For years the only treatment options available for replacing missing teeth were bridges and dentures. Although some people have success with such procedures, others are left feeling discomfort from ill fitting bridges and dentures. Dental Implants are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement. An important advantage of dental implants, is that no adjacent teeth have to be prepared or ground down to hold the new replacement as opposed to bridges. Although dental implants are one of the most effective ways of restoring the appearance of your smile if you’re missing teeth, the implant process can take several months.

However, many patients who get dental implants say that the process is worth it because dental implants, once properly and permanently installed, feel and function like natural teeth more than any other option for restoring their smiles.

Dental implants are a great option for a variety of dental patients. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or a row of teeth. To be considered for dental implants, you must be in good oral health. This includes having healthy gum tissue and adequate bone in the jaw to support the dental implant. The best candidates for dental implants are people who:

Frequently hide their smiles because of missing teeth
People who are missing teeth due to accidents and disease are often embarrassed and self-conscious about their appearances. While bridges and dentures can help, the self-consciousness may remain, especially if the replacement teeth look and feel unnatural or interfere with speaking and eating. Because dental implants so closely resemble natural teeth in both looks and feel, patients often feel greater confidence with implants than with other dental procedures.

Are uncomfortable with wearing dentures
Although dentures are a good solution for many people who are missing teeth, they’re not for everyone. In fact, some patients simply never get used to feeling dentures in their mouths, and that can result in them having serious difficulties speaking and eating. Patients who experience discomfort while wearing dentures are good candidates for implant supported dentures, as the installation process and permanent nature of these implants eliminates many complaints about dentures.

Want to retain their other teeth
For patients who are missing most but not all their teeth, dentists and periodontists may recommend the removal of their remaining teeth to fit them with full denture sets. However, some patients may be reluctant to lose their remaining teeth. In that case, dental implants are a great option, as they can be installed around the remaining teeth without damaging them or needing them to be pulled.

Take good care of their teeth and practice good oral hygiene
Implants are tooth replacements, and once installed, they should be treated like real teeth. That means patients must brush and floss regularly to remove plaque and bacteria from their implants. Patients who neglect their oral hygiene may experience many of the same adverse effects as patients with real teeth, including gum disease.

101st Adult Dentistry—Clarksville’s Dental Implants Specialist

Dental implants can be life-changing, and that makes it extremely important to get them installed in your mouth by an experienced dental team with a track record of success. With the right care, your downtime and recovery process can be minimized, and that puts you one step closer to having the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of. Call 101st Adult Dentistry today at (931) 906-8800 to schedule a consultation with our Clarksville dental implant team.