If you have one or more missing teeth and a desire to improve your smile, you may have looked at the available options. The one that allows you to treat the replacements like natural teeth the most are dental implants. You owe it to yourself to look at dental implants so you do not make a decision you will regret later.
Dental implants are permanently fastened because they are infused into the jawbone. Once the implant is in place, it can be fitted with a crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. If there is more than one tooth that needs replacing, two or more implants may be necessary. An implant for each tooth is not always necessary. For example, if there are three or more adjacent teeth missing, only two implants may be needed. A bridge can be fastened to the implants that are positioned at each end of the bridge, even when the bridge is used to replace three or more teeth.
You may also go the route of dental implants when you need a whole set of teeth. If you go with dentures, you have the daily routine of taking them out for cleaning and storage. Typically, you will remove them at the end of the day before going to bed. When you wake up in the morning, you will put them back in. This routine day in and day out can become frustrating for many individuals. In addition, food particles that get under the dentures can be irritating and painful.
When you choose dental implants instead, you will treat your teeth the same way you would treat your natural teeth. You can brush like normal and will not ever need to worry about taking them out for storage. You can eat all your favorite foods with the same confidence you had when your natural teeth were in place.
Partial dentures have their own disadvantages as well. They are usually held in place by metal clasps that wrap around the adjacent natural teeth. These clasps can cause premature wear to the surface of those teeth. Consequently, it is just a matter of time before those teeth will need to be repaired.
Our cosmetic dentist in Cabot, AR can perform an evaluation and let you know if you are a good candidate for dental implants. If you are, you will find them to be the next best thing to natural teeth.
The office of Samuel F. Jirik, DDS proudly serves men and women in the Little Rock, AR and surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about dental implants!
