Loss of teeth is more than a cosmetic consideration. Although missing teeth can lead to self-consciousness, it can also cause systemic problems with your dental health. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to move out of position, leading to problems such as misalignment or even temporomandibular joint disorder. With dental implants from your Boulder dentist, however, you can restore your smile and keep your other teeth properly situated and healthy.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide a permanent solution for missing teeth. They consist of a root portion as well as a portion that replaces the visible part of the tooth. Unlike dentures, they are not removable, and they do not move in the mouth. With proper care, dental implants will last many years, keeping your smile intact and your natural teeth in their proper position.
Dental implants are placed in two stages. First, the root portion of the implant is placed. Made of titanium, the root bonds to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This process takes several weeks, after which the visible portion of the implant is added. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth.
Advantages to Dental Implants
Dental implants have grown rapidly in popularity largely because they offer numerous advantages over traditional dentures. These advantages include:
- Implants are permanent
- Implants do not have to be removed for cleaning
- Implants help stimulate the jawbone, preventing deterioration
- Implants look just like your natural teeth
Placement of implants is considered a surgical procedure, so any precautions you would take with any surgery should also be taken if you are having implants placed. Be sure to consult with your implant dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for implants. This is particularly important if you have worn dentures in the past, because you might have experienced bone loss in the jaw and might require bone grafts before implants can be placed successfully.
For more information about dental implants, please contact the office of Dr. Carolyn Kupka for a consultation.
