Dental implants offer an excellent tooth replacement solution if you've lost one or more teeth. The restorations replace missing teeth from root to crown, improving your appearance and your chewing ability. If you've been considering your tooth restoration options, your Matthews, NC, dentist, Dr. David Feeney, can help you decide if dental implants are the right choice for you.
How dental implants complete your smile
Thanks to innovative dental technology advancements, it's now possible to restore your entire missing tooth. The dental implant process starts when a tiny titanium post is implanted in your jawbone during minor oral surgery. The post will be eventually connected to a crown that looks just like the top part of your natural teeth.
During the next three to six months, your implant will begin to bond to your jawbone. As soon as it's fully integrated with the bone, your dentist will add a small screw to the top of the implant and connect your dental crown. Your implant becomes a permanent part of your jawbone. Implants are very versatile and can be used to replace any number of missing teeth.
Dental implants feel just like natural teeth
Strong roots prevent your new tooth from slipping, sliding or irritating your gums. In fact, you probably won't notice any difference between your real and synthetic teeth when you bite and chew.
Implants help protect your oral health
Did you know that your teeth can shift after you lose a tooth? In addition to changing the appearance of your smile, shifting or overlapping teeth may change your bite. If your teeth are no longer perfectly aligned, you may begin to experience chewing difficulties, jaw pain and headaches.
Drifting teeth can also increase your risk of cavities. When teeth overlap, it's not always easy to remove sticky plaque from them. As a result, you may be more likely to develop tooth decay.
Dental implants also help you avoid jawbone resorption, a condition that occurs when the jawbone shrinks and weakens after tooth loss. Just like your natural roots, your implants will constantly press on the bone and keep it strong and healthy.
Restore your smile with dental implants. Call your dentist in Matthews, NC, Dr. Feeney, at (704) 847-1000 to schedule your appointment.