If you’ve been living with one or more missing teeth for several years, you’ve probably had moments when you wished things were different. You might miss eating certain foods and smiling confidently when visiting with others—and you may be searching for a tooth replacement option that can fully restore your quality of life. Dental implants fit the bill; however, you may also be worried that you’ve waited too long since losing your teeth to pursue this option. Not necessarily! Here’s what you need to know.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants refer to small, screw-shaped titanium posts that can be surgically placed beneath the gums in areas where teeth are missing. Since they’re made from biocompatible materials like titanium, they can actually fuse with the jaw tissue to form a permanent bond that closely resembles natural tooth roots.
From there, a custom-made dental restoration, such as a crown, bridge, or denture, can be placed on top to replace the functional and visible portions of the teeth. Among all the benefits that dental implants offer, patients benefit most from their ability to restore biting power and prevent the bone resorption that commonly follows tooth loss.
Have I Waited Too Long to Restore My Smile?
Most people who have waited years before exploring dental implants worry that too much time has passed and their jawbone is no longer capable of supporting them. When a tooth goes missing, the jawbone beneath it no longer receives the stimulation it needs to stay strong and dense. Over time, that bone gradually shrinks, meaning the longer the teeth have been missing, the more likely some bone loss has occurred.
Luckily, this doesn’t always rule out dental implants; bone grafting, a routine procedure that can rebuild the jawbone in areas where it has diminished, can often set up dental implants for future success. Furthermore, patients with a commitment to their oral health and those who avoid smoking are often still good candidates, even after years with missing teeth. Implants are remarkably durable, and daily brushing, flossing, and keeping up with regular dental visits are what make them last a lifetime.
Your teeth are far too valuable to be without, and modern dentistry is able to accommodate tooth loss in virtually all types of circumstances—even if it’s been a while since your smile has been complete. If you’re on the fence about dental implants, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist so that you can begin working towards a vastly improved quality of life!
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Shane Smith, our team has proudly served the dental needs of those in Jonesboro and the surrounding communities for several years. We offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, including dental implants placed in-office by Dr. Smith himself. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, visit us online or call today for more information. Telephone: (870) 932-2644.