removable dentures, dental implants are permanently anchored to a metal post in your jawbone. Over time, your natural bone grows up and around the post, fusing it into place. The metal post serves as an artificial root for the prosthetic tooth or crown.
Along with stability, the metal post stimulates new bone growth. When you lose a tooth, the effect extends beyond a gap in your smile. Because you also lose your tooth’s root, that area of your jawbone can lose 25% of its volume -- and will continue deteriorating.
When you lose a tooth, the neighboring teeth shift to fill the space. As your teeth move out of position, your appearance can change. The misalignment can also hinder your ability to chew and properly clean your teeth. A dental implant keeps your existing teeth firmly in place.
Implants look incredibly natural. Your crown atop the post is custom-contoured and tinted to match your other teeth. No one will be able to discern the difference between your implant and the rest of your smile.
Most options for missing teeth require replacement every 5-10 years. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. You may need to replace the crown at some point, but the metal post is a permanent fixture.
Patients are often surprised to learn that dental implant treatment is not painful. A local aesthetic keeps your mouth numb throughout the treatment. Afterward, any soreness is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil. Dr. Bekov can prescribe pain medication if necessary.
All-on-X dental implants, sometimes called full-arch implants, replace an entire arch of teeth in your upper or lower jaw. The "X" signifies the number of dental implants required to support the full arch of replacement teeth. Typically, that’s a minimum of four.
To learn whether you’re a candidate for dental implants or All-on-X dental implants, book a consultation with Dr. Bekov at City Dental Studio. Call our office or request an appointment online.