If you are missing a tooth (or several teeth), you have options in your restorative dentistry care. One option is a dental implant. These offer complete replacement of the tooth by placing a dental implant screw directly in the jawbone. This is then attached to a crown or bridge to replace your missing tooth or teeth, offering a natural-looking, beautiful, and functional result. Many patients in New York City turn to Dr. Chern for their restorative dentistry needs. Below are the top four reasons why patients may benefit from dental implants.
Prevent Your Teeth from Shifting
If a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth will eventually shift to fill the empty space. This process occurs gradually over time, so you may not notice a difference until the teeth have already shifted enough to create gaps or complications in your oral health. In addition, crowded or crooked teeth can be more difficult to clean, making you more susceptible to tooth decay and other issues. Restoring your smile through a dental implant prevents shifting and subsequent gaps or crowding, making it easy to keep up with your oral hygiene routine.
Protect Your Jawbone
Dental implants may be a better option compared to treatments such as bridges when it comes to conserving the jawbone. Over time, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate below a fixed bridge because the bone lacks stimulation from the missing tooth root. This is the same reason why patients may face jawbone deterioration from dentures that are not supported by implants. Choosing dental implants earlier is often the best option, as bone deterioration can eventually disqualify you from implant candidacy or require more extensive restoration through the use of a bone graft.
Maintain Your Appearance and Confidence
Missing teeth make a big difference in your appearance, but an incomplete smile is not the only concern. If the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to an unaddressed missing tooth, the face will appear sunken-in and asymmetrical. You are probably familiar with the appearance of thinning lips or sunken cheeks among those with dentures, for example. Bone loss due to missing teeth creates an appearance that you are older than you actually are. Dental implants are carefully matched to your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. This allows you to feel confident in your smile and appearance.
Choose Implant-supported Dentures
While they can be a good option for some patients, many others find difficulty with dentures such as a poor fit, sores, a sunken appearance, or restrictions in the types of foods they can enjoy. Implant-supported dentures can be a much better option for many patients. These dentures remain in the mouth permanently, making them easy to care for and natural in their appearance. During a consultation with Dr. Chern, you can review your best options to restore your oral health.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about dental implants and your best restorative dentistry options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chern. Call New York General Dentistry in Midtown East at (212) 838-0842. If you prefer, you can also contact us online by completing the contact form.
By Dr. Inna Chern