Missing teeth? You’re not alone!

If you are missing any of your adult teeth, you might feel like you are all alone. But did you know that it’s not uncommon at all to be missing at least one tooth? In fact, the CDC reports that up to 1 in 6 people over the age of 65 have lost all of their teeth. Thankfully, this statistic seems to be improving as time goes on. But dental implants might just be the solution you’ve been looking for if you are missing one or several teeth.

What exactly are dental implants?

If your dentist has mentioned dental implants, you might be wondering what they even are. Dental implants are a way to securely replace lost teeth. Your dentist first surgically places a titanium implant post into the jawbone, then attaches the upper element called an abutment after you’ve healed. This is the part that your final restoration fits over to give you that seamless smile.

How successful are they?

The numbers don’t lie! Dental implants have had a shocking 90%-95% success rate for 10 years. As with everything, there are many factors involved in treatment success, including how the surgical site heals and the patient’s oral hygiene over the lifespan of the implant. The implant itself is designed to be permanent, though the crown or bridge (the porcelain part that you can see) might need to be replaced every 15 years or so. 

What are the benefits?

Replacing missing teeth can be a life-changer to say the least. Not only will it save the neighboring teeth, but it can improve your self-confidence and much more. 

Perhaps one of the most important aspects to consider is how missing teeth naturally cause the jawbone to shrink over time. Even if you try to hide it by not smiling, it eventually becomes apparent. This is a good reason to get those teeth replaced before resorption can begin.

The loss of one or more teeth can also drastically affect the way you chew and even make it harder for your stomach to properly digest food. It can also cause surrounding teeth to shift into the available space, resulting in the need for future orthodontic treatment if not addressed quickly. With implants, however, you can regain your chewing ability and help keep the neighboring teeth stable at the same time. 

Replacing a missing tooth certainly improves self-confidence as well. It’s said that the first thing someone notices about a stranger is their smile, so repairing something you feel self-conscious about will no doubt make you feel better when it comes to day-to-day socialization, improving your quality of life.

What are the risks?

Usually, dental implants work the way they should, dramatically improving the patient’s life. But as with everything, dental implants can have some risks. Complications can happen, resulting in the implant itself becoming loose or falling out in rare cases. If this is to happen, however, the dental implant is often replaceable. 

Occasionally, the numbing after surgery doesn’t completely go away around the affected area. This shouldn’t cause any additional issues, but it might feel a little strange. This can happen with most procedures, including knee and shoulder surgeries.

If any issues arise from your dental implant, be sure to contact your dentist. They will be able to check it out and potentially repair it before the problem gets worse. 

How can it improve my self-confidence?

Do you find yourself wondering if that stranger across the hall is staring at your missing teeth? Or do you find yourself worrying that your dentures will slip out of place?

With all of the benefits of dental implants, it’s not a surprise that it can boost your self-confidence. With a renewed smile, you’ll feel comfortable showing it off. Grin for those photos! Smile to the stranger in the supermarket. Dental implants might just be that missing link to help you feel more confident in your smile.

Because dental implants can help prevent further orthodontic issues, you can take that stress off of your shoulders and breathe a sigh of relief. You’ll be able to reach for the stars and be the confident person you’ve always wanted to be.

Are dental implants right for me?

The list of the ways that dental implants could improve your life could go on and on! And your dentist will always fabricate your final restorations to perfectly blend in shade, shape, and color with your natural features. This makes it where that gap will be filled seamlessly, and no one will be the wiser. You’ll love your new dental implants!

Are you ready for an appointment?

If you are one of the many Americans missing one or more teeth, don’t feel discouraged. There are many options out there for you. Reach out today to set up an evaluation and ask us any questions you might have. We want to do whatever we can to help your smile be the best it can be.