Dental Implants: A Great Investment into Your Health

Dental Implants: A Great Investment into Your Health

missing teeth CharlottesvilleReplacing missing teeth is important for many reasons. Living with an incomplete smile can take a toll on your self-confidence and your wellness. Fortunately, our oral surgeon provides dental implants as a way to restore your appearance, improve your oral function, and safeguard your health.

The Far-Reaching Health Effects of Missing Teeth

Losing teeth can affect far more than your appearance. There are long-lasting ramifications to tooth loss that effect the entire oral health system. Just losing one tooth could lead to additional tooth loss. This is because teeth hold each other in place. Without the support of an adjacent tooth, teeth can move out of position leading to orthodontic issues and future tooth loss.

When a tooth is missing, it affects bone health, too. The jawbone is the foundation for holding teeth in place. Without a tooth to keep the bone stimulated and active, the body will resorb it. As bone deteriorates, it can affect teeth neighboring an empty tooth socket.

Tooth loss affects a person’s ability to eat. Diminished oral function can lead to malnutrition due to a limited diet. Our bodies rely on well-rounded diets from nutrient-dense foods for optimal health.

How Dental Implants Work

Dental implants replace the missing root structure of teeth. This is accomplished by embedding a biocompatible titanium post into the jawbone. The bone will fuse around the implant to hold it in place much like it would a biological tooth’s root. Once the implant is stabilized, patients will receive a permanent restoration – normally a dental crown or bridge. The restoration will replace visible tooth structure.

Wellness Benefits of Dental Implants

Compared to other types of replacement teeth, dental implants offer the most lifelike restoration of appearance and oral function. Dental implants support neighboring teeth and help keep them upright. They also prevent bone atrophy by stimulating the jaw the way a tooth’s root would. Once implants are stable, a person can enjoy a nutritious diet to maintain overall wellness.

Dental implants are a great investment in your oral health and overall wellbeing. To learn more about your options for replacing missing teeth, call Charlottesville Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeon.