Dental implants are titanium prosthetics used to replace the roots of missing teeth. Titanium is ideal for replicating the roots of teeth because bone can literally fuse to it. Essentially, bone treats dental implants as if it were a biological part of the body. The process is also what makes implants a sturdy, long lasting tooth replacement option that can withstand the daily force and pressure associated with chewing and biting food.
How does bone loss in the jaw affect my health?
Bone loss causes a number of concerns. First, losing bone has unwanted cosmetic effects. Bone loss can change the landscape of the face and cause a withdrawn and “sunken in” appearance that makes a person look older than he or she should. This can have devastating effects on a person’s emotional wellbeing.
Losing bone can affect oral function and the health of remaining biological teeth. As the bone deteriorates, the upper and lower jaws will not line up properly. This can lead to tooth wear, TMJ dysfunction, and daily discomfort. Bone loss also contributes to tooth loss and ill-fitting prosthetic teeth.
Will dental implants look natural?
Although dental implants are constructed from metal, they are not actually visible to others because they are embedded into the jawbone. The restorations and prosthetics attached to implants, however, can look incredibly lifelike. Crowns, bridges, and dentures constructed from materials like porcelain are custom made for each patient to produce a beautiful and natural looking aesthetic.
I’m interested in implant dentistry, what should I do next?
If you think dental implants might be a good fit for your needs, we recommend scheduling a tooth replacement consultation with our oral surgeon. This appointment will involve a discussion and physical examination with our team to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.
Call Central Oklahoma Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates today to reserve an appointment with our experienced oral surgeons.