After suffering from tooth loss, you can feel uncomfortable with how your smile has changed. Seeing gaps where your teeth once were can make you self-conscious. Of course, there are also functional downsides – it can be harder for you to bite and chew, and you can be vulnerable to developing TMJ problems. Patients who rely on a dental implant to support a prosthetic can enjoy a natural-looking restoration that is permanently in place. The implant actually resides in the space formerly occupied by your lost tooth root, and mimics the type of support your root offered your natural tooth.
Understanding How A Dental Implant Can Change Your Prosthetic Experience
With a dental implant for support, your prosthetic tooth will be stable and secure, and will not interfere with neighboring teeth. There are benefits that go beyond how your smile looks once it is restored. A dental implant actually protects you against jawbone resorption. When a tooth root is no longer around to provide stimulation, your jaw can lose nutrients, and the tissue can start to break down. This can rob you of support, and can eventually cause your face to have a “sunken” look.
Receiving A Dental Implant
Before you can receive a dental implant, your dentist needs to see that you are a good candidate. Placing the implant calls for oral surgery, which can be a health risk for some patients. Your jaw’s health can also affect your candidacy. Patients who are not optimal candidates for dental implants can still enjoy permanent prosthetic support with a dental bridge. The bridge uses a pair of dental crowns to stay in place.
