The loss of a tooth can change the way you feel about your smile. Gaps between teeth not only affect your self-confidence and self-esteem but may limit your ability to chew certain foods. Dental implants, offered by your Cohasset, MA, dentists, Dr. Kevin Thomas and Dr. Aaron Chenette of Cohasset Dental, provide an excellent way to restore your smile.
Dental implants rebuild missing teeth
Dental implants recreate missing teeth from the roots up. The process starts with implanting a tiny titanium post in your jawbone. The implant becomes the new root for your tooth after it osseointegrates, or bonds, to your jawbone. The osseointegration process usually takes about three to six months but can vary from person to person.
As soon as full bonding occurs, your Cohasset dentist adds a connector to the top of the implant and makes an impression of your mouth. The impression is used to make a dental crown. The crown looks just like the top part of a natural tooth and restores your biting and chewing ability, in addition to filling the gap in your smile.
Implants offer oral health advantages
Dental implants don't just improve your smile but also keep your jawbone strong. Jawbone resorption, a problem that occurs when your jawbone shrinks, can be an issue after tooth loss. If the bone shrinks significantly it will no longer be able to support your teeth, and they may begin to loosen. Sagging of facial muscles can also occur due to resorption. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural roots, keeping your jawbone strong.
Implants also prevent your other teeth from shifting, which can happen after you lose a tooth. Drifting teeth often overlap, which makes it difficult to remove cavity-causing plaque. Bite problems can also occur if your teeth shift.
Chewing can be difficult if you lose even one tooth. As a result, you may swallow foods without chewing them thoroughly or even avoid eating some foods. Dental implants restore your chewing ability without decreasing your biting power. Do you have chewing difficulties because you've lost multiple teeth? Implant-supported dentures and bridges offer a good way to improve your ability to bite and chew and will also improve your appearance.
Don't let gaps between your teeth alter your smile! Dental implants can restore your smile. Call your Cohasset, MA, dentists Dr. Kevin Thomas and Dr. Aaron Chenette of Cohasset Dental, at (781) 383-9393 to schedule your appointment.