How Does A Dental Implant Compare to a Real Tooth?Dental implants are an effective teeth replacement option that also limits further oral health issues. The implant, which is made of biocompatible and durable materials like titanium, is embedded into your jawbone. Once your jawbone has healed and fused with the implant, you can expect the implant to be as robust, if not more robust, than your natural teeth. Contact us at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates for all the dental care you need. Effects of Tooth LossOnce you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth tend to shift to fill the gap left by the missing tooth. This shift of your missing teeth can lead to serious misalignment that can compromise your smile, create bite irregularities, and make chewing more difficult. Besides, tooth roots stimulate jawbone growth. If you lose a tooth and you don’t replace the root, the jawbone can become weaker and start to degrade. This deterioration can lead to your other healthy teeth becoming weaker. If the jawbone degrades, the gums may also start to recede. This can lead to you developing periodontal disease which will hurt your oral health further. Untreated gum disease is also linked to the elevated risk of multiple severe health conditions like heart disease, hypertension, stroke, cancer, and dementia. Benefits of Dental ImplantsUnlike natural teeth, implants can’t get cavities or decay, leading to them falling out. The implant material doesn’t decay which is why dental implant restoration is one of the most effective ways of repairing damaged teeth and restoring your natural smile. However, without proper dental care, which means brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly, the implants can be infected. Dental Implants vs BridgesDental bridges fill the gap left by a missing tooth. The bridges are anchored on the teeth that border the gap. The teeth are usually filed down to support the bridge. Unlike implants which feel and look like natural teeth, bridges aren’t as natural looking. Even though bridges can serve you for many years, they will likely need to be replaced after about five years. Implants have a positive effect on the surrounding teeth because they limit misalignment. Conversely, with a bridge, perfectly healthy teeth may have to be damaged to create support for the bridge. What Kinds of Teeth Replacement Options are Available?This question often features in dental implant FAQs. Dentistry has evolved immensely in the last decade and there are now plenty of options if you want to replace your missing teeth or fix broken ones. Some of the options include dentures, bridges, and dental implants. At Dallas Oral Surgery Associates we will assess your dental health as well as your overall health. We will then advise you on the option that’s ideal for your situation. Is it Better to Pull Decayed or Damaged Teeth Instead of Opting for a Complicated Restorative Procedure?This could have been a consideration year ago, but now it can only be done as a last resort. In most cases, restorative dentistry can help repair or replace your damaged teeth. For restorative procedures that will help restore your oral health and smile, contact Dallas Oral Surgery Associates at 214-363-9946 today. |