Living with a missing tooth impacts your life in many ways that most of us take for granted. For example, you may have difficulties chewing and eating the healthy foods you used to enjoy, which means that your nutrition suffers. You may feel embarrassed about smiling, or talking to other people because of your missing tooth. All of this takes a toll on your health and your confidence, but the good news is that Generations Dental Care can help you. Here’s more information about dental implants in Concord and missing teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is the most successful tooth replacement option because it replaces both your root and your tooth. A titanium post is surgically placed into your bone, which creates a firm foundation for your new tooth by taking the place of your root. Titanium is biocompatible and naturally integrates with your bone after a healing period of 3-6 months.
Your new tooth is a porcelain crown that our doctors will customize to match your existing teeth. It will give you all the function your had with your natural tooth, and you’ll be chewing, eating, talking and smiling normally again in no time. You’ll also be able to brush and floss your tooth as you were used to, making it easy to care for.
How a Missing Tooth Affects Your Oral Health
You may not be aware that your missing tooth is affecting more than just your confidence and nutrition; it’s actually impacting your oral health as well. Without a root to support, your bone will deteriorate, which eliminates the support system for your remaining teeth and leads to additional tooth loss.
When your tooth is not replaced, your remaining teeth will shift into the open space. This puts them at risk for fractures and other damage. Your bite may also become misaligned, which can contribute to clenching, grinding, and a painful joint disorder known as TMJ. Dental implants restore your tooth and help to keep your bone healthy and stimulated.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
While implants work well for most patients, they do require two things to ensure their success:
- The patient is in good overall health
- The patient has enough healthy bone structure to support the implant
At Generations Dental Care, our doctors can determine if implants are right for your needs with a thorough examination and x-rays. While many dentists refer patients out for the surgical portion of the procedure, your trusted cosmetic dentist in Concord can also complete your implant procedure from start to finish here in the comfort of our own office.
Contact Generations Dental Care
Contact our office today to learn more about dental implants and schedule your consultation appointment.