Missing teeth can adversely affect your quality of life not only by making it difficult to bite and chew but by causing you to be self-conscious about your appearance. Dental implants can make a dramatic difference in how you feel about yourself, especially if you are missing teeth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss. Both the root and the chewing and biting surfaces of the teeth are replaced with an implant. The visible portions of your new teeth are color matched and custom made to blend seamlessly with your remaining teeth. Implants are easy to clean and do not require special adhesives or cleaning solutions. Unlike dentures, they do not move in the mouth, nor do they need to be resized occasionally to accommodate changes in your jawbone. In fact, because implants provide a replacement root, they help prevent your jawbone from atrophying, as is common with long-term denture wearers.
How Implants Work
Implants are usually placed in a two-step process. First, the root portion of the implant is placed in the jawbone. The root consists of a screw made of titanium, a metal that naturally bonds to bone. This bonding process, called osseointegration, is vital to the success of your implants. When the titanium is bonded to the bone, it will keep your new teeth stationary and also stimulate growth in your jawbone.
After osseointegration is complete and your implant dentist feels you are ready, the visible portion of the tooth is attached. These prosthetic teeth are custom made to match the size, shape, and color of your original teeth, and are made of durable materials that will last many years.
Dental implants will allow you to talk, bite, and chew without worrying about missing teeth or dentures that shift uncomfortably in your mouth. Because of their natural function and appearance, implants will help you look and feel like your old self again.
If you would like more information on how you can personally benefit from dental implants, call our Toronto office today at 416-922-1012 to schedule a one on one consultation.