If you are missing one or more teeth, it can affect much more than simply the appearance of your smile. Missing teeth can result in difficulty speaking and chewing food. It can even change the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth – also referred to as your “bite” – and that can adversely affect your jaw, leading to headaches, teeth grinding, and more undesirable symptoms.
Fortunately, modern dental technology allows us to create permanent replacements for missing teeth that look, feel, and function just like your normal teeth do. These are called dental implants, and Dr. Mobley is happy to provide implants as one of the many services she offers to patients throughout the Austin, TX area.
An Introduction to Dental Implants: How the Process Works
An implant is truly a remarkable example of how much dentistry has advanced over the past several years. It consists of a tiny piece of metal – usually a titanium rod – that is implanted into the jawbone of the patient. Within a period of a few months, the rod fuses to the bone tissue.
After that, Dr. Mobley affixes a porcelain crown to the top of the implant. The result is a replacement tooth that not only looks like the real deal – it also functions exactly like your natural teeth and is a permanent replacement. Implants are so permanent, in fact, that they often last for a lifetime.
The Top Benefits of a Dental Implant
If you decide to go with a dental implant to replace one or more missing teeth, there are several significant benefits you will enjoy. They include:
Prevent Bone Loss
One of the top benefits of a dental implant is that it can prevent bone loss. Because there is a titanium screw anchored into your jaw, your jaw has enough stimulation, and your body will not resolve the calcium from your jaw bone.
Without a dental implant, your body may decide to resorb the jaw tissue, which can significantly weaken your jawbone and change the structure of your face. If you decide to go with a dental implant, you can prevent that from happening.
Match Your Natural Teeth
Another major benefit of a dental implant is that you can match the implant to the color of your natural teeth. Prior to receiving a dental implant, your dentist may recommend that you whiten your teeth. That way, your dental implant will appear white as well.
Then, after the teeth whitening has taken place, your dentist can match the shade of the implant to the shade of your natural teeth. It will be nearly impossible for someone to tell the difference with the naked eye.
Easy To Care For
A dental implant is also very easy to take care of. All you need to do is care for the dental implant the same way you care for your natural teeth. This means that you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly.
Furthermore, don’t forget to go to the dentist every six months for a regular checkup. This will give the dentist to check on not only your natural teeth but also your implant to make sure it is behaving as it should.
Eat a Regular Diet
Next, with a dental implant, you can eat a regular diet. There are multiple treatment options available if you are looking for a way to replace one or more missing teeth, but many of them require you to adjust your diet.
You do not need to adjust your diet if you have a dental implant. You can continue to eat what you want, but of course, you should try to limit your exposure to foods that can cause cavities.
A Permanent Treatment Option
Finally, A major benefit of a dental implant is that it is designed to be a permanent treatment option. It is not unusual for people to have a dental implant that lasts for the rest of their life.
As long as you take care of your dental implant, it should last for decades. You should not need to get it adjusted, and you should not need to get it replaced.
Who is a Candidate for a Dental Implant?
There are lots of people who are strong candidates for a dental implant. First, you need to take care of your oral health. You should not have an active infection in your mouth when you get your dental implant placed. Your dentist will also want to take a look at your jaw bone to make sure there is enough tissue there to support the titanium screw. If your jaw looks a bit weak, the dentist may be able to help you with a bone graft to stimulate bone growth in the area.
Your dentist will also want to take a look at your gums to make sure there is enough healthy gum tissue to support your implant. If you suffer from gingivitis, your dentist may work with you to develop a treatment plan to reverse the gingivitis before the dental implant can be placed. Your dentist will also take a look at any other potential medical issues you might have, such as diabetes, making sure they are under control before the dental implant is placed. If you would like to see if you are a candidate for dental implants, it would be our pleasure to work with you.
Call Dr. Mobley To Schedule an Appointment To Talk About Your Options
Although implants are usually an excellent way to replace one or more missing teeth, they may not be the right choice for everyone. There are a lot of significant benefits that come from having a dental implant, but you need to make sure you are a candidate for a dental implant before you decide to choose this treatment option.
That is where we can help you. Talk to Dr. Mobley to see if you are a good candidate for a dental implant. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team! We look forward to hearing from you!
Contact Us Today
To find out more about our dental services, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Megan Mobley, contact our Austin, TX office today.
