Tooth loss in adulthood, whether due to untreated decay, traumatic injury, or simple aging, while hardly uncommon, can be quite unnerving. In these cases, protecting against further decay in the affected part of the mouth and preserving bite integrity and smile aesthetics are paramount.
After tooth loss, the site of any lost teeth must be treated to prevent infection or other complications. Also during this time, your dentist will take steps to ensure the long-term form and function of your smile and bite. Solutions like dental bridges and dentures can effectively restore functionality and aesthetics. However, dental implants stand alone as the longest-lasting and most effective and natural-feeling tooth replacement solution.
What Exactly Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small peg, usually made of titanium, that’s implanted into the vacant “socket” in a patient’s jawbone following tooth loss. Once the peg is placed by a dentist or oral surgeon, through osseointegration, it fuses permanently with the jawbone. Once securely in place, a dental implant functions as a natural tooth root would. This creates a stable anchor point for a long-term replacement like a dental crown.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Why are dental implants so popular with individuals who’ve suffered tooth loss? The array of reasons is pretty impressive. Here are the most significant:
- Dental implants replace the precise look, feel, and function of natural teeth, allowing for full confidence when biting, chewing, smiling, and speaking.
- Since they replace a tooth’s root in the jawbone and provide a foundation for above-the-gumline solutions like porcelain crowns, implants offer a comprehensive solution for tooth loss.
- Dental implants provide critical support and stimulation for the jawbone, which often loses density following tooth loss.
- Implants are incredibly durable, generally lasting well over a decade (if not much longer!!) without requiring retreatment.
Precisely Placed Dental Implants and Comprehensive Care in Norfolk, MA
If you’re in the Norfolk area and want to learn more about the myriad benefits of dental implants or other, related preventive and corrective treatments, from teeth extractions to periodontal treatment, contact dentist Dr. Xi Sun and the friendly and knowledgeable Norfolk County Dental Care team to schedule a consultation!