If you don’t have all of your natural teeth, you’re not alone. Whether from injury or oral disease, close to 180 million adults are missing at least one natural tooth. Replacing missing teeth is vital to keeping your smile healthy. Replacing missing teeth helps keep the rest of your teeth in place and helps your mouth stay healthy.
There are several ways to replace missing teeth. Dental implants represent one of the best options available and are considered the gold standard for replacing a natural tooth. Dental implants are also a leading option to replace your natural teeth.
Here at McLean Aura Dentistry in Northern Virginia, highly skilled dentists Dr. Chang Yi and Dr. Negar Tehrani are devoted to helping you keep your smile as healthy as possible. Our team offers various dental restoration options to restore your smile. If you’re considering dental implants, here’s what you should know.
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth which is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Like a bridge or dentures, the implant restores the function of your mouth so that you can chew normally, speak clearly, and maintain the integrity of your oral health.
Dental implants are unique from other dental restoration options. Dental implants are permanently implanted into your jaw, unlike bridges and dentures. A titanium post fuses with your jaw bone to create a solid foundation.
A second piece, called the abutment, connects the post to the crown. The crown restores the part of your tooth that is above the gum. Dental implants restore your tooth root so that you have a strong artificial tooth that will do the job like your natural teeth.
Restoring your smile has a wide-reaching impact. Not only will an implant restore the form and function of your mouth, but it will also keep your jawbone strong and prevent bone loss. In addition to helping you maintain your oral health, replacing missing teeth boosts confidence. Dental implants look just like your natural teeth. They feel like your natural teeth too. Once in place, you won’t know the difference between the dental implant and your natural teeth.
Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly. Options such as dentures take some time to adjust to and can cause some speech problems initially. Dentures may slide around in your mouth and cause you to feel self-conscious. One of the benefits of dental implants is that they won’t negatively impact your speech. They’ll help support proper speech by acting as a permanent, strong replacement for your natural tooth.
Your teeth are designed to help you eat, and without them, the task can become quite challenging. The popcorn and nuts you once enjoyed can become problematic. Dental implants function as teeth. A prosthetic molar can help you chew, an implanted anterior tooth can help you bite, and an implanted incisor helps with tearing.
If you’re missing a tooth and have a gap or have a replacement that you are underwhelmed with, we can help.
If you’re ready to get started on the path to restoring your smile, we invite you to contact our helpful team at McLean Aura Dentistry here in McLean, Virginia. Call our office or request an appointment via our online booking system. Your restored smile awaits!
