If you have missing teeth, overcrowded teeth or wear dentures, you may find yourself hiding your smile more often than not. You need to be relaxed and happy to have a beautiful smile along with straight, white teeth. While dentures may provide straight white teeth, they often shift in the mouth and make clicking sounds that are embarrassing. The answer to all of this is dental implants. They look, function, and feel like natural teeth and will give you the confidence to stop hiding your smile.
Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth. They may last for decades because they are held firmly by the jawbone just as natural teeth are. Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth, but they will never decay. Because they are implanted into the bone, implants help maintain the integrity of your jawbone, unlike tooth-supported bridges.
When you have one or more missing teeth, the jawbone does not get the necessary exercise it should get when you chew. This results in bone deterioration. Your cheek will gradually sink into the gap and you may look older than you are. Conventional bridges require drilling on the supporting teeth on either side of the gap, but dental implants leave healthy teeth intact.
Since dental implants are held in place by the bone, they keep the other teeth from moving in the mouth and shifting position. This is another way they protect healthy teeth. They have a long history of a good success rate for a reliable, long-term solution for missing teeth.
There are two main types of dental implants. The type mentioned above is called endosteal implants. They consist of small a screw or a plate, made of titanium that is implanted directly into the jawbone. The bone gradually grows around the artificial root and just as it does for a natural root, it holds it firmly in place. The crown or artificial tooth is fixed to the top of the root that looks like a natural tooth.
For people who may not have enough jawbone for an implant, there are subperiosteal implants. They are like a titanium frame that is fixed below the gum. When the gum heals, they are held in place and the artificial tooth is fixed to posts that rise above the gum.
Dental implants in Little Rock, AR can also be used to anchor dentures. This ends the shifting and clicking that usually goes with dentures. It is necessary to have sufficient bone to support the implant. Bone transplants may be possible for some. Good oral hygiene is required to for the long-term success of the implant. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist.
If you would like to enhance your smile in Little Rock, AR, then dental implants may be your best option. When you visit our specialist, your teeth will be examined and your dental issues diagnosed. Dental implants are the standard treatment for missing teeth and offer the best option for a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Contact us today at the office of Dr. Samuel F. Jirik to schedule your consultation.
