19
Dec
Holistic dentist in Los Angeles explains the benefits of dental implants for missing teeth
Tooth loss or extractions can occur for a number of reasons, from traumatic injury to disease. Historically, the options for replacing a missing tooth weren’t terrific and it was easy to tell that someone had one or more false teeth. However, thanks to modern dental advances, patients who need a tooth replaced have more functional, attractive options than ever before. At the Center for Holistic Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Mamta Dalwani loves helping patients restore their smiles. One of the most popular options is dental implants and for good reason! Dental implants have many benefits and are the closest thing you can get to a natural tooth. Dr. Dalwani explains more about how implants work and their benefits below.
What are dental implants?
To better understand what dental implants are and how they work, it helps to know more about the natural tooth structure. A tooth is comprised of two main parts: the crown, which is the portion covered with enamel that you see above the gum line, and the root, which is invisible below the gum line and helps to anchor the tooth firmly in place within the jaw bone so that it does not shift. When you bite down, the jaws and teeth must undergo tremendous stress to properly chew your food, and the tooth root and strong crown work together to withstand these forces and keep your teeth safe and healthy.
When you lose a tooth, it is natural to only be concerned about replacing the visible crown portion of the tooth – that is the part of the tooth that people see when you smile, that chews food and is involved in forming speech sounds. There are many terrific options for just replacing the crown of the tooth, such as bridges and dentures. However, for patients who want to truly restore the full function of their missing tooth, a dental implant is the gold standard because it replaces both the crown and the root.
A dental implant consists of (a) a small post that is surgically placed into your jaw bone to mimic the function of your natural tooth root, (b) a connecting piece called an “abutment” that is located on top of the post, and (c) the tooth-like portion that mimics the crown, which is typically made from porcelain to resemble your natural teeth.
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As you can see, because dental implants include a root-like structure to firmly hold your replacement tooth in place, they are incredibly stable – which means that you can eat what you want without worry! But the benefits of dental implants don’t stop there.
- The implant post actually integrates with the bone of your jaw during a process called “osseointegration,” which means that it truly becomes part of your mouth rather than relying on cement or other dental bonding agents to hold the tooth in place – this offers unparalleled function for your replacement tooth
- When a tooth is lost, the jawbone naturally deteriorates in that area over time because there are no biting forces to stimulate it; however, because an implant becomes part of your jawbone, it effectively stimulates the bone and bone loss does not occur
- You don’t have to worry about your implant slipping, falling out, or causing irritation on your gums as you do with dentures
- Dental implants can be used for a single missing tooth or many
- Implants do not require the dentist to shape or file down the neighboring healthy teeth for a crown as dental bridges do
- When you take care of your teeth and gums by flossing and brushing daily, an implant can last the rest of your lifetime
- Implants are fully customizable, which means they are designed to look like your other surrounding teeth in shape, size, and color for a natural, healthy appearance
Schedule a consultation today
If you are facing a tooth extraction, have one or more missing teeth, or have old dental restorations that need to be replaced, then dental implants might be a great choice for you. In a thorough consultation and evaluation, Dr. Mamta Dalwani will examine your teeth and bone structure, discuss your treatment preferences, and answer any questions you have to help you decide on the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Call the Center for Holistic Dentistry today at (310) 340-0153 to schedule your appointment!