Dental implants act as artificial tooth roots that are fused and integrated with the jawbone. The roots are made from titanium and are placed directly inside the jaw in a special procedure. Once the implants are in position, they mesh with the bone, which stops them from shrinking and allows them to support a denture, crown or bridge. This enables patients to once more experience full functionality from their teeth.
Replacing a Single Tooth
Patients that are missing one tooth will have to undergo a dental implant procedure that will follow three stages. After the implant has been put in place, it can take approximately three to six months for osseointegration to occur before the dentist is able to fit the abutment or extension piece. Once this has been done, the patient will require a healing period prior to the crown being made and later fitted.
Replacing Multiple Missing Teeth
It may be possible for a dentist to replace multiple missing teeth by placing just two dental implants. A bridge that’s kept in place by two dental implants can support between three and four missing teeth. Enough dental implants can be placed to provide a full arch denture with the support it needs.
Reasons Why Missing Teeth Must Be Replaced
Speech Impediments
Depending on a missing tooth’s location, having missing teeth can significantly impact the way a person speaks. Not only will this make communicating much harder, but it can also affect confidence.
Bite Changes
Losing one or multiple teeth can cause the reallocation of bite pressure onto other teeth. This will eventually cause these teeth to shift and move into the space where the missing tooth used to be, making biting feel uncomfortable.
Gum Disease
Shifting teeth can cause plaque to build up in locations where it normally wouldn’t be able to reach. This may increase the likelihood of gum disease developing as well as further tooth loss.
Bone Loss
All teeth depend on one another. If one tooth falls out and isn’t replaced, the bone that once surrounded this missing tooth will start to deteriorate and wear down, which can result in other oral health issues.
Unflattering Appearance
Having even just one missing tooth can leave a highly visible gap between some teeth and potentially cause significant confidence and self-esteem issues. This can cause people to refrain from smiling and avoid going out and socialising.
Discomfort
People need all of their teeth to be able to eat properly, especially if the food in question is tough and chewy, such as meat. It can feel very uncomfortable and painful to eat these types of food with even just a single missing tooth.
Book an Appointment at Our Clinic Today
If you would like book an appointment to talk to our dentist about dental implants, please contact Bundoora Family Dental Clinic today by calling (03) 8560 1697 or filling out our online contact form.