Missing teeth can damage your self-esteem and your oral health. Just one missing tooth can cause your teeth to shift, increasing your risk of dental complications like tooth decay and gum disease.
Dr. Young is a Louisiana dentist trained in dental implants and prosthetic dentistry. At 23smiles, our cutting-edge technology makes it possible for us to provide patients with in-office dental implant surgery. Following the surgery, Dr. Young can fit you with a personalized crown or bridge to match your natural teeth.
If you’re suffering from tooth loss, you’re not alone. According to the CDC, 26% of adults over 65 have 8 or fewer natural teeth, and 17% have lost all of their teeth.
Our Louisiana dentist may recommend dental implant surgery if you have:
- One or more missing teeth
- Adequate bone to support the implant
- Healthy gums
- A fully developed jaw
In order to successfully receive dental implants, you must also refrain from smoking or using tobacco products, and you cannot have any health conditions that could negatively impact the osseointegration process.
To help you learn more about dental implants, our Louisiana dentist has put together a list of 5 facts you should know about dental implants.
1. What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a reliable, effective solution to tooth loss. Metal posts resembling screws are surgically implanted to substitute for the missing root. Then, a crown or bridge is fitted to the metal post as an esthetic and functional replacement for your tooth.
2. Dental implants protect you from bone loss.
One of the negative impacts of missing teeth is the deterioration of the jawbone over time. Without proper stimulation from your roots, the bone beneath the gap will begin to demineralize.
Dentures do not prevent bone loss, but dental implants do. By bonding to your jawbone, dental implants act as a new root for your tooth and properly stimulate your jaw.
3. You can still enjoy your favorite snacks.
Dental implants don’t just restore the look of your smile, but the function as well. The stability of implants allows you to enjoy all of the foods you love with no diet restrictions.
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. To avoid damage, don’t use them for non-food purposes like opening packaging or chewing pens. You may also benefit from a mouthguard to prevent cracking a crown if your grind your teeth at night.
4. Dental implants improve your speech.
You may not notice it at first, but many of the sounds we use to communicate rely on our teeth. Dental implants feel like natural teeth in your mouth, allowing you to speak easily and pronounce words comfortably.
5. Your dental implants can’t get cavities.
While they may look and feel like your natural teeth, dental implants have one key difference: they are no longer susceptible to cavities! With implant-supported restorations, fillings can be a thing of the past.
However, it is still important to maintain a good oral healthcare routine in order to care for your natural teeth and gums. This means you should:
- Brush and floss daily
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol
- Limit sugary snacks
- Stay hydrated
Most importantly, schedule routine visits to a local Louisiana dentist. Regular dental check-ups are an opportunity to have your teeth professionally cleaned, and to allow your dentist to check for any early signs of tooth decay or gum disease.
Dental Implant Dentist in Louisiana
The success rate of dental implants is high, and studies have shown that over 99% of patients are satisfied with their implants even after 5 years. To learn more about if dental implants are right for you, visit Dr. Young at 23smiles in Lafayette and Delcambre, Louisiana.
To schedule a consultation, call (337) 237-6453 or contact us online today to start your journey to a healthier smile.
