Nothing can completely replace your natural teeth, but cosmetic dental implants are the next best thing in so many ways. Patients opt for implants for many reasons. One of the main reasons is that tooth loss results in bone loss. The natural roots of your teeth are firmly ensconced into your jawbone, offering a secure foundation to allow your teeth to function as they should. If your teeth are missing, the underlying bone that once supported them starts to deteriorate.
A dental implant functions as an alternative to natural tooth roots and serves the same function to stimulate the bone and preserve it. After implantation, the jawbone forms a bond with the new implant, creating a secure foundation that feels, looks, and functions just like natural teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
An implant is simply a metal post or frame that we can position surgically into your jawbone under your gums. Once the implant is present, it allows us to affix a replacement tooth onto it.
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
Dental implants offer stable support for replacement teeth since they completely fuse to your jawbone. If you have bridges or dentures, they tend to slip or shift inside of your mouth, which can be annoying when you are trying to speak or eat. The secure fit offered by implants feels more natural than traditional dentures or bridges.
In many cases, conventional dentures and bridges are uncomfortable or not possible because of gagging, sore spots, or poor ridges. Conventional bridges must also be affixed to teeth on either side of the gap remaining from missing teeth. In the case of dental implants, there is no preparation necessary for adjacent teeth; they do not have to be ground down to secure your replacement teeth.
In order to get an implant, you must have healthy gums and enough bone to secure the implant. You must also commit to a rigorous oral hygiene regimen and make regular dental appointments to ensure that your implant is successful in the long-term.
Talk to Our Cosmetic Dentist in Little Rock
Are you interested in restoring your missing teeth? Talk to Dr. Samuel F. Jirik in Cabot about dental implants. Contact us today to schedule a dental appointment!
