Losing teeth, even just a single tooth, has a significant impact on your life. Tooth loss affects the quality of your smile, your abilities to eat and speak, and even the integrity of your jawbone. Replacing your missing teeth with
dental implants is essential for restoring their lost functions, and giving you back your quality of life. Water's Edge Dental in Boise, ID can replace missing teeth with dental implants.
Modern Treatment for Tooth Loss
Dental implants are a modern treatment for replacing missing teeth, providing you with an alternative to traditional bridges and dentures. With this treatment, small titanium posts are surgically placed into your jawbone. As you heal from surgery, your bone gradually fuses to the posts in a natural process known as osseointegration. This process stabilizes the posts in your jaw, turning them into strong roots. These posts are then used to support your implant restorations.
Versatility to Meet Your Needs
Whether you have lost just one tooth, or you have lost many, dental implants can help. There are several different types of dental implants, allowing us to meet a variety of tooth replacement needs.
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Single tooth. One post supports one crown.
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Multiple tooth, or implant supported bridge. This treatment is used to replace two or more missing teeth in a row. The number of posts needed to support your teeth depend upon your specific situation.
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Full arch replacement, or implant supported denture. 6 to 8 posts are used to replace an entire arch of teeth. |
The Importance of Your Jawbone
The success of dental implants relies significantly on proper osseointegration. In order for your bone to properly fuse to the posts, you need to have sufficient bone mass in your jaw. However, after tooth loss, your jaw begins to lose mass. The bone grows weak without the stimulation from your tooth roots. Without enough bone mass, your jaw may not be able to properly fuse to the posts. In some cases, your bone may not fuse at all. Placing implants in weak bone can result in loose dental implants, or even total implant failure.
If your jawbone does not have enough bone mass, you have options that can still make implants possible. One of these options is a bone graft. This is a surgical procedure designed to replace missing bone mass. Once you have healed from this surgery, implants can then be placed.
Dental Implant Benefits
There are several benefits associated with dental implants. These benefits include:
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Your teeth look completely natural.
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Your new teeth feel and function just like your real teeth.
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Unmatched comfort. Your teeth are supported by the implant posts instead of your gums.
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Your teeth are held securely in place. They will not move around or fall out.
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Your new teeth can be cared for just like your real teeth.
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The implant posts stimulate your jaw. This stimulation helps to stop and prevent bone loss. |
Drawbacks to Dental Implants
While implants have several significant benefits, there are some disadvantages to keep in mind.
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Dental implants require surgery for placement.
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There is a recovery period. It can take several weeks to several months to completely heal.
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Implants are often more expensive than traditional options.
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If you do not have enough bone mass, you may need an additional surgery, which can add to your cost. |
Missing teeth need to be replaced. If you are interested in finding out if dental implants are the right solution for you, call Water's Edge Dental at (208) 391-8554 to schedule your consultation today.
