Losing one or more teeth can affect your self-esteem, interfere with your ability to chew and bite, and even weaken your jawbone. Fortunately, dental implants, offered by your Cedar Falls, IA, periodontist Dr. Shawn Reese, provide an excellent way to restore missing teeth.
A New Tooth That Functions Like Your Lost Tooth
Dental implants are rooted in your jawbone just like natural teeth. Implants serve as synthetic roots and are completed with dental crowns that restore the visible part of teeth. During the first step in the process, your Cedar Falls periodontist will implant tiny titanium posts in your jawbone during a minor oral surgery procedure.
The posts begin to bond to your jawbone, although the entire bonding process can take several months. Once it's complete, your new crowns will be attached and you can bite and chew normally. Implants feel like natural teeth and don't decrease your biting power because they're securely attached to your jawbone.
You can even receive dental implants if you wear dentures. Implant-supported dentures are attached directly to four or more implants or connected to a metal framework.
No More Gaps in Your Smile
The loss of even one tooth can have a bigger impact on your smile than you may have anticipated. Unfortunately, concerns about your smile can eventually begin to affect your confidence in both social and business situations.
Dental implants offer an excellent way to boost your self-esteem. The crowns attached to the tops of your dental implants will look so natural that no one will be able to tell you ever had gaps in your smile.
Excellent Jawbone Health
At this very moment, your teeth are playing an important role in the health of your jawbone. Thanks to constant pressure provided by your roots, the jawbone receives the stimulation it needs to remain healthy. Loss of roots decrease stimulation and can cause the jawbone to shrink. Since the bone supports your teeth and the muscles in your face, shrinking can have disastrous effects.
Dental implants stimulate your jawbone, helping you avoid changes to the bone that can threaten your teeth or make you look older.
Are you ready to take advantage of the many benefits of dental implants? Call your Cedar Falls, IA, periodontist Dr. Shawn Reese, at (319) 266-3393 to schedule an appointment.