Dental implants are synthetic devices used to replace missing teeth. After implantation, the implant screws, which are made of titanium, fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. Thus, dental implants offer the stability and functionality of natural teeth.  Dental implants may be prescribed for multiple reasons. Here are a few:

To Serve as a Support for a Dental Bridge

Dental bridges may be used to replace one or more teeth. These appliances include a crown on each side with one or more fake teeth in the middle. The bridge crowns, which are used for stabilization, cover the teeth bordering each side of the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth. 

However, in some cases, there may no longer be a natural tooth bordering both sides of the missing tooth or teeth. In such a case, a bridge crown can be applied to a dental implant for stability instead.

To Connect Overdentures

Overdentures are removable prosthetic teeth that can replace lost teeth. Unlike regular dentures, overdentures include a connecting application that allows the dentures to adhere to remaining natural teeth in the palate for stability. However, if there are not enough natural teeth remaining, dental implants may be used to connect to and stabilize the overdentures. 

To Replace a Single Tooth for Cosmetic Purposes

A dental implant may be used for cosmetic reasons. Even if your ability to chew or speak has not been compromised by your missing tooth, if your lost tooth was in the front of your mouth, you may desire a prosthetic replacement to restore the appearance of your smile. 

The lost tooth may even affect your appearance when your mouth is closed. The gap from a lost tooth can cause your face to appear sunken in that spot due to the lack of support for the overlying cheek. In addition, since the lost tooth served as a placeholder, the gap can have an orthodontic impact by allowing room for other teeth to shift out of place.

If you have lost one or more teeth, you may be considering a dental implant. However, your teeth and gums must first be assessed by a dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for implantation. Your overall health and the amount of jawbone that you have available can affect your candidacy. Schedule an appointment with a dentist at http://elmafamilydental.com today to determine if dental implants are right for you.

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