If you’re missing a tooth, you know that it can impact your self-confidence. Missing teeth can make you want to hide your smile, and they can even affect your oral health. The gap in your mouth can compromise your other teeth and make it harder to speak and eat.
Dental implants are a popular solution for missing teeth. Customized for your mouth, dental implants are placed in a surgical procedure, and you don’t have to take them out for cleaning, like you do with dentures.
Here at GEMS Dental in Houston, Dr. George Saliba is an expert in dental implants. Our compassionate team wants to share the three biggest benefits of dental implants for our patients who suffer a tooth loss.
Dental implants look like natural teeth
A dental implant is both a cosmetic and functional solution for your missing tooth. When you come to GEMS Dental for an implant, Dr. Saliba works with you to customize your implant and perfect your smile.
Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth. The implant is made from three parts: the post, the abutment, and the crown. The titanium post is surgically rooted into your jawbone, and the abutment is placed on top of the post to attach to the crown. The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible inside your mouth. Every crown is customized to match the size, color, and shape of your existing teeth for the most natural look possible.
Dental implants can improve your self-esteem. Since they look like natural teeth, most people will never know you have an implant. You don’t have to deal with the discomfort of shifting, slipping dentures or the embarrassment of removing them.
With dental implants, your speech is natural, too — clear and unimpeded. They’re comfortable because they don’t shift and you don’t have to use messy adhesives to keep them in place. With proper care, most dental implants last a lifetime.
Dental implants permanently replace missing teeth
When you get a dental implant, Dr. Saliba surgically inserts the artificial tooth into your jaw. Over a series of appointments, he places a titanium post in your jawbone that acts as the implant root. After a month or two, your jawbone grows around the post and secures it in place. At your next appointment, Dr. Saliba fits the custom-made crown onto the post with an abutment.
The permanent implant won’t shift or irritate your mouth or gums like dentures or bridgework often does. You don’t need to take it out, and it won’t impair your ability to speak or eat the foods you love.
You’ll care for your dental implants just as you do your natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures, implants don’t need to be removed or cleaned separately. Just brush and floss your implant and other teeth twice a day and continue to visit us for cleanings regularly.
Dental implants promote strong jaw bones
As mentioned above, during the implant process, Dr. Saliba inserts a titanium rod — the root of the artificial tooth — into your jaw.Then your jawbone tissue grows around the titanium rod, securing it in your mouth.
Having this “root” for your new artificial tooth is critical for the health of your jawbone because teeth help strengthen your jawbone. If you’re missing a tooth, your bone tissue is at increased risk for deterioration. Over time, the weakened bone and empty space can allow your adjacent teeth to shift and loosen, putting them at risk for falling out.
Because dental implants help combat bone loss, getting an implant as soon as possible after you’ve lost a tooth can help your entire mouth stay healthier.
If you have one or more missing teeth, come in to see us about a natural-looking, permanent replacement. Convenient, comfortable dental implants are a great option for many people. Call our office or use the online scheduler to request your first appointment today.
