In the past, people had very few options for replacing missing teeth. They would go to some pretty extreme measures to get their gaps filled. Children learn that George Washington had a full set of wooden teeth. While this is likely inaccurate, he did have sets of dentures made from different materials, such as bone. They were heavy, awkward, and made his speech slurred and hard to understand. In the more recent past, dentists would sometimes resort to pulling out your remaining teeth so they could fit you with dentures. Dental implants are game-changers, though.
An implant dentist, skilled in his or her craft, can replace your missing teeth with replacements that function just like your natural teeth.
How it Works
First, the dentist will inspect your mouth to see which teeth are missing. Also, he or she will inspect your mouth to see the source of the problem. If the teeth are missing due to accident or injury, then you just need to have them replaced. If they are missing due to disease or defect, then you have to also address the source of that problem before it gets worse. Once the cause of the missing teeth has been ascertained, the dentist can determine if your gums are healthy enough to accept an implant.
Once the implant dentist determines all of that, he or she is ready to move forward. The dentist will create a small incision in your gums to insert an implant. The implant itself is a small fixture that replaces the dental roots in your gums.
You’ll have to wait a little while for your gums to heal before you can get your new teeth. In the meantime, the doctor will create your replacement teeth based on photos of your existing teeth so that they match. Once your gums are healed and your body has accepted the implant, you can have your new replacement tooth installed.
Care
Your gums are living tissues that need to be cared for so the implant remains healthy. Essentially, your tooth replacement will be designed to closely mimic your existing natural teeth. So, that means you should care for your new implanted tooth in the same way you care for your natural teeth. You will need to brush your teeth multiple times a day and floss. The mouth is a delicate ecosystem that requires a certain balance of enzymes and bacteria. When plaque and food build up between your teeth and near your gums, they can turn harmful. Sugar, such as from food, candy, and soda can be very damaging to your teeth and gums as well.
If you are looking for a way to replace your missing teeth, an implant dentist might be exactly what you need. He or she can help you restore that natural look to your teeth as well as increase the functionality of your teeth. To know more about implant dentist visit Cascades Center for Dental Health. You can follow them on Twitter
