Adjusting to tooth loss can be disorienting. One crucial decision you must make after tooth loss is addressing the areas vacated by lost teeth. Making this decision correctly and in a timely manner is vital to the health of your gums, jawbone, and remaining teeth. Left untreated, an area vacated by tooth loss can become infected, may permit the remaining teeth to shift out of alignment, and cause a loss of jawbone density.
For anyone who’s suffered tooth loss, dental implants are an effective way to restore the comfort, look, and feel of natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are an excellent long-term solution to tooth loss in which artificial roots, in the form of small titanium rods, are surgically implanted into the hole, or “socket” in the jawbone left behind by tooth loss. Once an implant is placed by an oral surgeon it is allowed to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, the implant is fixed in place and can fully function as a tooth root.
At this point, to fully restore chewing function and aesthetics, the implant is capped with a porcelain crown.
Big Benefits of Dental Implants
There are numerous reasons why dental implants are so popular among patients who’ve lost teeth:
- They offer greater durability than other replacement options. With proper care, a dental implant should last at least 15 to 20 years without the need for retreatment. In some cases, they can even last a lifetime!
- Dental implants are designed to feel and function exactly like natural teeth, and thus place no restriction on what an individual can eat and drink.
- Implants aren’t merely a superficial solution but also address the empty socket in the jawbone. This prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment and helps to maintain jawbone density, which can occur after tooth loss.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
While dental implants are an excellent tooth-replacement solution, they’re unfortunately not right for everyone. Dental implant recipients should have:
- A fully-formed jawbone
- Fairly healthy gums
- A jawbone strong enough to support an implant
Consult with your dentist to determine whether dental implants are appropriate for you.
Precise Dental Implant Placement in New Orleans
If you’re looking for a dentist in Gretna with extensive experience and expertise in the precise placement of dental implants, contact dentist Dr. Russell Schafer and the NOLA Dentures team to schedule a consultation!