by Adriana Noton


For a variety of reasons, you may find yourself missing a permanent tooth. One may have decayed and fallen out or had to be extracted because it was causing pain. Perhaps you've endured an injury and lost a tooth. Regardless of the reason, you may wish to find a solution for the gap in your smile. One method your dentist may choose is dental implants.

There are many reasons to replace teeth that are missing. Most people are concerned with how a missing tooth makes them look. It may also become difficult to eat your favorite foods if a tooth is missing. Furthermore, when there is a space, your other teeth may begin to shift out of alignment to fill the missing gap. This can cause problems with your bite and result in jaw pain.

In fact, it is best to replace a tooth or teeth as soon as possible after they are lost or extracted. This is because as time goes by, the jaw bone that once supported your tooth will begin to deteriorate. This will cause a change in your appearance and narrow your options for replacement later on. In the case of dental implants the sooner you can begin the process the better.

A dental implant is a sturdy titanium post that is embedded in the bone that once held the root of your tooth. It acts as the root of your tooth normally would. It will eventually hold a replacement tooth, which may be permanently affixed or removable depending on your situation.

If you are facing this type of tooth replacement, you may wonder what the procedure entails. Your dental professional will create a space for the implant in your jaw bone. This is done by using a special dental drill that your dentist is very experienced with. Using x-rays, the exact location for it will be determined and the titanium implant will be fitted.

After implantation, a period of time must go by for bone to form around the implant to secure it in place. This can take up to six months. If a replacement tooth is attached too soon, the implant may not take in the bone. For this reason, your dentist will monitor the situation until the ideal time arrives.

What type of replacement tooth you get will depend on some different considerations, such as the location of the tooth and how many are missing, among some other factors. Replacements may be removable bridgework or porcelain replicas and may be fixed or removable. Your dentist will carefully determine what will work best for you.

Having missing teeth can affect one's self esteem and confidence. It can eliminate your ability to eat certain foods and cause permanent changes in your appearance. It can even cause you to be in pain. Your dentist may consider treating you with dental implants to help you regain the healthy smile you once had and prevent these problems.




About the Author: