“Is implant a good option to replace a missing tooth?”
I have a missing tooth. Is implant a good option to replace a missing tooth?
6 Answers
Yes, a dental implant is often considered one of the best options for replacing a missing tooth due to its durability, natural appearance, and long-term benefits. At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan, DMD, MD, frequently recommends implants as they provide a secure and permanent solution that mimics the function and aesthetics of a natural tooth.
Advantages of Dental Implants for Replacing a Missing Tooth
Natural Look and Feel
Implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. The implant post acts as a replacement for the tooth root, while the crown is custom-made to match your other teeth. This results in a seamless, natural-looking smile that also restores function.
Long-Term Durability
When properly cared for, a dental implant can last a lifetime. The titanium implant post integrates with your jawbone, creating a strong, stable foundation. This durability makes implants a cost-effective solution over time compared to other tooth replacement options.
Bone Health and Preservation
One of the unique benefits of dental implants is that they help prevent bone loss. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone can begin to resorb (shrink) over time. An implant stimulates the bone, helping to maintain the jaw’s natural structure and prevent bone deterioration, which also helps preserve facial structure.
Protection of Adjacent Teeth
Unlike dental bridges, which require adjacent teeth to be reshaped for support, implants do not rely on neighboring teeth. This means the surrounding teeth remain intact and unaffected, promoting better overall oral health.
Improved Chewing and Speech
Dental implants restore full chewing function, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry. Additionally, implants provide stable support for speech, preventing issues that can arise with other tooth replacement options, such as slipping or clicking.
Considerations for Dental Implants
Sufficient Bone Density: Successful implant placement requires adequate jawbone density. If bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be recommended to build up the bone before placing the implant.
Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Implants require regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to stay healthy and free from infection. Maintaining good oral hygiene will help ensure the longevity of your implant.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan provides comprehensive consultations to assess whether a dental implant is the best option for you. With his expertise and a personalized approach, you can restore your smile with confidence, knowing that an implant is a stable, long-lasting solution for your missing tooth.
Advantages of Dental Implants for Replacing a Missing Tooth
Natural Look and Feel
Implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth. The implant post acts as a replacement for the tooth root, while the crown is custom-made to match your other teeth. This results in a seamless, natural-looking smile that also restores function.
Long-Term Durability
When properly cared for, a dental implant can last a lifetime. The titanium implant post integrates with your jawbone, creating a strong, stable foundation. This durability makes implants a cost-effective solution over time compared to other tooth replacement options.
Bone Health and Preservation
One of the unique benefits of dental implants is that they help prevent bone loss. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone can begin to resorb (shrink) over time. An implant stimulates the bone, helping to maintain the jaw’s natural structure and prevent bone deterioration, which also helps preserve facial structure.
Protection of Adjacent Teeth
Unlike dental bridges, which require adjacent teeth to be reshaped for support, implants do not rely on neighboring teeth. This means the surrounding teeth remain intact and unaffected, promoting better overall oral health.
Improved Chewing and Speech
Dental implants restore full chewing function, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without worry. Additionally, implants provide stable support for speech, preventing issues that can arise with other tooth replacement options, such as slipping or clicking.
Considerations for Dental Implants
Sufficient Bone Density: Successful implant placement requires adequate jawbone density. If bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be recommended to build up the bone before placing the implant.
Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Implants require regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to stay healthy and free from infection. Maintaining good oral hygiene will help ensure the longevity of your implant.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan provides comprehensive consultations to assess whether a dental implant is the best option for you. With his expertise and a personalized approach, you can restore your smile with confidence, knowing that an implant is a stable, long-lasting solution for your missing tooth.
Definitely
Implants are the best option for a missing tooth. There are limitations on where and when an implant can be placed but if you are able to place an implant, you should. You teeth constantly shift, therefore when you have a missing tooth, all the teeth around it can move. The choices to replace a tooth are partials (which is like a denture that is removable), a bridge which crowns the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, an implant or leave the space. An implant is placed into the bone so it keeps the integrity of the bone which is so important in a healthy mouth.
Dental implants are the best option to replace missing teeth whenever there are no contraindications. However, they have certain drawbacks, so choose a trusted dentist with good brand implants and the best technology. Please do your research because this is not something you want to do twice or deal with complications. Good luck!
It is one of the best options if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
If you’re a good candidate, it’s the best option we have
