Losing one or more teeth can leave you feeling stressed and self-conscious, and it can make it difficult to eat the foods you love. While there are several solutions for replacing missing teeth, dental implants top all others in both form and function:
If you have missing teeth, our highly trained and compassionate team here at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. in Orinda, California, can restore your smile and your self-confidence. Dr. Ellis is an experienced general and cosmetic dentist who is dedicated to improving smiles for people of all ages. Learn how dental implants are a superior choice for restoring your smile.
So much more than “false teeth”
Dental implants are the next best thing to your natural teeth. These prosthetic teeth look, feel, and function more like your natural teeth than any other replacement option. Dr. Ellis custom-designs each implant to match the surrounding teeth in your mouth, so you can replace a single tooth or several.
There are three parts to an implant: the root, the abutment, and the crown.
The root
The root of each new implant is made of titanium. This strong metal post is inserted into your jawbone where it fuses with your jawbone over time to provide a strong foundation for your new implant.
The abutment
The abutment goes on top of the titanium post, and it holds the visible part of your implant ― the crown ― to the post.
The crown
The crown, or upper portion of the implant, looks like a real tooth. It’s typically made from porcelain or ceramic, and it reflects light just like your natural teeth. Dr. Ellis selects the perfect shade and shape for each crown, so it blends seamlessly with the adjacent teeth in your mouth, making your smile more uniform and more aesthetically pleasing, too.
Implants have many benefits
Each implant becomes a permanent part of your new and improved smile, making it easier to eat all the foods you love, smile with confidence, and not worry about your false teeth slipping out of place at an inopportune time. Here are some of the many benefits.
Stimulate your jaws
Your natural teeth stimulate bone growth in your jaw. When a tooth is missing, stimulation for that area of your jaw goes away, too. By getting an implant, the stimulation can return.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that can stimulate bone growth. Dentures and bridges can’t do this, and not replacing missing teeth can lead to bone loss in your jaw.
Keep your teeth from shifting
Implants will help improve the health of your teeth and gums. Implants can prevent nearby teeth from shifting into the space left by the missing tooth. Also, implants don’t decay like natural teeth, so you won’t ever have to worry about getting a cavity in your implant. That’s an added bonus for long-term oral health and wellness.
Improve your smile
If you have beautiful teeth, you’ll likely feel more confident sharing your smile. Having a more aesthetically pleasing smile could mean more confidence during that important job interview or that first date — both of which could change your life for the better.
Allow you to eat your favorite foods
Because dental implants are permanent tooth restorations, you simply treat them as you would your natural teeth. Bite into apples, chew carrot sticks, and crunch away on tortilla chips. The same rules for natural teeth apply to your dental implants, such as avoiding chewing on pen caps or opening packages with your teeth, but you can otherwise eat and drink your favorite foods without worry of teeth slipping out of place or food getting stuck under your dentures.
Brush and floss your new dental implants along with the rest of your teeth, and you’ll have a healthier, more functional, more beautiful smile for years to come.
If you or a family member is missing one or more teeth, explore your replacement options by booking an appointment online or over the phone with Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. today.