For longer than you’d like to admit, you’ve had a blank spot in your smile. You’re missing a tooth – but this is no big deal, since it’s only one pearly white – right? Wrong. No matter how many missing teeth you have, they negatively affect your existing dentitions. From making them more susceptible to breaks, to causing alignment problems, you need to fill in the gaps to keep the rest of your smile healthy. With a dental implant in Mount Pleasant, SC from Dr. Virginia L. Gregory, you can get your oral health – and your beautiful grin – back.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacement teeth. To start the process for them, Dr. Gregory will talk with you about the results you want, how many implants you need, and she’ll develop an individualized treatment plan especially for you.
Implants consist of three parts that form your replacement tooth:
- Implant – A biocompatible titanium post will be surgically placed in your jaw and this will become the secure foundation you need. You’ll need time to heal and allow the post to fuse with the bone before the next two pieces can be attached.
- Abutment – This is the connecting piece between the implant and the tooth-shaped “cap.” The abutment will then be affixed to the implant.
- Crown – The part of the replacement that looks like the tooth itself is the dental crown. The long-lasting, naturally-looking porcelain crown will be secured to the abutment, restoring your smile to its former glory.
Why Are Dental Implants The Best Way To Replace Teeth?
Dental implants are the superior method of replacing teeth for many reasons, including:
- Increased Jawbone Strength – Dental implants actually augment the density of the jawbone, rather than causing it to wear away like dentures and bridges do.
- Improved Nutrition – Since your implant will stay in place, you’ll be able to chew a variety of foods and maintain a well-balanced diet. Apples, carrots, and corn on the cob can be a part of your menu again.
- Protect Natural Teeth – Because dental implants don’t move around, they do a great job of protecting your remaining teeth. They keep your dentitions properly aligned, preventing complications like shifting, cracks, and breaks.
- Better Speech – You’ll never have to worry about being understood when you talk with dental implants. They don’t move around in your mouth like dentures, so you’ll be able to speak clearly.
- Your Smile Will Stay In Place – Who wants to put their teeth in a cup at night? You won’t have to worry about the embarrassment of dentures in your daily life, even when you kiss your sweetheart. And, you can say goodbye to messy dental adhesives.
- Longevity – Dental implants last longer than traditional dentures and dental bridges.
- Appearance – Implants will blend right in with your existing dentitions – the only person who’ll notice you have a false tooth is you.
Now that you know how dental implants can improve your overall health while making your smile look great, schedule your appointment with your dentist in Mount Pleasant, SC and make your teeth healthy and radiant again!