Missing teeth do more than wreck your smile. Teeth gone AWOL can hurt the way you chew, speak, look, and think about yourself.
In the past, dentures and bridges were popular ways to replace missing teeth. Today, we have dental implants that are being considered more and more as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth.
Dr. Miguel A. Casañas Jr. and Publio Silfa, DDS of Meadowbrook Dental Care want you to love your smile. Here’s why dental implants are the way to go.
Dental implants explained
The biggest benefit of dental implants is that they look and function like real teeth. An implant consists of a crown, the white part you see, and a root that extends into your jaw bone.
The implant root is made of titanium, which is strong, biocompatible, and non-corrosive. After the root is implanted in the space where a tooth once occupied, the jawbone grows over the root, which keeps it in place. An abutment cap covers the part of the root that rests above the gum. In the end, a composite or porcelain crown caps the abutment.
Why implants enhance oral health
Your teeth do more than chew food. They help you drink, talk, and preserve your jaw bone.
When you chew food, pressure travels down to the tooth’s root and your jaw. Pressure stimulates your body’s manufacturing of bone cells that strengthen your jaw bone. When teeth fall out, your jaw bone can atrophy, which can change the shape of your face, and not in a good way.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement because they function like real teeth. The implant’s crown and root transmit pressure, which signals your jaw bone to continue to renew itself.
Dental implants also help surrounding teeth remain healthy. That’s because each tooth relies on its neighbor for support and structure. When you lose a tooth, other teeth shift into the empty space. This movement can loosen surrounding teeth, misalign your bite, and cause jaw pain and headaches.
Implants keep neighboring teeth in their proper positions and prevent your jaw bone from atrophying. With implants, your facial structure remains youthful-looking. Implants also help prevent periodontal disease.
Implants last as long as you
Dental implants are made of a biocompatible material, which means you won’t have to worry about your body rejecting them. The material is also super strong, so implants can last for decades with proper care. And, caring for them is easy. Just brush and floss twice a day as normal, and maintain a regular schedule of dental checkups with us at Meadowbrook Dental Care.
If you’re ready for a smile you’ll love, you can schedule an appointment at Meadowbrook Dental Care by calling 516-231-1742 or using our online booking tool.