When patients need to replace a tooth or teeth, I always go into great detail to explain the dental implant process. Frequently, patients are a little apprehensive when we talking about using titanium rods implanted into the bone. But, the benefits of replacing the tooth with a structure as close to the actual tooth and root is vital to long-term health.
Many people don’t realize the health benefits of getting dental implants when a tooth or teeth are lost. Most people are aware that the alternatives (partials and dentures) are inconvenient , require maintenance and often are not as aesthetically appealing. However, because an implant is anchored to the bone, it simulates the function of the tooth beyond appearance and chewing function. In this way it is drastically different than dentures or partials, which are solutions that simply sit on top of the gums.
When teeth are missing, gums recede and bones decay. This can result in the sunken, hollow facial appearance. Implants keep this from happening because the tooth is rooted into the bone, simulating the structure of the natural tooth.
This is the reason why I inform patients that the standard for care in replacing a tooth is an implant. You can learn more about the implant process through the videos on the Implants page on my web site. The process is invasive, but we are replacing a tooth, not just covering the place where the natural tooth used to reside.
So, take some time and learn a little about dental implants. You should be informed about dental implants because you never know when an accident might happen and you may have to replace a tooth.
