Long Island residents, just like many other citizens worldwide, are plagued by missing teeth. Sometimes, the ailments are caused by inadequate brushing and flossing, but different things like accidents, injuries, and periodontal disease can produce similar results. Regardless of why one or more teeth become lost, the outcome is usually the same, which is the person feels embarrassed about their appearance. They fear what other people will think or say and often stay away from social events where they have to talk, smile, or open their mouth.
Aside from leaving an individual with an awkward smile, a missing tooth can make ordinarily simple tasks like eating difficult too. For example, when an empty socket is present, biting into a crispy, crunchy tortilla chip can turn into a nightmare. If the snack turns and hits the opening just right, it will stab the gum, inflicting a substantial amount of pain on the person. Some folks turn to partial or full dentures to solve their dilemma, but the prosthetic devices are not always the right choice for everyone.
Conventional dentures rely on the gum tissue to stay in place, but over time, the initially snug fitting plate becomes loose. The wearer has to rely on adhesives to prevent the artificial teeth from flopping, rocking, or slipping in the mouth. Of course, this act usually happens at the most inopportune time, like while eating dinner with a friend, and it can leave the denture wearer feeling flustered. Luckily, there is a solution for such incidents.
Ask Your Dentist About Dental Implants
More and more dentists and patients alike are turning to dental implants for replacing missing teeth these days. Even denture wearers can benefit from having the posts installed as they stabilize the prosthetic device and keep it in place, where it belongs. A titanium post gets inserted into the jawbone, and after the fusing process, also commonly referred to as osseointegration, it provides a solid foundation for the replacement tooth.
The artificial teeth look, feel, and function like natural teeth. When extractions occur, and the root gets removed from the socket, nothing remains in its place to stimulate the gums or bone. Gum recession and bone deterioration happen over time, which can change facial features. Dental implants prevent this degeneration. Healing will vary on a case by case basis, but patients should expect for the process to last about 3 to 4 months. There has never been a better time to achieve a gorgeous, long-lasting smile than now, so contact our office to discover your options today.
