Dental implants offer several advantages as an option for replacing missing teeth. In addition to restoring your smile, dental implants can Implant also restore the natural shape of your face if drooping or sagging have occurred as a result of tooth loss. Dental implants can also restore natural speech if it has been altered by gaps in your smile. A dentist can help you decide if dental implants are the right choice for you. At Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry, Dr. Matthew Roper is your dentist for dental implants in San Tan Valley, AZ, and serving Queen Creek.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small metal post that looks similar to a screw. The function of a dental implant is to hold an artificial tooth in place similar to how tooth roots anchor natural teeth. Dental implants are inserted into the jaw bone so there must be an adequate amount of bone to support the implant as the two will permanently fuse together over time. Dr. Roper, your dentist for dental implants serving San Tan Valley and Queen Creek, could determine if you have sufficient bone to support a dental implant.
Dental implants can replace just one tooth or several, depending on your needs. When replacing a single tooth, the dental implant is topped with a dental crown. When several teeth are being replaced along the top or bottom arch, multiple dental implants are inserted into the jaw bone in different places in order to hold a dental bridge or an implant-supported overdenture in place. Dr. Roper can discuss which option is best for you if you need to replace multiple missing teeth.
You may like: How a Dental Cavity Forms
Advantages
There are several advantages to replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Since the implants are placed in the jaw bone and become permanently fused with it over time, dental implants provide a secure method for anchoring artificial teeth in place without the worry of those teeth slipping out of place. Many other advantages result when replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Other advantages and benefits of dental implants include:
- Smile Restoration — By anchoring artificial teeth in place, dental implants permanently fill the gaps in your smile.
- Improved Speech — Gaps in your smile can alter speech by causing the tongue to slip into the gaps. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants corrects tongue placement when speaking and improves speech.
- Reduced Strain — Missing teeth place additional strain on remaining teeth as they compensate for the missing ones. Dental implants reduce strain by redistributing biting and chewing functions across a full set of teeth.
- Restored Facial Contours — Without a full set of teeth to support the muscles of the face, the cheeks can droop and sag. Dental implants restore the natural shape of the face by providing support for facial muscles.Dental implants offer multiple advantages. For dental implants in the San Tan Valley and Queen Creek area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Roper by calling Ocotillo Trails Family Dentistry at (480) 457-1977.
You may like: Electric vs. Traditional Toothbrush